Philadelphia, PA - October 29, 2009 – Philadelphia fans are never shy about sharing their opinions, and as baseball’s postseason culminates with the Phillies defending their World Series title, the team’s fan base already has had a hand in deciding another classic postseason battle, today naming Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries as their favorite food item from Citizen Bank Park’s Ashburn Alley.
The outcome of a four-day online vote conducted by the Phillies and ARAMARK – the team’s exclusive food and beverage partner at Citizens Bank Park – was close, but Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries edged out other popular Ashburn Alley favorites, including Bull’s BBQ ribs, Campo’s cheesesteaks, Planet Hoagie’s sandwiches, Seasons Pizza’s slices, The Schmitter and Tony Luke’s roast pork sandwich for the top spot.
“Philadelphia is passionate about two things more than any other – food and the Phillies,” said Chrissy Flanigan, ARAMARK General Manager at Citizens Bank Park. “Last year’s World Series proved fans know how to pick a winner, so we knew the only way to name the fans’ favorite menu item from Ashburn Alley was to put it to a vote.”
Separate polling demonstrated the menu’s appeal to fans of many tastes. Bull’s BBQ and The Schmitter fared well with the Phillies ballgirls. Not surprisingly, former Phillies outfield great and Bull’s BBQ namesake Greg Luzinski’s favorite ballpark food is the barbecue ribs. And the Phillie Phanatic, as evidenced by his waistline, was unable to choose just one favorite item.
Adding Heat to Citizens Bank Park’s Powerful Food Lineup
ARAMARK’s award-winning menu, among the best and most diverse throughout Major League Baseball, is one reason why Citizens Bank Park is the ideal environment for the World Series. Besides neighborhood favorites and specialty items found on Ashburn Alley, the ballpark boasts vegetarian, seasonal, local and fresh fare – all of which will be on display during the World Series. Consistently ranked at the top, Citizens Bank Park has been awarded “Best Ballpark Eats” by the Food Network (2007) and named PETA’s “Most Vegetarian-Friendly Ballpark” three years in a row (2007-2009).
And just like the Phillies in the postseason, ARAMARK has risen to the occasion by adding a new left field dining destination, The Hot Corner, which features cold-weather favorites like Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Tomato Bisque, Harry The K’s Chili, grilled sandwiches and warm apple cider, coffee and hot chocolate just in time for the Fall Classic.
For more information about the menu at Citizens Bank Park, please visit the Phillies online concessions guide at http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ballpark/concessions.jsp.
2009 World Series Fun Facts: Citizens Bank Park
- Awarded PETA’s “Most Vegetarian-Friendly Ballpark”: 2009, 2008, 2007
- Awarded Food Network’s “Best Ballpark Eats”: 2007
The best in seasonal ingredients and local flavors highlight the menu at Citizens Bank Park, where ARAMARK is the exclusive food and beverage provider.
NEW for the World Series … The Hot Corner*, a cold weather stand featuring warm ballpark fare:
- Classic tomato bisque
- Chicken and wild rice soup
- Harry the K's chili
- Traditional grilled cheese sandwich
- Virginia ham, tomato and cheddar sandwich
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and warm apple cider
*Located on the left field concourse between The Schmitter and Alley Grill stands
To enhance the World Series experience and provide seamless service for fans, ARAMARK will have the following personnel on-site:
- 1,200 Employees (800 for regular season)
- 100 In-Seat Hawkers (75 for regular season)
- 40 Visiting Managers
- 10 Visiting Chefs
There are plenty of locations for fans to order their concessions, including:
- 25 Permanent Concession Stands
- 80 Portable Concession Stands (includes 25 stands added for the World Series)
Here’s a look at what ARAMARK expects to serve during each game of the Fall Classic:
- 16,500 Hot Dogs
- 6,100 Philadelphia Cheesesteaks
- 4,400 Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
- 4,400 Bags of Peanuts
- 2,200 Orders of Chicken Tenders
- 2,000 Orders of Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries
- 1,600 Bull’s BBQ Sandwiches
- 1,100 Hamburgers
- 875 The Schmitter sandwiches
ARAMARK also manages the RETAIL OPERATIONS at Citizens Bank Park. Fans clamoring for exclusive 2009 World Series merchandise and souvenirs can find a wide selection of items at the ballpark’s Majestic Clubhouse Store.
- Citizens Bank Park Merchandise Locations
- The Majestic Clubhouse Store
- 17 locations throughout the stadium (13 for regular season)
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at www.twitter.com/aramarknews.
Contacts:
David Freireich
215-238-4078
freireich-david@aramark.com
Dan Smith
215-409-7403
smith-dan@aramark.com