Virtual Cafeteria Offers Full Plate for Interns

It was showtime when Cruzstar kicked off a preview of their virtual cafeteria at Thursday’s premier. Complete with popcorn and a flashing marquee, the event allowed attendees to test drive the software interface by placing food orders online and having their dish served, within fifteen minutes, by two participating caterers.

Cruzcourt, the name of the virtual food service product, is geared toward companies with 100 employees or more, offering participants the ability to order individual meals or group lunches, delivered to the doorstep. Cruzstar manages the technical interface with caterers on the back-end by licensing their software as part of their business model.

In a brief video interview with Adrian Fang, cofounder of Cruzstar, and Stephanie Elzer, of Millersville University’s Software Productization Center (SPC), the team describes their collaborative efforts. Students and recent grads from computer science, graphic design, and communications joined forces with Cruzstar to develop the software and aid in creating brand marketing. Faculty member Nancy Mata directed student activities in marketing and design, which included detailing a set of brand standards for the company’s future use. Chris Willet, a recent graduate, led the student marketing initiative.

This is a solid demonstration of the value in bringing students, faculty, and entrepreneurs together. Cruzstar is ahead of schedule in launching their corporate beta and the students garnered hands-on experience dealing with the timelines and customer demands associated with a product launch.

The SPC is currently seeking follow-on funding to support their no fee collaboration with select companies. Let’s hope they get it. This is how young companies and bright minds get excited about living and working in Central PA. It’s experience they can sink their teeth into.