Pitchfork Provisions has been selected as the new vendor for the café at the Law School. The location will be named Café De Novo and is scheduled to begin operations on July 9.

Café de Novo will replace the Law School’s current vendor which will close June 22 to allow time for renovations to the second-floor space before the new vendor takes over. In the interim, food service will continue to be available near the Law School at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, Penn Pavilion, and the Bryan Center.

“Sam Clowney and Chef Chris Holloway have had a presence on-campus for over 12 years now. They manage several on-campus locations to include Pitchfork Provisions, Bella Union, La Dolce Vita and Faculty Commons. They are recognized by the Duke community as having some of the best food on-campus and have a great passion for providing outstanding food, excellent service and sustainable options,” said Duke Dining Director, Robert Coffey. “I know they will work extremely hard to develop a dining program that will exceed expectations.”

In March, Duke University Dining Services issued a Request for Proposals for a new retail food vendor. Candidates were judged on a range of criteria, including pricing, breadth of menu, and ability to meet the Law School’s varied and extensive catering needs. Particular attention was given to the vendors’ ability to serve a diverse community with a variety of tastes, a need for healthy options including vegan and vegetarian cuisine, and a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and other environmental concerns.

Richard A. Danner, Archibald C. and Frances Fulk Rufty Research Professor of Law and Senior Associate Dean, Information Services, and Crystal Taylor, Associate Dean for Finance, Administration and Planning, were members of a five-person committee that led the search.

The committee undertook the initial review of proposals and met with prospective vendors. It also gathered feedback when finalists met members of the Duke Law community and provided food samples for tasting. Pitchfork Provisions came out on top.

“Chris and I are very excited about this opportunity to serve the Law School and Duke community. We are committed to delivering a first-class food and coffee program at Café De Novo while adhering to sustainable practices,” said Pitchfork Provisions owner Sam Clowney. “We look forward to getting to know all of our customers and listening to any suggestions so we can tailor the dining program to your needs.”