Covenant Village, a comprehensive Life Plan Community in Gastonia, NC, is excited to announce a shared, strategic partnership with CCL Hospitality Group, a leading provider of dining and support services in senior living. CCL will provide overall Dining Management leadership for the daily operation of Covenant Village’s dining venues.

The partnership with CCL continues the community’s plans to elevate the culinary experience for residents, following a significant renovation of its main dining room and the addition of new dining options.

“Our new dining experiences have generated new expectations from our residents. Their feedback and suggestions have informed the decision to move from in-house management and partner with CCL,” CEO Dale Melton explained.

CCL Hospitality Group is recognized for its innovative approach in senior living and community settings across 48 states. With over 120 years of leadership team experience, CCL Hospitality serves more than 800 communities and employs 15,000 team members dedicated to culinary excellence, heightened hospitality experiences, and healthy living.

Covenant Village is committed to providing its residents with dining experiences that reflect their preferences and the unique culture of the Life Plan Community.

“By partnering with CCL Hospitality, we are investing in world-class hospitality infrastructure, talented and experienced leadership, and innovative culinary solutions to ensure every meal becomes a moment of joy and connection,” added Melton.

CCL Hospitality emphasizes its role as a transformative force in the industry. Their leadership in senior living, higher education, and healthcare encompasses renowned brands, such as Morrison Living, Unidine, Coreworks, and The Hub.

Over the coming months, Covenant Village Leadership will work to formalize a lasting partnership aimed at bringing continued improvements and innovations to the new Hearthstone Dining, Norman’s Bar & Lounge, Crowders Market, the ARISE Health Center Dining, and everywhere dining services are found on campus.

Ali Fuller, Director of Growth for CCL Hospitality, shared, “We’re excited to welcome Covenant Village into the CCL family! This new partnership will bring expanded culinary and hospitality expertise to the community, with a focus on enhancing the dining experience for every resident. From thoughtful menu development to hands-on training for our dining associates, CCL is committed to delivering exceptional service with a personal touch.

Of course, some traditions are here to stay — the canned green beans remain a staple, and yes, we’re keeping an eye on when that bacon-wrapped hot dog might make its big debut!”

After an interim management period, CCL will provide permanent dining management, during which they will establish a core leadership team that includes a director, assistant director, executive chef, sous chef, and ARISE Health Center manager.

With its new presence in Charlotte, the transition to CCL positions Covenant Village as the premier Life Plan Community in CCL’s portfolio within this region.

Residents and staff will be encouraged to share feedback throughout the transition by participating in regular surveys and one-on-one and small group conversations with residents, dining staff, and other department heads with the CCL interim management.