The ‘Signature Dish’ is no less than a Football Sub complete with meatballs and tomato sauce. ““We believe the paying spectator is expecting more than chips and a pie when they go to events.” We are looking forward to sampling these tasty treats next time we head out to a game!
What factors led to the ‘football sub’ being the tournament’s signature dish?
We wanted to create a healthier non fried food that can be served consistently in all seven stadiums. There were many challenges as not all stadiums are created equal and required something that can be served when time pressure is a factor. We are the first major event in NZ to have a signature dish across all stadiums.
More than half the food options during the tournament are healthy, how did you define ‘healthy’?
We wanted to move away from the traditional deep fried food that is normally served in stadiums and move to something that is tasty, in trend and people want to eat. With the assistance of the caterers we have created a good range of non-fried food options. From Mexican quesadillas and burritos in Whangarei, 70% non-fried food in Auckland such as beef carvery rolls, soup and nachos and Italian pizza in Hamilton… the list goes on. However we still have chips and hot dogs on a stick for those who want them.
And why the shift to healthier options?
We want all patrons to feel that they have options when they come to sporting events and that they’re not just faced with deep fried food. We especially thought of parents who might want healthier options for their children. Generally we felt NZ sports fans wanted a greater choice when eating at stadiums not only the fried food.
What has been your experience of stadium food as a punter, and how did this influence your decision making?
I have felt that NZ has been in a bubble and it is time we start lifting the game and offer a food experience that people look forward to when going to stadiums and change the idea that stadiums only offer deep fried food.
In what ways does catering at the stadium scale differ to conventional catering?
There are huge amount of time pressure, you don’t have the duration of the day to serve several thousand you have maybe only 15min to feed several thousand before the event and during the match breaks. Food needs to be fresh, tasty and able to be served within seconds. We have a good selection of Vegetarian and Gluten Free food.
What’s your favourite item on the menu for the tournament?
I’m looking forward to trying the wide range of international food offered at the stadiums but, of course, having spent so much time on developing the signature dish, I am keen to see how this is received by fans.
What other trends or changes to mass entertainment catering do think we’ll see in 2015 and beyond?
A move away from the canteen style food to more of a food experience where people eat international foods in created food courts. Or better selection of foods that cater to the varied tastes we have in NZ.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
