May 24, 2013
CEO Newsletter
A few weeks ago I mentioned how our competitors talk about having the best people, best systems and best operating philosophy. From now on we will be putting their assertions under the microscope. Aramark’s restroom sno-cone debacle does not underscore their superiority. We must train/guard against this ever happening at a Centerplate house. We are #1 and I thank you for your leadership and efforts.
Last week, I had the pleasure of representing Centerplate, along with Michael Kaufman, at the NRA Board Meeting and annual NRA Restaurant Show in Chicago. If you recall, last year I provided an overview of the abysmal breakfast and lunch provided by SMG/Savor at McCormick Place. This year I was hoping to see that they had elevated their performance in the facility. After all, they had another year to get things right. The attached photo was taken by Eric Wooden; note the lack of signage and the hot dogs (I think) beautifully wrapped in foil. Is this the best representation that a convention center Event Hospitality provider could showcase to the entire foodservice world? Shameful is an understatement. We will be making this known to the Chicago community. All venue teams please make sure that you are on your game and offering true Event Hospitality. Remember, foil is not an option.
Great news to share on the renewal front – we have extended our partnership with Watford LC for another ten years! With Watford LC’s long-term vision to undertake a complete refurbishment of the stadium, our first step is the creation of two flexible hospitality spaces – a casual dining area with the ambience of a premium sports bar and an open plan hospitality suite with an authentic Italian restaurant concept. Both areas have been designed with the dual objective of attracting non-match day business and enhancing the match-day experience for fans. We will be proactively marketing the areas for dinners, weddings, conferences, etc. and plan to develop a program of events such as sportsman dinners and all-inclusive Christmas packages. Congratulations to Jon Davies and all of the team members involved in the renewal process!
With the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, I wanted you to know that Centerplate is a proud supporter of the National Restaurant Association Military Foundation which provides training and support to military hospitality programs, promotes restaurant/hospitality career opportunities for veterans and their spouses, and provides small-business ownership opportunities for veterans.
We are most thankful for the continuous security our military personnel provide us and the daily sacrifices made by them and their families and deeply mindful of those who have given their lives for our country and our freedom.
E3 moment of the week …
Our team at the Nashville Music City Center created memorable hospitality experiences for the Public Preview Tours, Open House and Grand Opening of the facility. A myriad of events took place over two days – first on Sunday more than 16,000 people toured the facility enjoying food sampling stations and bars followed by official events on Monday including a continental breakfast for 750 during the ceremonial ribbon cutting and Mayor’s address, a CVB luncheon for 336, the Grand Opening Concert featuring Sheryl Crow and a CVC After-VIP Party for 400. Each event showcased signature, locally relevant delectable dishes and impeccable service as evidenced in a note from our client, “I just wanted to share my appreciation for the fantastic job the MCC Food and Beverage team did during our open house and Grand Opening. I wanted you to hear from me that overall we were extremely pleased. It was truly outstanding.” A big round of applause to Nash Amis, Latisha Baldwin, Jenny Brewer, Wendy Briley, Wilford Coleman, Kim Colvard, Leo Cuasay, Renae Droege, Camille Harris, Caleb Hawkins, Chef Roger Keenan, Executive Chef Max Knoepfel, David Lipford, Tammy Meyer, Biana Morton, Rich Parks, Lindsey Plunkett, Chef Richard Simms, Adam Smith, Janie Smith, Kristopher Summa, Adam Young, Doug Zimmerman and all of our staff at MCC, and visiting team members Debbie Boucher, Jeff Fernandez, Jessie Hernandez, Heather Kellogg, Melinda Kieffer, Cindy Laughlin, Wes Libby, Tina Neumann, David Painton and Anne Rabeau!
We need to offer genuine world class service and not lip service. Always deliver on our brand mandate of Results and not Rhetoric and craft one-of-a-kind locally relevant hospitality programs – the Centerplate Way. Do this and the future is ours!
Onwards!
Karl LaPointe May 28, 2013 at 2:38 pm
It was good to see some of my passed co-worker from LP FIELD (Titans) were part of this event. I also heard it was a great venue to work at.