ExtremeRavens Posted March 4 Posted March 4 The Ravens will have a new concessions operator come next season — but for now, they’re not saying who that will be. The team said Monday that it has ended a more than two-decade-long relationship with Aramark, the Philadelphia-based company that has managed food and beverage service at M&T Bank Stadium since 2003. “We are grateful for our partnership and thank Aramark, particularly its staff, which served Ravens fans for many seasons,” Ravens spokesman Patrick Gleason said in a statement. The decision comes as the team prepares for an extensive round of upgrades to its stadium. The renovation project, boosted by a $430 million infusion of state money, will result in new bathrooms, expanded concourses, additional suites and three plazas with bars, restaurants and shops. Gleason declined to comment when asked for more details about the concessions changes. In the Ravens’ announcement, the team said it has been planning a “major expansion” of its food and beverage program since January 2023 “to continue elevating the gameday experience for all Ravens fans.” The team issued a request for proposals last fall “to secure necessary capital investment and identify a food & beverage and hospitality partner for the lease extension.” Aramark was among the companies invited to participate in the RFP process, though the Ravens ultimately decided to partner with a new food-service provider. “We look forward to sharing the exciting upgrades to our food and hospitality program in the near future,” Gleason said in the team’s statement. The decision is the latest food and beverage switch for Baltimore’s teams. Last year, the Orioles embarked on a concessions partnership with Chicago-based Levy, ending a 13-year run with Delaware North. Aramark wasthe ballpark’s concessions manager from 1992 to 2010. In a statement, Aramark senior vice president for corporate affairs Debbie Albert said the company’s deal with the Ravens was terminated four seasons before it was set to expire. “We are disappointed with this decision, especially given our excellent performance, as demonstrated by our top-of-class scores in the NFL’s Voice of the Fan rankings for food and beverage at M&T Bank Stadium – top five in the NFL in every year since 2019,” Albert wrote. “Our focus now is on taking care of our employees, many of whom have worked at the stadium for their entire careers, and on continuing to deliver world-class hospitality on behalf of our other partners across the NFL and beyond.” A spokesperson for Levy said the company was invited to participate in the Ravens’ food and beverage RFP process, but did not indicate whether it would be the stadium’s new vendor. View the full article Quote
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