Oct 30, 2009
Contact: Anthony Lombardi
alombardi@statefairva.org

[download]

SAVOR NAMED MASTER CONCESSIONAIRE FOR MEADOW EVENT PARK

Doswell, Virginia, October 2009 – SAVOR by SMG has been named master concessionaire for The Meadow Event Park near Richmond, VA. An historic site, The Meadow Event Park is host to one of the nation’s oldest state fairs; the birthplace of the legendary racehorse, Secretariat, and home to Riva Ridge, and a picturesque locale for celebratory occasions.
Currently, The Meadow has an $81 million project underway that features redevelopment of existing structures as well as construction of new facilities. The 400-acre property includes a 63,354 square foot exhibition hall, a 6,984 multi-use facility, four equine show rings with 143 horse stalls, and a new high-end business conference complex slated to open in 2010.
SAVOR’s new director of food and beverage for The Meadow is Anthony P. Lombardi, who joins the company from Sodexo Sports and Leisure in Atlanta. In his previous position based out of Georgia Tech, Lombardi was responsible for providing management support for 13 Sodexo accounts in its Southeast District.
Lesa Williams, general manager of the facility for SMG, says, “As the master food and beverage caterer for The Meadow, SAVOR offers the flexibility and experience to handle the diverse range of events that The Meadow attracts. From trade and consumer shows in the exhibition hall, to business meetings and weddings in the restored mansion on the property, to outdoor barbecues in the equestrian area, The Meadow has multiple venues that demand a caterer with exceptional versatility and skill. SAVOR has extensive knowledge of classic as well as regional favorites and is known for sourcing the freshest ingredients from local farmers and producers. The SAVOR team can handle crowds, large and small, casual and formal.”
# # #
More information on booking a catered event at The Meadow Event Park is available from Anthony Lombardi at alombardi@statefairva.org.

About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.

Oct 25, 2009
Contact: Stephen Lazar
slazar@savorsmg.com/562.499.7535

[download]

SAVOR... WINS TWO NEW ACCOUNTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Wilkes and Johnstown

Philadelphia, PA, October 2009 – SAVOR by SMG has won the food and beverage accounts for two popular arenas in northeastern Pennsylvania – the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnston and the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.
The 6,000-seat multipurpose Cambria War Memorial Arena was built in 1950 to house the Johnston Jets of the Eastern Hockey League and now is the home of the Johnstown Chiefs. It also was the location for the hit feature film “Slap Shot.” In addition to ice hockey, the Cambria Arena plays host to a wide variety of concerts, ice shows, wrestling matches, and to the University of Pittsburgh’s Mountain Cat Maniacs.
SAVOR is also the new master concessionaire for the 8,300-seat Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, which is home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (American Ice Hockey League) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (American Football 2). Built in 1998, Wachovia Arena has been ranked by entertainment magazines as one of the nation’s best arenas for seating under 10,000. Its home team, the Penguins, holds the American Hockey League record for most sellouts in a season. The modern facility has also been the venue of choice for such high profile appearances as Cher, Elton John, Nine Inch Nails, and two American Idol finalist concerts.
SAVOR has appointed Brian Klein as Director of Food and Beverages for the arenas. Klein has been with SAVOR for 8 years, most recently as Director of Food and Beverages at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
“Sports and live entertainment are hugely popular in Pennsylvania,” says Nick Tierno, Senior Regional Vice President for SAVOR. “In addition to offering the usual retail concession favorites, we are introducing a number of new crowd-pleasing items, including barbecue nachos, toasted Italian hoagies and, of course, local craft and specialty beers. We have also expanded our VIP suite menu to include 14 more dishes, including crab cakes, berry pecan chicken salad, Sicilian-style pizza and BLT stackers. Great food adds to the festive atmosphere of any event, and SAVOR is committed to providing just that.”
# # #

About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.

