Eats @ SAS: History + Photos

At SAS, we pride ourselves on fostering a world-class work environment that energizes our people and promotes creativity and innovation. We know creativity doesn’t happen on demand and that nutritious meals are important fuel for a good workday – and for bringing people together for collaboration and community.

That’s where our Food Services team comes in.

A little history

Food Services at SAS Headquarters began the same way as many of our other onsite perks and offerings: organically and centered around our people. In the early days, there were no restaurants close to the SAS campus, and many employees enjoyed volleyball, racquetball, or a brief swim in the lake at lunchtime. Those folks needed a quick meal before going back to the office, and after an entrepreneurial employee began selling sandwiches to hungry coworkers, the decision was made to create a Food Services space in the basement of Building B (now the site of The Umstead Hotel and Spa). What started as a small operation serving just one entrée and sandwiches eventually evolved into our first onsite cafeteria, Pennies Café, which opened its doors in July of 1985.

Employees enjoy lunch outside at Pennies Café (Building F)

Today, Food Services at SAS is a large operation that partners with third party vendors to provide employees, customers, and guests with delicious, high-quality breakfasts and lunches with a side of hospitality. On our busiest days, over 1500 delicious lunches are served at our headquarters in Cary alone, and we’re proud to subsidize these offerings to make life a little easier for employees.

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

Hungry yet? Take a scroll through a day in the life at our onsite cafés.

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

Start the day off with a delicious hot breakfast! From pancakes and protein to overnight oats and fruit, there’s something for everyone.

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

Need a boost? Swing by our in-house coffee shop, serving up Starbucks coffee drinks and house-made pastries.

Building C Coffee Shop | SAS Headquarters

The author's drink of choice - a vanilla iced latte! | Building C Coffee Shop at SAS Headquarters

If you're in need of a pick-me-up, fro-yo from the Building T Overlook Café is the perfect day-brightener.

Building T Overlook Café | SAS Headquarters

Lunchtime menus never disappoint!

Local, red wine braised beef short ribs with buttermilk mashed potatoes and steamed green beans | Building C Marketplace Café at SAS Headquarters

From wood-fired pizza in the Building R Atrium café…

Building R Atrium Café | SAS Headquarters

...to fan-favorite sushi rolled right in front of you in the Building C Marketplace Café...

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

... and a fresh, colorful salad bar with delicious house-made dressings...

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Even our littlest visitors look forward to lunch at SAS! | Building C Marketplace Café at SAS Headquarters

The dessert round has a variety of options that satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

Tight on time? Grab-and-go lunches are the perfect quick bite.

Building T Overlook Café | SAS Headquarters

If you need a mid-day energy boost, our break rooms have options for everyone – from fan-favorite M&Ms to gluten-free seed crackers to veggie chips and more.

Building A Break Station | SAS Headquarters

And it’s not all about lunch! SAS Food Services has been jarring the honey from our SAS Apiaries since 2019. To date, they’ve packaged and sold over 1700 jars.

Honey harvested from SAS' on-site beehives.

Around the world, our employees, customers, and guests enjoy delicious lunchtime eats that delight and inspire. Take a look at just a few of the cafés, canteens and restaurants at our offices around the world:

From lush garden-side views in Heidelberg, Germany…

SAS café in Heidelberg, Germany

… to sleek, light-filled seating in the Orangerie cafeteria of the Huizen Netherlands office…

SAS café in Huizen, Netherlands.

… to sunny outdoor space at our Sweden office that’s the perfect spot for a mid-day meal.

SAS café in Stockholm, Sweden.

It’s safe to say that our Food Services teams deliver an exceptional experience around the globe!

Building C Marketplace Café | SAS Headquarters

Of course, it all goes back to our mission: to be the most trustworthy analytics partner on the planet. Food unites people, and sharing a meal fosters connection, boosts morale and strengthens trust. Engaged employees are more productive and form lasting relationships with each other and our customers, ultimately leading to greater success for our company.

This quote from a customer says it all:

“The thing that was a standout was your cafeteria. We sat there and watched. The fact that you had a place to come and engage with each other. We thought, ‘we’re in good hands.’ That’s why we chose SAS.” – SAS Customer

Want to learn more about the #saslife? Learn more about Our Culture and check out sas.com/careers to explore open jobs.

Let us know in the comments – what’s your go-to lunch?