August 12 – A week after saving FC Barcelona from financial fair play in LaLiga, US catering company Aramark has announced a deal with Premier League Everton, becoming the Official Culinary Experience Partner for Everton’s new stadium in Liverpool’s Bramley-Moore Dock neighborhood. The arrangement, which marks Aramark’s debut in English football, will begin in August 2025, coinciding with the opening of the 52,888-seat stadium. The cooperation will take advantage of the development of a new Fanzone at the new stadium, known as The Plaza, and will result in the creation of over 1,200 employment at the club, with other development projects planned for the near future.
The primary focus will be on implementing ‘frictionless operations’ at key touchpoints throughout the stadium, such as self-service beer systems, ‘immersive’ food and beverage zones, and dark kitchen collecting stations. Aramark’s Premier League debut will be marked by “first-class food and drink, serviced in a timely fashion,” with the goal of creating an inclusive and dynamic venue. Helen Milligan-Smith, CEO and President of Aramark UK, stated, “We are thrilled to be chosen as Everton FC’s global partner.” Because of our common dedication to providing outstanding experiences, we are working on something absolutely extraordinary for the new stadium’s launch.
“It is critical to us that we go above and beyond to build strong relationships not only with our venues, but also with the larger community.” The launch of a new social entrepreneurship project is an excellent illustration of this, and we are excited to collaborate with the Club to promote local goods while also providing training and job opportunities to Liverpool residents.” Last week, Aramark went outside of its usual catering business comfort zone to assist FC Barcelona, removing the team from the risk of violating LaLiga’s financial restrictions by agreeing to buy up the debt owed by German football investment firm Libero.
The deal saw €40 million paid over immediately when Aramark acquired 10% of the shares in Bridgeburg Invest, the holding company of Barça Studios, with an additional €60 million to be paid by the end of the year. The total price will be split among three Barça sponsors: Nike, Spotify, and Aramark. Contact the author of this article, Harry Ewing, at moc.llabtoofdlrowedisni@gniwe.yrrah.
