August 30, 2013
CEO Newsletter
The merry-go-round of revolving accounts in sports continues. To date, Levy has lost the Seahawks, Packers and Buccaneers, picked up Ottawa and the Rose Garden, retained the Cubs. Aramark has lost Ottawa and picked up the Bears, Buccaneers and Edmonton Oilers. Delaware North has lost the Bears and Edmonton Oilers and picked up the Packers and Seahawks. Centerplate has not won, but even more important, we have not lost any major sports accounts so overall we have performed on par with our main competitors. One could argue that we have done better as we retained our existing client base and did not pay to acquire any of the new accounts.
While the sales merry-go-round continues we must focus on the things that are firmly under our control. Our core business is operating well and per caps are favorable across all channels. NYRA is one such example with our client officially identifying an 18% increase in food and beverage year-to-date. Great job by Drew Revella, Allison Leach, Executive Chef Annelise Miller and our entire NYRA team!
Centerplate continues to win awards and gain supporters across our enterprise. Our college football teams are moving into high gear with new food offerings and enhanced hospitality services on their way to a great season. At AT&T Park fans are being encouraged to go to the ballpark not to see the Giants play but to sample our offerings. Kudos to Sandie Filipiak, Bill Greathouse, Angie Perrilliat and our staff at AT&T Park! Keeping this sharp focus on our core business will protect our business for years to come with our clients eager to renew with Centerplate.
We have renewed 90% of our expiring contracts year-to-date with more accounts currently in the renewal process. The truth is we let a few accounts get away that we absolutely should not have. That stated, our renewal record is still enviable and we are making steady progress in renewing contracts that are expiring over the next three years. Make sure you are operating your account in “ABR” (always be renewing) mode and our successful renewal record will continue. We are not an organization that over promises and under delivers; we stand by our commitments.
I have great news to share regarding Fifth Dining LLC, our Saks Fifth Avenue hospitality program. Over the next year we will be in the process of bringing our program to several major cities – New York with the renovation at Saks’ flagship store, Chicago, Sarasota and San Juan. This is just the start of more exciting developments to come!
It’s time to support our own! NBC Sports, the new Premier League broadcaster in the US, has launched a new application to understand and gauge levels of support for the 20 Premier League Clubs. Cast your vote for our Tottenham Spurs at http://www.nbcsports.com/premierleague.
E3 moments of the week …
Ashton Gate at Bristol City FC is the first sports stadium in England to receive the prestigious Silver Food for Life Catering Mark by the Soil Association. The Silver Food for Life Catering mark is awarded for menus that focus on and feature fresh and healthy meals that only use sustainable fish and seafood, meat which is UK Farm-Assured and locally sourced seasonal produce. Our client could not be more proud, “We’re really pleased with the focus of the whole Lindley team has given to developing our hospitality menus – you can genuinely taste the difference. It really is a great endorsement of and testament to the quality and standard of our hospitality and event menus.” Congratulations to Chef Kellie Noel, Dan Rutherford, Anna Standen and our entire team at Ashton Gate!
The Chef’s Table at the Orange County Convention Center has become a much sought after charity auction donation with clients raving about the entire experience. From the warm welcome by our staff, to the education about the food and introduction of the courses provided by Chef K, the attention to detail and service, guests are happy and leave wanting more, “I cannot say enough about how our expectations were greatly exceeded. Everyone in attendance immediately started talking about making this an annual event.” Great job by Scott Brady, Mia Cangelosi, Maria De Estefano, Renald Fortune, Executive Chef James Katurakes, Cheryl King, Jon Nikleau, Tom Phan, Terry Ross and our team in Orlando!
The “End of Season Picnic” at the Legends Club, followed by a back-to-school sale at the team store, at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs was a great success. A loyal fan and Legend Club member is very pleased with our hospitality, “I just wanted to drop a quick note to tell you how great dinner was last night. I also visit the concessions during games and own pretty much every style of merchandise in the team store. You’ve got a great staff and they do their ultimate best to make sure that we come away happy.” Job well done by Chef Belinda Bransom, Tim McGuire, Preston Sigmon and our staff at the stadium!
We continue to look for ways to dynamically grow and in a manner that makes sense. In recent weeks we have made good progress and I expect to announce great news in the coming months. In the meantime, keep your focus and deliver on your commitments!
Enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
Centerplate, University of Florida Chomp Into 2013 With New Stadium Menu
Centerplate and University of Louisville to Launch New Hospitality Promotions for 2013 Season
New Menu Concepts, Promotions, and Guest Services for the 2013 University of Miami Season
