The Pennsylvania Convention Center and Aramark Sports + Entertainment have successfully concluded a significant renovation project, inaugurating six permanent concession stands and four portable units. The upgraded facilities aim to elevate the overall customer and guest experience, offering diverse food options, increased flexibility, and enhanced convenience.
The renovation included the construction of six permanent concession stands in Halls A through F, equipped with digital signage and customizable menu boards for each event. From healthy choices to Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteaks, the menus can be tailored to suit the preferences of visiting groups. Additionally, four new portable concession units provide meeting planners with the flexibility to customize culinary options and locations.
John J. McNichol, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, expressed excitement about providing customers with enhanced food and beverage options, emphasizing the commitment to continuous improvement for a superior customer experience.
The renovated stands not only offer flexibility but also open the possibility of collaborating with local restaurants and food providers. Previously vacant spaces now feature permanent infrastructure, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup of portable units for each event. The new stands are equipped with cooking, warming, refrigeration, and ventilation infrastructure, improving efficiency.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment’s President and CEO, Alison Birdwell, highlighted the crucial role of food and beverage offerings in the customer experience and event success. The ultra-flexibility and diverse menu selections from the new concession stands provide increased choice and customization tailored to individual customer visions and needs.
In the past four years, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has invested $78.8 million in capital improvements, including health and sanitization measures, upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure, improved air-handling units, and energy-efficient lighting. Ongoing renovations will further enhance the facility by creating a space for board meetings and executive-level private meetings.
