Hospitality trailblazer Merivale has been unveiled as operator of all the food and beverage offerings at the Sydney Cricket Ground and brand-new Sydney Football Stadium.
Starting at the Big Bash League (BBL), beginning 5 December, Merivale will bring its trademark offerings to the iconic SCG, kicking off the summer of cricket.
The company will also be the first in-house hospitality partner at the new Sydney Football Stadium (SFS), set to open in 2022.
The news follows an extensive, two-year tender process involving 14 top tier hospitality companies. Venues NSW (VNSW) undertook extensive market research and stakeholder interviews, and surveyed thousands of members and those of its sports partners.
VNSW says its goal is to turn its venues into F&B destinations “to make NSW proud”.
Merivale was named as the exclusive hospitality experience partner for an initial term of nearly six years, until September 2027, and Hemmes offers that their role in the partnership will be crucial to the people of NSW and guests of the grounds.
“Food and beverage forms an integral part of the overall experience, and we look forward to delivering on all occasions,” he says. “This is an incredible and truly unique opportunity for Merivale; we are humbled to be a part of Sydney’s sporting and entertainment history.
“This new partnership will see us bring together Merivale’s wonderful talent pool, diverse restaurant brands, quality service and inherent love of Sydney to help deliver a world-class experience to every person who steps into the stadium.”
The group already operates some of Australia’s most iconic dining and entertainment venues, and will bring the power of executive chefs Danielle Alvarez (Fred’s), Jordan Toft (mimi’s, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie), Dan Hong (Ms.G’s, Mr. Wong), Mike Eggert (Totti’s), Ben Greeno (The Paddington, Hotel Centennial) and Vincenzo Biondini (Vinnie’s Pizza).
Over 1,000 staff are set to be employed across both venues, working under the leadership of CEO Justin Hemmes, group operations manager (events) Debbie Higgins, and senior talent across the business, including Franck Moreau MS and Sam Egerton.
Preparations are reportedly already in full swing for The Ashes New Year’s Test match, in January 2022, which is the largest annual sporting event on the NSW calendar.
SCG and VNSW CEO Kerrie Mather says she has big hopes for the new partnership.
“When Merivale brings the best from its amazing collection of venues, we will set a new benchmark in live experiences.”
Upcoming summer menus are currently being refined, but will reportedly focus on quality, variety, value for money and ease and speed of service.
Merivale will introduce many of its successful brands to the mix, in Queen Chow Dumplings & Noodles, Vinnies Pizza, Jimmy’s Falafel, El Loco Hot Dogs, The Chicken Shop and Vinnies Gelato, and cites a range of new concepts for the SCG, such as Coogee Pavilion-inspired outlets in The Pavilion, Bistro 1876 – a Felix-inspired restaurant in the Members Pavilion, and Smokehouse – a Sports Bar for the casual fan serving craft beer and Papi Chulo smoked dishes.
Importantly for the public stadium, there will be options priced for allcomers, such as hot chips or a hot dog for five dollars.
GOM Higgins is leading Merivale’s preparation for the contract, which she suggests will better the day for fans through more time watching the action and “less time waiting in line” for refreshments.
“Our sole focus will be on elevating the overall experience at iconic sporting moments and concerts, as well as transforming the full-service stadium event offering on non-match days throughout the year.”
