September 13, 2013
CEO Newsletter
The new business bidding silly season appears to have no limits. The Chicago Cubs deal goes into a category all by itself and that is not a compliment. No matter how anyone tries to spin it, the facts on the ground have overtaken the narrative on this issue. Reading quotes from our competitors about how they are taking local to a new level is preposterous; you just have to see the state of their venues which would lead any sane person to a different conclusion. Our competitors are systematically crushing the fan experience to win accounts with bargain basement deals which are at times below cost. It is a depressing spectacle but one that we will overcome.
An example of our competition’s winning an account with a bad deal and not delivering for the client is Levy at the University of Wisconsin. The attached article spells out the fans’ displeasure with their hospitality experience. Our client at the Alliant Energy Center worked one of the stands with his son’s NPO group and personally told Scott Recob, our GM, what a disaster it was and how pleased he is with the “Centerplate Way” and how we operate.
It is a colossal mistake to confuse actively buying accounts with real achievement. The simplest explanation is usually correct. In the last three years we won almost half of the bids. This year we are winning less than 1 out of 10. What has changed? The competition has decided that the only way they can beat us is to outbid us and they are proceeding with haste.
However, this storm too will pass. In time their leadership teams will be held accountable for entering a zero sum game. A twist of the economist Henry Hazlitt quote will resonate, “Today is already the tomorrow which the bad leaders yesterday urged us to ignore.” Stated another way, those bad deals will catch up with you!
Ultimately, we have been given a bushel of lemons. We don’t whine. Figuratively, what we do instead is open up a lemonade stand. We show resolve, we take the punches and we move on with pride – disturbed yes, but defeated never. The reality is that with the smart acquisition of The Lindley Group we are having our best new business growth year. Again, it underscores our strategy that profitable growth will pay dividends in the long run. Buying accounts with no return has no future.
That said I am thrilled to announce that The Lindley Group has been awarded a 1 Star rating by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. All of our operations across the UK can now proudly display the SRA’s one star logo which recognizes our dedication to environmental issues, sustainable practices and commitment to our local communities. This is a great achievement that differentiates us from our competitors and enhances our reputation and that of our clients as well. Congratulations to all involved in making it happen!
For the past 7 years, Senior Executive Chef Sean Kavanaugh has been creating extraordinary culinary delights for Centerplate all across North America and has decided now is the time for him to move on. He has contributed significantly to our reputation for culinary excellence and as a mentor to many Chefs in our organization. Please join me in thanking him for his years of service and wishing him success in his new endeavor.
E3 moments of the week …
Peggy Daidakis, Executive Director of the Baltimore Convention Center, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Association of Venue Managers. The award is presented to an individual recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to both IAVM and the convention center industry. Earlier this year Peggy was honored with the Convention Center Industry’s Hall of Leaders award, as one of the pioneers who have shaped the industry through their contributions, influence, prolific achievements and altruistic spirit. Kudos to Peggy on these well-deserved awards!
Our third SF 49ers Team Store opened last week in SF Centre, one of San Francisco’s premier malls. Fans were in line at 4:00 am for the Grand Opening with festivities including autographs with 3-time Super Bowl Champion Roger Craig, appearances by the 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders and many ticket and merchandise giveaways. Fans lined up again the next day to get merchandise before the home opening game at Candlestick Park. Job well done by Arliss Beach, Nicole Barrios, Miranda Berch, Carl Boiseree, Ashley Brown, Randy Brubaker, Josh Cotton, Zach Hensley, Chris Lesperance, Ophelia Lacayo, Scott Milbourn, Ron Nelson and Doug Phipps!
The annual GRCVB luncheon at the Raleigh Convention Center Complex, attended by both CVB members and supporters, was a great success with compliments from all that attended. “Centerplate absolutely rocked the GRCVB Annual Luncheon. We gave your team a very tight schedule and you delivered a top of the charts performance. I want to thank you for the incredible service and quality of the food. It may have been the best meal we have served to date at our Annual Luncheon.” Our menu of Quinoa and Hearts of Palm Salad, Garlic and Lime Chicken with Butter Poached Shrimp and Strawberry and Balsamic Mousse clearly won everyone over. Great job by Executive Chef Don Burchell, James Jenkins, Dan Kapps, Adam Page, Janel Theilen and our entire team in Raleigh!
Matt Garvin September 23, 2013 at 8:23 am
I attended a University of Wisconsin football game over the weekend and was surprised to see the level of hospitality lacking throughout the concourses. Meals appeared unexciting and vendors unhappy to offer assistance. I stood by a food kiosk and looked on as a customer returned several hot dogs that were inedible. Yikes!