In a press release dated 16/3/15, Gillingham FC have confirmed that Centerplate have ceased operations at the stadium with immediate effect.
'Centerplate is a venue and event catering company that operates catering facilities in a substantial number of stadia and other venues within the USA, the UK and elsewhere. Centerplate entered into a long-term catering contract with the Club in 2011, which expires in May 2021, to run all food and beverage operations at Priestfield Stadium.
The Club received a short e-mail from Centerplate’s USA based Chief Legal and Talent Officer, Mr. Keith B. W. King, this morning, stating that Centerplate would cease operations at GFC with immediate effect. Centerplate has no right to exit its agreement with the Club at this stage.
The Club finds this decision, and the conduct of this substantial American caterer, to be disgraceful and unprofessional, given Centerplate willingly entered into an agreement with the Club. We have asked Centerplate to explain its decision, but it has declined to do so.
This now leaves the Club, and more importantly the customers that have contracted with Centerplate to use facilities at Priestfield Stadium, in a difficult and precarious position, given the Club has no ability, in terms of resources or experience, to run a catering operation, hence why the Club entered into a long-term agreement with Centerplate in the first place.
This very serious matter is in the hands of the Club’s lawyers, but in the short term it remains the wish of the Club to explore all possibilities with regards to the customers that have bookings with, and have paid Centerplate to provide their services. We will do everything in our power to accommodate these customers - the goodwill, loyalty and patronage of customers using Priestfield Conference and Banqueting is paramount to our own future. We are disappointed that Centerplate do not share our own views.
Finally, I would ask all supporters and sponsors to bear with us in these difficult times. We will endeavor to provide some facilities on match days in the short term, but until we are able to find an appropriate alternative caterer, please accept the services we can offer will be limited.'
Source: Gillingham FC Press release 16/3/15