Experiences with Centerplate at Hilton

[Ms3r4ISU]

I'm wondering about others' experiences and thoughts on Centerplate taking over the concessions at Hilton.

Our experiences to date -- at two different events we ordered hot dogs and were told they were out, but would have more in about 15 min. Another time we were going to buy walking tacos and one of the ladies working at a stand said, "Just so you know, we don't have any lettuce and the cheese is the melted cheese like for nachos." We also asked for a cherry coke in a bottle and were told, "We don't have that anymore, but there are different kinds at the stand on the end and in the vending machines."

[SeattleClone]

I've heard other complaints about that, but don't really hit the concession stand enough myself to notice. My Clone Cone consumption has dropped off considerably, since last year they could never manage to keep the machines cold enough to serve actual "cones" they would only serve dishes and even then the ice cream would melt so much it overflowed the dish before I got back to my seat.

I am intrigued by the melted cheese on the walking tacos, I assume you mean nacho cheese? My only other experience with these wonderful food items outside of Hilton was at a local fundraiser where they had "taco in a bag." That consisted of Fritos and nacho cheese instead of Doritos and shredded cheese, and I must say they were a lot better that way. I wonder if they will have that kind again at Hilton?

[Ms3r4ISU]

Our past years' clone cones were really good. This year's seems to come out of the machine runny and get softer from there.

Also, the employees at the stands now put on whatever condiments a customer wants, rather than the customer doing it. I've ordered one this year, and the whole thing barely fills up half the Doritos bag.

[Tornado man]

I've been very disappointed so far too. Looks like they're really cutting costs compared to SMG last year. They removed jalapenos, tomatoes, and ripe olives for the walking tacos too.
Looks like BVD must be head of Centerplate! Bring back SMG please.

[ISUAlum2002]

Concession prices have always kept me away from the food being sold there.

But seeing some of these complaints......its not tough to make sure you have enough food on hand to satisfy the customers. *Especially* at the prices they're charging. Even if they overstock themselves, they make plenty of profit on the sales to easily counterbalance any food (within reason) that they have to throw away.

[CYVADER]

at jts a couple times this year they were out of hotdog buns at halftime. i was okay with it cuz i talked the gal into giving me 2 hotdogs for the price of 1 since there were no buns, but seriously, how the hell do they run out of buns?

[ISUAlum2002]

at jts a couple times this year they were out of hotdog buns at halftime. i was okay with it cuz i talked the gal into giving me 2 hotdogs for the price of 1 since there were no buns, but seriously, how the hell do they run out of buns?

It really is inexcusable. At the profit margins they have for those I would have at least 15% overstock of forecasted sales on hand for each home game. I mean, seriously. How much is it for a hot dog bun? 20 cents? How much for the hot dog itself? 75 cents? They're selling those for about $4 right now, right? 75% of that sale price is profit. They don't pay their employees all that much and the sheer volume of overpriced sales would easily pay for the labor.

[cybsball20]

at jts a couple times this year they were out of hotdog buns at halftime. i was okay with it cuz i talked the gal into giving me 2 hotdogs for the price of 1 since there were no buns, but seriously, how the hell do they run out of buns?

Two years ago at JT one game they were out of EVERYTHING at halftime... Pretty much every food item and drink... Thats inexcusable...

[cyclones357]

Prices are also way high. $3 bucks for about 8 starbursts. Rip off. The vending machines are like $1.50 per pop and the pop in like a little can. They need to do something about this...

[baller1]

the walking tacos are too small now for 5$. they need to bring back the past years people.

[CycloneErik]

They aren't impressing me at all. They were completely lost as to how to handle the 4-pack hot dogs and drinks at the last game. We stood in line for a good 5-10 minutes waiting, and they still didn't have it figured out. We finally smartened up and went to our seats.

Understaffed, confused, and overpriced. It is not an impressive operation the concessions people have going.

[milrtym]

It really is inexcusable. At the profit margins they have for those I would have at least 15% overstock of forecasted sales on hand for each home game. I mean, seriously. How much is it for a hot dog bun? 20 cents? How much for the hot dog itself? 75 cents? They're selling those for about $4 right now, right? 75% of that sale price is profit. They don't pay their employees all that much and the sheer volume of overpriced sales would easily pay for the labor.

Labor, I know in a couple concession stands at JT that high schools and other organizations run a concession stand as a fundraiser. They get a certain percentage of the profit. Don't know about inside Hilton though.

Still, no excuse to run out of food though. Especially, since most of that stuff can be saved for future events.

[CycloneErik]

Maybe send Centerplate to Auburn?

[Tornado man]

They aren't impressing me at all. They were completely lost as to how to handle the 4-pack hot dogs and drinks at the last game. We stood in line for a good 5-10 minutes waiting, and they still didn't have it figured out. We finally smartened up and went to our seats.

Understaffed, confused, and overpriced. It is not an impressive operation the concessions people have going.

This goes back to Jamie, though. The buck stops with him. He was warned about Centerplate from others; he didn't have to award them the Hilton contract. I have emailed Pollard about this, and I suggest others do the same.

[Wesley]

Centerplate is one more sports disaster. Better to get food at the movie theaters. Time for change, especially on the cheese.