Cleveland, OH (February 18, 2022) — Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), the exclusive food and beverage partner at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and host of the 2022 NBA All-Star, has developed a variety of specialty menu items and new, advanced self-checkout technology to provide fans with an elevated hospitality experience during NBA All-Star events Friday, Feb. 18 – Sunday, Feb. 20.
“We are thrilled to welcome the NBA’s guests and global fanbase to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with some of the best local dishes and flavors found in the city of Cleveland,” said Alison Birdwell, President and CEO of Aramark Sports and Entertainment. “This weekend’s events provide a unique opportunity to showcase Aramark’s culinary innovation and contribute to the overall excitement of the league’s annual celebration.”
ALL-STAR MENU LINEUP
Aramark’s Senior Executive Chef, Stephen Aheimer, and the talented culinary team at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse set out to develop new menu items to celebrate the NBA’s marquee weekend, including:
- Elmore’s BBQ Pierogi Nacho (Portal 26) by former NBA player and Cleveland Cavaliers great Elmore Smith: cheese and potatoes pierogis topped with queso, BBQ sauce, salsa, sour cream, onion straws, jalapenos, shredded cheddar and pulled BBQ chicken or pork.
- Game Changers Concession Takeover: Two concession stands will get an NBA-themed takeover and offer over-the-top arena favorites:
- New at Portal 13:
- Loaded Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog on a brioche bun top with chili, sour cream, Fritos corn chips, jalapenos, shredded cheddar and green onions.
- New at Portal 29:
- Triple Double Nacho: tortilla chips topped with three layers of nacho cheese and queso, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese, all served in a souvenir basketball bowl.
- Draft Beer served in a limited-edition throwback souvenir cup.
- New at Portal 13:
LOCAL FLAVOR
Fans attending NBA All-Star events will enjoy a taste of the city with a selection of signature dishes from Cleveland-based, award-winning chefs and local restaurants:
- Banditos (Portal 22) All-Star Street Dog by Chef Fabio Salerno: wrapped in bacon and topped with onion, peppers, ketchup, mustard, mayo and avocado pico, roasted jalapenos, and cilantro.
- Flour Pizza Company (Portal 22) by Chef Matthew Mytro: Stuffed Pepper Pizza with mozzarella, tomato puree, aged provolone, hot pepper oil, and stuffed pepper coins.
- Mabel’s BBQ (Portal 10) by Chef and Food Network star Michael Symon: Pulled Pork or Brisket Sandwich topped with coleslaw on a brioche roll with a side of baked beans, and dill potato salad.
- Market at The Fig (Portal 18) by Chef Karen Small: Spiced Chicken Pita Wrap on naan with garlic butter, hummus, lettuce, pickled Fresno chiles, yogurt, chicken, onion, and house pickles.
- Pearl’s Kitchen (Portal 18) by Chef Tawanna Scott-Williams: Crispy Chicken Sandwich with chicken breast, siracha maple glaze, honey mustard, scallions, and lettuce.
- Rocco’s (Portal 3) by Chef and Food Network star Rocco Whalen: Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak with red and poblano peppers, white whiz, pepper jack, and cilantro.
- Sauce The City (Portal 68) by Chef Vic Searcy: All-Star Chicken Sandwich topped with chicken tenders, Kool ranch, pickles, onion tanglers, and cotija cheese
CHECKOUT INNOVATIONS
Aramark has expanded the presence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital checkout technology to provide a frictionless arena experience for fans:
- AI-Enhanced Smart Checkout: Four (4) Craftland Beer locations (Portals 56, 62, 72, and 80) will now feature Mashgin AI-checkout technology, providing shorter wait times for beverage checkout while offering expanded product options.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Brand new to the building for NBA All-Star 2022, Aramark has installed Tapin2 self-checkout kiosks at Loudville (Portal 69) that reduces lines and allows fans to order their food and return to their seats quickly.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world with food, facilities, and uniform services. Because our culture is rooted in service, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. Aramark ranked No. 1 In the Diversified Outsourcing Services Category on FORTUNE’s 2022 List of ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ and has been named to DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list, the Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
