Pepsi is the official beverage of UNM.
It pays the University $1 million a year for the privilege.
"They actually lose money on the contract," said Dupuy Bateman, UNM's vice president for auxiliary enterprises. "Or at least that's what they tell us. But I believe them."
Coke and anything else the University wants to sell can sneak into 15 percent of the space in University convenience stores.
Three contracts control the University's food and beverage services - Pepsi, Aramark and Canteen Vending Services. The contracts do not bind UNM Hospital, and athletic concessions are regulated only by Pepsi.
Although UNM has the contracts, that does not mean there is a cookie-cutter model that fits all universities, Bateman said.
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If a food service is not offered at the University, Aramark gets first dibs. If it refuses, it could grant permission to use another vendor.
Though no vendor has permission, food not contracted through Aramark is sold on campus.
The University receives a 5 percent commission on all retail and catering from Aramark and a guarantee for dining services per year. The higher the percentage, the more money the University receives. It also reimburses UNM for utilities and maintenance. Canteen pays UNM a guaranteed $50,000 per year plus commission.
Bateman said Aramark makes an effort to meet regional food preferences with its services.
"That would be neat just to try something different," UNM student Max Valles said. "It would be better to give people more options."
The SUB board decided long before the Student union opened that students would need a place to get breakfast burritos - Casita.
"You have to sell regional," Bateman said. "Probably breakfast burritos aren't a big thing at the University of Mississippi, but they sure are at the University of New Mexico."
Tina's CafÇ, a Thai cafÇ run by the Baptist Student Union, does not violate a contract because the cafÇ is not on University property. Director Ted With said many people on campus aren't drawn to the SUB because it doesn't cater to cultural preferences.
"There are a lot of folks who come because it (Tina's CafÇ) is similar to their food," With said.
Kevin Stevenson, ASUNM president, has said there is a possibility of replacing Zia Juice with an Asian-style restaurant.
It is a student-driven market, Bateman said.
"In the end, we're just about supporting the students, and the students having a great experience here and getting a good education," he said.