Oct 21, 2009
Contact: Greg Spears
greg@anchorageconventioncenters.com/907.263.2850

[download]

SAVOR... CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR AT ANCHORAGE CONVENTION CENTER

Anchorage, Alaska - October 21, 2009 - The Anchorage Convention Centers, managed by SMG, celebrate the first year of operations at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. Since the Grand Opening in October 2008, the Center has created dozens of new jobs for the Anchorage economy and has performed above expectations, especially in Food and Beverage. As part of the Dena’ina project, the existing facility, the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center also benefitted by receiving a multi-million dollar renovation that included new carpet, drapes, paint, remodeled restrooms with “touch-less” fixtures, lighting and signage that match the Dena’ina.
Food & Beverage services at the Centers are provided by SMG’s in-house catering arm “Savor…Alaska”. Revenue and a reputation for quality service are on the rise thanks to what F&B Director, Ms. Gayle Devers, Certified Executive Chef Richard Hubbard and their team are able to serve up, using Dena’ina’s state-of-the-art kitchen and equipment. The menu features sustainable Alaskan seafood, local produce, artisan breads, homemade pasta and hand-crafted pastries prepared fresh daily. The improved quality of menu selections, coupled with a higher level of service are winning accolades from out-of-town conventioneers and long-time local clients alike.
Says General Manager Greg Spears: “I am extremely pleased with the positive feedback on our food services since we opened Dena’ina a year ago. Our new building and expanded kitchen facilities allow our F&B team to take their creativity to a whole new level”. Adds Chef Hubbard: “I love what we can prepare here. We use fresh local Alaska produce and if I can’t get what I want, I will ship it up, fly it in, whatever it takes to exceed our client’s expectations”.
Bookings at the Dena’ina Center in the first year have been greater than expected and SMG of Alaska fully expects to close out 2009 under budget. SMG is committed to providing an excellence in service and professional building management that will continue this trend in 2010.
About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the putting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.

Sep 22, 2009
Contact: Susan Quintero
squintero@smgcatering.com/562-951-3127

[download]

SEAFOOD FOR THE FUTURE

SAVOR…

Savor… in exclusive partnership with the Aquarium of the Pacific, is excited to join in the Seafood For the Future program, for the past 5 years we have been serving sustainable seafood to all of our guests. We do this at every location as well as for all the special events here at the Aquarium. With the growing concern for ecologically sound practices, Seafood For the Future ensures that all the fish we serve is harvested in ways to allow these species and their ecosystems to survive and flourish throughout future generations.

We are presently expanding our support for the Seafood for the Future program by offering sustainable seafood options on our menus, not just at this venue but also at venues across the country within our organization. We hope this will increase the awareness of our clientele and encourage them to educate themselves towards making more earth-wise choices.

Savor… currently works with distributors that share the same passion for sustainability and eco-friendliness, and as concerned about our environment as we are.

Jun 17, 2009
Contact: Veronica Quintero
vquintero@smgcatering.com/562-499-7533

[download]

SAVOR PART OF TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH TRADITION

Long Beach, California, May 2009 – For the 17th conservative year,SAVOR...Long Beach, catering by SMG served as master concessionaire for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach – a role it also played this spring in two other major sporting events, the Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament and the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
This year’s Grand Prix in Long Beach, sanctioned as part of the IndyCar Series, drew the giants in racing, with legendary driver Dario Franchitti taking home the trophy.
SAVOR was out on the track for the three-day extravaganza, with its trademark Pit
Stop stands complimented by locally sub-contracted vendors offering a variety of
diverse menu items. With more than 190 points of sale and over 1500 members of the SAVOR team, concessions were set up to insure that fans would not miss out on any of the action. SAVOR operated all alcohol services on the track, staffing multiple beer trucks and carts, Tecate Cantinas, Tecate Sports Bar (a Tecate playa/beach-themed bar), and wine gardens featuring McManis wines and Korbell champagne.
The hotspot of the 2009 track, Club Patron, overlooking the Toyota Celebrity Paddock area featured a DJ, car racing video games and six unique Patron alcohol drinks created especially for the race. Tecate, Tecate Lite, Coca-Cola, Dasani water, and NOS energy drink were available to quench thirsts.
SAVOR’s catering extended to the official Race Sponsor Reception, as well as parties for Coca-Cola and Hussongs Tecate, and beverage services for the Seaside
Suites, Pit Row and other hospitality groups. VIP guests also frequented the Ocean Club and Founders Club, offering acustom menu of local fare. The array of foods and beverages appropriate for the unseasonably warm weather won kudos from sponsors and fans.
SAVOR...SMG PRESS RELEASE June 17, 2009
Other sponsors appreciated the extra attention given to making hosted events
run smoothly. One organizer wrote, “thank you again for working with us for our
media lunch last Saturday. I only heard good things about the food from our guests, and I really liked it myself. Your staff was equally helpful.” “Food and beverages are just the products we provide,” says Jennifer Christ, Director of Catering Sales for SAVOR...Long Beach. “What we really offer at SAVOR is exceptional service to make each occasion feel seamlessly organized and festive.
That’s the SAVOR difference.”
# # #
About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader
SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.

