Merivale is upping the stadium food and beverage game in Sydney, with the group being named the exclusive hospitality experience partner of two mega venues.
All catering and beverage services at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the future Sydney Football Stadium (opening 2022) will be provided by Merivale for the coming six years.
The group has called on the expertise of its executive chef team consisting of Dan Hong (Mr. Wong), Danielle Alvarez (Fred’s), Jordan Toft (Mimi’s), Mike Eggert (Totti’s), Ben Greeno (Hotel Centennial) and Vincenzo Biondini (Vinnie’s Pizza) to create menus, with the group also looking to employ more than 1,000 staff to work across both locations.
In addition, front of house and management professionals Debbie Higgins, Sam Egerton and Master Sommelier Franck Moreau will also lend their expertise to the project.
“In partnering with Venues NSW, we will strive to provide the most enjoyable and exciting experience to the people of NSW and to all guests of the SCG and the new SFS; food and beverage forms an integral part of the overall experience, and we look forward to delivering on all occasions,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes.
“This is a major milestone in our company’s history and builds on our commitment to the city of Sydney, its culture, economy and job creation.”
Guests will still be able to enjoy stadium classics including fries and pies, but the SCG will see an expanded food offering that riffs on Merivale brands alongside exclusive concepts (The Pavilion; Bistro 1886; Smokehouse; Dan Hong’s famous spring rolls).
There will also be home stadium brands covering The Kiosk, The Bar, The Sports Bar, The Craft Bar, The Cocktail Bar and The Coffee Shop.
Guests can enjoy everything from Queens Express dim sum and El Loco hot dogs to lamb kafta from Jimmy’s Chicken and a selection of chilled seafood and fish and chip staples from Pavilion Fish.
At a launch event at the SCG last week, Hemmes said Merivale’s approach was all about creating options for the consumer, with guests still able to grab hot chips for $5 or enjoy a selection of Sydney rock oysters.
Food and beverage outlets from Merivale are now live at the SCG.