Everton sign Aramark for new stadium F&B

Article posted by Coliseum, August 13^th, 2024

Image: Everton FC

Aramark U.K. has struck a partnership deal with Everton Football Club to become the Official Culinary Experience Partner of Everton Stadium.

Everton F.C. said the move, which is Aramark U.K.’s first foray into English football, will see Aramark U.K. deliver leading food, drink and experiences throughout the stadium’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in north Liverpool.

Kicking off at the start of the new football season in August 2025, Aramark will serve up to 52,888 fans per matchday under the long-term partnership.

The 52,888-capacity Everton Stadium is a football stadium under construction on Bramley-Moore Dock in Vauxhall, Liverpool, England (UK) that will become the home ground for Everton ahead of the 2025-2026 season, replacing Goodison Park.

By drawing on the solutions they have deployed so successfully across the globe, from high profile NFL venues including Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field to renowned La Liga and Bundesliga stadia, Aramark will deliver an all-new innovative offer complete with technology-enabled experiences and diverse, exciting food and drink concepts.

With the goal to create a digital-first stadium, Aramark will implement market-leading technology aimed to minimise wait times and enhance guest satisfaction.

Everton Stadium will boast ‘frictionless’ operations, which will significantly reduce queuing through ‘walk-in walk-out’ technology solutions.

Alongside modern-day kiosks, these retail outlets will be established at key locations across the stadium to create inclusive and vibrant destinations where supporters will be able to enjoy first-class food and drink quickly and easily.

These frictionless stores will include self-service beer systems, immersive food and beverage offers and kitchen collection points – which specialise in producing food exclusively for online order pick-up.

As part of the agreement, and in a demonstration of their commitment to the venue becoming a flagship for their European operation, Aramark will take a position as a Founding Partner of Everton Stadium.

Richard Kenyon, Everton’s Chief Commercial and Communications Officer, said: “This is a landmark partnership for the club and we are delighted to welcome Aramark as a Founding Partner.

“Their mission to set the standard for excellence and their alignment with our vision to create exceptional experiences for Evertonians really resonated with us.

“Aramark understand what goes into and what is required to deliver high profile and multi-purpose venues. As we look forward to the club’s bright future at our new home, we are focused on working together to deliver the right type of experience for every fan and every visitor, both within the stadium and on The Plaza.

“By utilising Aramark’s global expertise across many industries, we will be adopting the very latest in retail technology to make a visit to Everton Stadium an amazing experience for every Evertonian.

“Evertonians deserve the best and we are working with a global industry leader in Aramark to offer unrivalled experiences at our new home.”

Alongside pre-match entertainment and activities, Aramark will work alongside the club to design food and drink offerings that will be flexible and on-trend, seasonally adapting to the needs of Evertonians and visitors, as well as any events taking place throughout the year.

Development of an impressive Fanzone, known as The Plaza, will further elevate the new stadium, driving a significant point of difference for the venue.

The Plaza will showcase a wide range of specially curated food and drink concepts, designed to be flexible and on-trend, adapting to the needs of customers and events, and ultimately creating memorable experiences on match days and beyond.

The partnership between Aramark and Everton is rooted in community spirit and driving opportunities for local people. Over 1,200 roles will be created and wider development initiatives established.

In partnership with Everton in the Community (EITC), a new social enterprise will be introduced, which will see Aramark and Everton work to promote the career opportunities available at the stadium and support local food and drink suppliers.

Helen Milligan-Smith, CEO and President at Aramark U.K. said: “We are thrilled to be chosen as the global partner for Everton F.C. Our shared commitment to delivering remarkable experiences means we are developing something truly extraordinary for the launch of the new stadium.

“It’s important to us that we go above and beyond to forge strong connections not only with our venues, but with the wider community too. The introduction of a new social enterprise programme is a great example of this, and we look forward to working with the Club to champion local produce and provide training and job opportunities to local people across Liverpool.”

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