Jun 16, 2009
Contact: Randall Obrecht, Food & Beverage Director
robrech@savorsmgmccawhall.com/206-615-0254

[download]

McCAW HALL HOSTS STAR CHEFS EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURING SAVOR'S CHEF KELLY GADDIS

SEATTLE, WA, MAY 2009 – The Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center was the scene of the Pacific Northwest’s most illustrious culinary event of 2009. For one-night only, the up-and-coming culinary stars of Seattle’s leading restaurants presented their signature dishes at Star Chefs walk-around tasting gala and awards ceremony.
As the master concessionaire for McCaw Hall, SAVOR by SMG played a vital and discreet role, ensuring that the 12 cooking stations used by the local celebrity chefs functioned efficiently and providing service staff and bartenders who graciously plied attendees with samplings of the many exquisite dishes and wines.
In addition, Kelly Gaddis, SAVOR’s onsite executive chef, participated as the
gala host chef, preparing a savory panna cotta with seasonal asparagus, a dish for
which McCaw’s Prelude Restaurant is renowned.
The evening was capped by an awards ceremony. The Restaurateur Award went to Ethan Stowell, owner of Union, Tavolata, Olives and Anchovies, and How to
Cook a Wolf; Hotel Chef Award to Adam Stevenson of Earth & Ocean at the W Seattle; Sustainability Award to Maria Hines of Tilth, and Restaurant Concept Award to Joshua Henderson of Skillet Street Food. VIP guests also frequented the Ocean Club and Founders Club, offering a custom menu of local fare.
In addition to a selection of wines especially chosen by a sommelier, the event
featured Nicolas Feuillatte as the champagne sponsor and Stella Artois as the beer
sponsor.
SAVOR...SMG PRESS RELEASE June 16, 2009
Lindsay Vietor, Events Manager for Star Chefs, deemed the sold-out event “a
tremendous success with over 400 attendees, including the who’s who of Seattle’s food industry and food media.”
Additionally, the event had a lasting impact that extended into the community,
with fund raised benefiting FareStart, a local culinary job Artois as the beer
sponsor.training and placement program for disadvantaged and homeless individuals.
# # #
More information on booking a catered event at McCaw Center is available from
Randall Obrecht, Food & Beverage Director Savor…McCaw Hall, at 206-615-0254 or
robrecht@savorsmgmccawhall.com.
# # #
About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader
SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.

Jun 16, 2009


[download]

SAVOR CATERS PUERTO RICO OPEN FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 2009 – SAVOR by SMG served as
master concessionaire for three mega-events in sports during the first
quarter of 2009 – the Official PGA Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament,
the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach.
At the second annual Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament, presented by Banco Popular, Michael Bradley took the trophy after an after an 11-foot birdie putt placed him in the lead, and SAVOR captivated the crowd with a dazzling menu that felt both celebratory and right for the balmy climate. Crowds didn’t have to wander far for a cold beer or a hot-off-the-grill hamburger. SAVOR maintained a culinary staff of 23 to service its four stands and cater gourmet fare to 36 VIP suites and skyboxes. The wait staff for concession booths and special catered affairs exceeded 100 trained professionals. Concessions ranged from the club-like Beer Garden at the 19th hole and a “mingles” wine bar to walk-up stands offering hot dogs and hamburgers. At the Ficus Café on the Green, SAVOR chefs cooked up BBQ ribs, 8-oz. burgers and churrasco sandwiches, and bartenders served the Ficus’s renowned mojito cocktail, which had won the “Best Mojito in Puerto Rico” competition in 2008, beating out 29 other restaurants.
As a continuing commitment to sustainability, SAVOR pursued its farm-totable
freshness policies and set up recycling receptacles for plastics and cans at strategic points.
As a continuing commitment to sustainability, SAVOR pursued its farm-totable
freshness policies and set up recycling receptacles for plastics and cans at
strategic points.
David Padilla, Food and Beverage Director for the Puerto Rico Convention
Center and winner of the 2008 Venue Today Hall of Headlines award, comments,
“SAVOR is totally committed to ensuring that the Puerto Rico Open is a world-class
PGA event with a reputation for food and beverage excellence. Now in its second year, the Puerto Rico Open is off to a great start.”
# # #
About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader
SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.

