Atlanta Braves select Delaware North as food and beverage partner for SunTrust Park
The Atlanta Braves have named Delaware North Sportservice their foodservice provider for SunTrust Park. The partnership will start in 2016 at Turner Field and continue as the Braves open the 2017 season at SunTrust Park.
"We're excited to partner with a company that has deep knowledge and experience in the food and beverage industry," said Mike Plant, executive vice president of business operations. "Delaware North Sportservice is known for providing first-class food and beverage, outstanding customer service and a commitment to local restaurants and vendors. They also have a long history of working with Major League Baseball organizations, including those transitioning into new ballparks, which was very appealing to us."
Delaware North is the longest tenured sports concessions provider in the country, having served clients during the Super Bowl, World Series, MLB All-Star games, the Stanley Cup Finals and the Olympics. More than 50 major professional sports franchises, including 10 MLB clubs, are partnered with Delaware North. Their first major sports partner was the Detroit Tigers, a relationship that has lasted 85 years.
The company is no stranger to Atlanta. Delaware North operates local and national food outlets at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, including local favorites Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Georgia Grown and Mustard Seed BBQ, as well as the new Food Network Kitchen and Jay-Z's 40/40 Club.
"Delaware North Sportservice is extremely proud to have been selected by the Atlanta Braves as their future food and beverage partner," said John Wentzell, President of Delaware North Sportservice. "It's a privilege to work with the team on such a visionary ballpark project in a city noted for its exceptional food and hospitality. From our ownership to our field management, we all look forward to a long partnership with the Braves and helping them create for their fans one of the most unique and exciting ballpark experiences in baseball."
SunTrust Park is being developed by the Braves in partnership with Cobb County, the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority and the Cumberland CID, and will be completed by Opening Day 2017. Located in Atlanta at the intersection of I-75 and I-285 in the bustling Cumberland CID, SunTrust Park will flow directly into the surrounding development, creating a vibrant atmosphere with unique shops, restaurants, offices, residences and entertainment venues that are accessible 365 days a year.
About Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are the National League's winningest franchise since 1991. During that time, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 15 division championships, five National League pennants, and a World Series title. Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves franchise is the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves, and twitter.com/braves.
About Delaware North
Delaware North is one of the largest and most admired privately-held hospitality companies in the world. Founded and owned by the Jacobs family for nearly 100 years, it is a global leader in hospitality and food service with subsidiary and affiliate operations in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants and catering, parks, resorts, gaming and specialty retail industries. Its portfolio includes high-profile venues ranging from sports stadiums, entertainment complexes, national parks, restaurants, airports, and some of the top regional casinos in the country. The company also owns a selection of award-winning destination resorts, as well as a series of premium restaurants and catering services that are leaders in the industry. Delaware North has annual revenue of $3 billion with 60,000 employee associates serving half a billion guests in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. "Delaware North" is a reference to Delaware North Companies Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries, including location-specific operating entities. For more information on Delaware North, please visit www.delawarenorth.com.