Centerplate won the contract following a tender process. It was previously held by Lindley Group’s Heathcotes Outside, which was acquired by Centerplate in April.
As well as public and hospitality catering services, Centerplate has the option to service the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool, which is due to open in 2015.
New concourse services have been launched in the Echo Arena following development input from Centerplate’s chief design officer, John Sergi. Menus and catering units under the new ‘Mersey Eats’ and ‘Mersey Drinks’ concepts will showcase regional dishes and local produce.
The Arena’s chefs have collaborated with the award-winning Allerton restaurant, Spire, to develop the new menus, and with Liverpool club Alma de Cuba to create bespoke drinks such as the Strawberry Fields cocktail.
New food offerings include hand-held options such as the Scouse Dog; nachos served with Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese sauce, and chicken peppercorn wraps. Bottled beer has been replaced by draught beer dispensers to speed up service.
Centerplate also plans to review hospitality box packages and the Galleria coffee bar. It is looking to launch a catering and hospitality apprenticeship, and fund a community farm project.
Bob Prattey, chief executive of ACC Liverpool, said: "As we embark on the next phase of the development of the site, the Centerplate team has demonstrated that it has the global expertise, creative flair and a passion for engaging with local suppliers and the local community which not only delivers measurable results, but also ensures that it reflects its Liverpool heritage and remains rooted in the local community."
Centerplate acquired Lindley in April with plans to double turnover to £100m within three years. The US hospitality company plans to use the ACC deal to showcase the breadth of its catering offer.
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