Jun 09, 2009
Contact: Susan Quintero
squintero@smgcatering.com

[download]

MANASK - AQUARIUM COUPON CASE STUDY

Check out this Aquarium of the Pacific case study from the Manask Report.

Jun 04, 2009


[download]

2008 VENUES TODAY HALL OF HEADLINES

SMG is proud to congratulate our 2008 Venues Today hall of Headlines recipients John Bolton, and David Padilla.

May 27, 2009
Contact: Susan Quintero
squintero@smgcatering.com/562-951-3127

[download]

SMALL MARKET MEETINGS - MEETINGS AT AQUARIUMS - AOP

The attached is an article from Small Market Meetings. Among others it features an interview with our Director of Sales at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Susan Quintero. Please click the PDF link to download the article.

May 15, 2009
Contact: Lara Verdone
info@k-rockcentre.com/ (613) 650-5000

[download]

K-ROCK CENTRE'S CONCESSIONS MANAGER IS RECOGNIZED FOR EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Andrew Kerslake, Manager of Concessions Food and Beverage Operations for Savor …Kingston, Catering by SMG, at the K-Rock Centre has been recognized by the Kingston Chapter of the Ontario March of Dimes for his employment of people with intellectual disabilities. This award has been granted to him for his employment of such individuals and also his continued efforts to help such employees to transition into their new work environment here at the K-Rock Centre.

Angela Sigsworth, Job Developer , Ontario March of Dimes/March of Dimes Canada comments,
“I am writing to thank Andrew Kerslake, Manager of Concessions and the K-Rock Centre for their commitment to people with disabilities. At our Employer Appreciation dinner on March 31, 2009 at the Olympic Harbour in Kingston, we were proud to acknowledge you as an employer that values diversity in the workplace. Your commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities has made a difference in the community. Andrew is approachable and supportive as a Manager and has created an excellent work environment for employees. All the clients that are employed at the K-Rock love working there. The Ontario March of Dimes Employment Services program looks forward to another great year working with the K-Rock Centre.”

We at Savor, Catering by SMG, look forward to our continued work with the Ontario March of Dimes here at the K-Rock Centre. Great work Andrew in fostering such community relationships!

Lara Verdone
Director, Food and Beverage
Savor…..Catering by SMG
K-Rock Centre, Kingston, Ontario

Apr 15, 2009
Contact: David Padilla
dpadilla@prconvention.com/ (787) 641-7722

[download]

SAVOR... CATERS PUERTO RICO OPEN FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 2009 – SAVOR by SMG served as master concessionaire for three mega-events in sports during the first quarter of 2009 – the Official PGA Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

At the second annual Puerto Rico Open Golf Tournament, presented by Banco Popular, Michael Bradley took the trophy after an 11-foot birdie putt placed him in the lead, and SAVOR captivated the crowd with a dazzling menu that felt both celebratory and right for the balmy climate.

Crowds didn’t have to wander far for a cold beer or a hot-off-the-grill hamburger. SAVOR maintained a culinary staff of 23 to service its four stands and cater gourmet fare to 36 VIP suites and skyboxes. The wait staff for concession booths and special catered affairs exceeded 100 trained professionals. Concessions ranged from the club-like Beer Garden at the 19th hole and a “mingles” wine bar to walk-up stands offering hot dogs and hamburgers. At the Ficus Café on the Green, SAVOR chefs cooked up BBQ ribs, 8-oz. burgers and churrasco sandwiches, and bartenders served the Ficus’s renowned mojito cocktail, which had won the “Best Mojito in Puerto Rico” competition in 2008, beating out 29 other restaurants.

As a continuing commitment to sustainability, SAVOR pursued its farm-to-table freshness policies and set up recycling receptacles for plastics and cans at strategic points.

David Padilla, Food and Beverage Director for the Puerto Rico Convention Center and winner of the 2008 Venue Today Hall of Headlines award, comments, “SAVOR is totally committed to ensuring that the Puerto Rico Open is a world-class PGA event with a reputation for food and beverage excellence. Now in its second year, the Puerto Rico Open is off to a great start.”

About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to nearly 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.