Global hospitality provider Centerplate has been awarded a three year contract to manage catering and hospitality services at the Sunderland International Airshow – one of the largest free airshows in Europe.
Now in its 26th year, the event which was established in 1988 attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors over the course of the weekend, and a launch event at the venue on the Friday night before the airshow plays host to an ever-growing additional audience.
Centerplate’s appointment by the airshow’s organisers, Sunderland Live, follows a competitive tender for the catering contract which is expected to generate a turnover in excess of £1.5 million during the three year deal. It also consolidates Centerplate’s presence in the north east as last year the caterer added Sage Gateshead to its client portfolio.
At this year’s Sunderland International Airshow event (July 25-27), Centerplate will be responsible for catering at the Hospitality Village, which includes three VIP suites – the Lynx and Spitfire Lounges, and the Take Off Marquee – plus a Family Zone and Premium Seating area; as well the installation of nine concession units in the general public areas of Cliffe Park and the operation of three public bars. The concessions will include a selection of Centerplate’s own established branded retail food outlets such as Frank’s Original New York Streetdogs®, Henry’s Chicken®, FGB – Flaming Good Burger, and Taco de Caso’s alongside a fish & chip shop and a noodle bar which will include healthier and vegetarian options on its menu.
Centerplate will also be providing the catering for the pilots participating in the airshow and will be using local suppliers to provide the ingredients for much of the fayre on offer, such as the artisan Northumbrian sausage breakfast bap.
Chris Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Sunderland Live, says: “Centerplate’s innovative approach and their experience, expertise and insights in managing large-scale outdoor events match all of the criteria we were looking for in selecting a catering partner to deliver the food and service offering at the Sunderland International Airshow.
“It’s also about balance. Having a global footprint means that Centerplate is ideally placed to cater for an event which draws an international audience, and they have an established presence at other high profile venues in Sunderland so they are also able to add that important local touch. This has enabled them to produce a variety of different menu options which will have a broad appeal.”
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