GROWING FOOD SERVICES

Like many new venues, Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena, formerly the Ford Center when it opened in 2002, did not have a fully-developed food and beverage program.
The evolution of its offerings is a testament to not just the arena, but also the city itself.
For example, a former storage area was turned into the Continental Resources Courtside Club, a restaurant and lounge that can host about 200.
The Budweiser Brew House, the main restaurant, is accessible to all ticketholders and offers grilled entrees, sandwiches and house-made barbecue. Located on the 100-level concourse, the Budweiser Brew House Carvery offers upscale dining with a buffet that includes carved meat options, salads, potatoes, vegetables and breads.
The Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Club, also on the 100-level concourse, offers a full bar, along with appetizers, such as a Kentucky Bourbon Wing Basket, Trio of Street Tacos and Pork Belly Banh Mi. This area includes a new adjacent patio.
“This is a great sports bar with craft cocktails, local beer and, of course, Jack Daniels,” said Shaun Beard, senior vice president of Premier Food Services/Savor, a division of SMG. “We also do small plates there.”
VIP dining options are offered at The Pub, the new Courtside Club, the Victory Club and new Terrace Lounges.
“Some are spaces converted for parties and larger suites that have become hospitality areas for dignitaries and VIPs,” said Beard. “Those spaces were converted gradually over the last eight years.”
Savor handles the catering in these areas.
  “The other thing we’ve done in the main and upper concourse is develop a food and beverage scene with wings and grilled burger stations and smoked brisket and sausages that are prepared on site,” said Beard.
The food and beverage program continues evolving, with the most recent addition being an expanded craft beer selection featuring Oklahoma brands.
“Our offerings have really evolved over the years and continue to grow with the demands of the team and special events; there’s always something new,” said Beard. “The city built it out, the Thunder promoted it and we did the flavor; it was a true partnership.”