The installation and success of innovative new retail concepts at Celtic Park last season has been a major factor in Celtic FC’s decision to reappoint Centerplate as its catering partner for a long-term contract extension, following a competitive tender process.
Centerplate has managed the public concourse catering at the 60,832 capacity Celtic Park stadium for the past decade.
Amongst the factors contributing to the awarding of the contract extension has been Centerplate’s new custom-branded retail outlets created specifically for Celtic Park which proved to be fan favourites in the 2013-14 season trial on the West Stand concourse, driving per capita sales increases of more than 60%.
One of the most popular sales drivers is ‘Ladle’ – a kiosk serving bowls of freshly-prepared soups and stews, along with stovies, a local speciality made from corned beef and potatoes.
Other popular new concepts include Hoops Gourmet Pie Bar which offers a range of premium specialties, including steak-and-ale pies stuffed with prime cuts of beef, vegetarian-friendly butternut squash-and-feta, traditional Scotch pies, and a rotating selection of “guest pies” new for each match.
Lastly, The Celtic Fish Bar ,which serves hand-battered, sustainably-caught haddock and chunky hand-cut chips alongside traditional chip shop staples like battered burgers, smoked sausages, pickled onions and curry sauce.
As part of the new deal, Centerplate will be rolling out the top performers across the stadium and is undertaking a full refurbishment of the 40-plus kiosks on the public concourse for the 2014-15 season.
Robin Buchanan, Celtic FC’s Stadium General Manager, says, “Expanding and enhancing the range and quality of the food on offer, and Centerplate’s investment in developing the catering facilities on the public concourses throughout the stadium this summer means that fans had a fresh new look to start what we anticipate will be another successful season.”
Adrian Dishington, Chief Operating Officer of Centerplate’s UK division, adds. “It’s always rewarding to re-new and extend contracts with existing clients as it pays tribute to the commitment, effort and commercial success the Centerplate teams have achieved at these venues.”