Aramark UK appointed as AFC Wimbledon’s new catering partner
As part of the agreement, Aramark UK has committed significant sums to be spent on capital improvements around the stadium to enhance the food and beverage offering
Food services and facilities management group Aramark UK has been appointed as AFC Wimbledon’s new catering partner in a multi-year deal, following a competitive tender process.
Aramark UK will operate all food and beverage outlets in the stadium, including the hospitality level, kiosks, the pub, as well as managing independent traders in the Fan Zone.
Aramark will join AFC Wimbledon from 1 July, having recently launched its UK sports offering at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and Sussex CCC, complementing its work at Merlin Entertainments, including LegoLand, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park.
Aramark will be drawing on its operations and expertise from managing a vast range of sports venues around the world including NFL venues such as the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field, nine La Liga stadia and eight Bundesliga stadia, including the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
As part of the agreement, Aramark UK has committed significant sums to be spent on capital improvements around the stadium to enhance the food and beverage offering to fans.
James Woodroof, AFC Wimbledon managing director, said: “Aramark UK were selected following a six-month tender process, with a panel that included two club board members and senior club staff. It was a highly competitive tender process, with all parties recognising the club’s potential on and off the field.
“Aramark emerged as the club’s preferred partner due to a combination of their impressive track record for service and commercial growth, appetite and hunger for constant improvement, as well as a range of ideas to enhance the experience for our fans. The quality, creativity and range of their food offering also impressed the panel.”
He added: “The commercial arrangement represents a significant guaranteed financial uplift for the club, which we hope will have the full support of our members. Aramark UK will also honour the club’s commitment to London Living Wage for all staff on the premises.
“Next steps are prioritising the use of the organisation’s generous CAPEX contribution – and this will include uplifts to a range of key areas. James Wilcox, the club’s head of operations, will oversee the partnership, which begins in July. We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our outgoing partners Elior UK and By the Horns, and every single one of their staff members, for their efforts since the stadium opened, and for their support in a smooth handover process.”
Daniel Clark, managing director of Sports and Entertainment for Aramark UK, concluded: “We’re incredibly proud to be appointed as the new food and hospitality partner at AFC Wimbledon — a club with such rich heritage and a close connection to its community. As a company, Aramark has a deep, global experience in delivering Sports and Entertainment catering experiences.
“This partnership marks a positive and exciting chapter for both of us. We’re looking forward to bringing that expertise to the stadium, working closely with the leadership team, and engaging with the Dons’ passionate supporters to help shape and elevate the food and drink offering – creating memorable matchday experiences at every turn.”
