That is actually a very good idea. But i'd imagine there'd be a hefty cost in renting a stall out, which would put smaller companies off.
As much as I'd be in favour of such an idea, there's also the bigger problem of there being less in it for the club... So no chance of it happening...
I actually suggested to the club about a year ago about using local after someone mentioned it in a thread I made on here (I have a feeling it was Tommy Tiger but I might be way wide of the mark) and it was quite well received but there was still a while left on the existing contract (possibly another season after this one from memory). Do Brighton not do something similar? Edit: It was OLM:
Not sure how much refreshments actually bring a club. Anyone have any ideas? I would imagine clubs could charge both.
Yeah they will now, but that is his point. To encourage and enable small businesses to take over the stalls.
When i was there, each till would take on average £1000. Alot of the sales were beer, not sure how much mark-up is involved though, profit wise.
To demonstrate the potential, during its early years, the KC Stadium was the largest single outlet for lager in the Country. That doesn't necessarily mean anything at all for club finances. The SMC owned the concession franchise but sold it, so presumably they get a rent irrespective of sales? In fact, the rugby lot had to have their concessions topped up with City money so we'd actually gain if their's closed down. If there's any truth in the admin, it could be a chance to get them out of our pocket and to stand on their own feet. I like the idea of a market style affair on the concourse, but it's probably better to wait for something more robust than message board rumours about the state of the existing one.
What about it? A market style approach would be novel, create choice and if profit's relate to sales service should improve.
Brighton have the most advanced set-up, they theme the away end(it was coloured Black and Amber and served a beer called Tiger Ale, or something like that, last season), they also have premium pies from a famous local bakery. It's a shame they gentrify things a bit too far though, I believe they're the only club to come out against Safe Standing so far.
Is it a national company that runs the concourse catering at Wembley Stadium? The prices may be atrocious, but the products are quite tasty (IMO)
Years ago at a L**ds match I tried to buy a programme - the guy did not understand the word 'programme' even after I switched accents from my cockney to 'Ull to West Yorkshire. I pointed at said programme (stacked on a shelf behind him) he said, "Pizza?" I said, "Programme" and mimed reading a book. After rejecting every item he pointed at - there were photographs of everything on offer - I grabbed a programme off a city fan and pointed at that. The penny dropped. Everything comes to those who are prepared to wait eh?
I like the idea of having local producers. As long as the butchers in Roos can get a stall to sell their pies and bacon sarnies
