Feeding Connection: How Amanda Rotondi is Transforming JWU’s Catering & Events into Community Catalysts
The alum turned Executive Director of Auxilary Services has reignited JWU’s catering and external events program.
Amanda Rotondi. Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University.
When Amanda Rotondi returned to Johnson & Wales University earlier last year, she brought more than just experience — she brought a vision. As Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, Rotondi has reignited JWU’s catering and external events program, transforming it into a dynamic extension of the university’s culinary excellence and hospitality legacy.
“I came back because I believe in what JWU stands for,” Amanda Rotondi shared. “We’re not just providing catering and event services — we’re creating experiences that reflect the heart of this university.” At JWU, hospitality isn’t confined to the academic major — it’s a thread woven through every discipline, from business to design to health sciences. And when it comes to external events, the experience centers on impeccable delivery.
Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University.
Under her leadership, the catering and external events team has seen explosive growth, particularly in off campus catering engagements. From corporate luncheons to community celebrations, JWU’s offerings now reach far beyond the campus gates.
To support this growth, Johnson & Wales University recently launched a refreshed catering & events site, designed to showcase the full spectrum of services available to the community. The site makes it easier for external audiences to explore gourmet menus, on-campus venue options and booking details.
Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University.
The initiative is part of a broader push to expand community engagement. Joseph Greene, Vice Chancellor and Providence Campus President, praised the effort: “Amanda and her team are showing the community what JWU does best. It’s an opportunity to underscore our strengths in food and hospitality.” Among these expanded community offerings is the newly rebranded JWU Kitchen Academy, providing recreational cooking classes for the public. These efforts create a throughline, connecting members of the community to the university’s longstanding excellence in food and food education.
Rotondi’s efforts not only elevate the university’s external presence but also align with a booming regional industry. Rhode Island’s foodservice sector is thriving, contributing over $5 billion annually to the state’s economy. While that figure is made up for more than just catering services, the momentum is clear— and it’s driven by rising demand for local sourcing, zero-waste menus and immersive dining experiences.
JWU’s expansion into external events positions the university to meet the moment. Rotondi’s team is curating menus that highlight regional ingredients and partnering with local vendors to deliver authentic, community-rooted experiences. “I can’t wait to show people what JWU can do for their events,” said Rotondi. “We’re just getting started.”
Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University.
