UNCONVENTIONAL FOOD

Marco Fabozzi, regional director of operations for Levy Restaurants, Barclays Center’s foodservice provider, admitted that this arena’s food story is a bit unusual.
First off, it was developed seven years ago, two full years before the venue opened.
“We wanted to tell a different story from a food and beverage standpoint,” said Fabozzi. “The goal was to involve the local community and regional restaurants.”
The first order of business was to hold food tastings with fans and potential guests to narrow down the options. This resulted in more than 55 Brooklyn Taste vendor partners.
Fast forward to 2012, and every Barclays Center concession stand features either a restaurant partner or supplier.
“Our program was unique at the time and set a benchmark,” said Fabozzi. “It’s about getting involved and giving back to the community with our food story.”
One of its biggest and most recent accomplishments has been to reinvent the venue’s premium restaurant 40/40 Club. Barclays Center has partnered with Major Food Group to open the 200-seat Parm, the only full-service, sit-down eatery in the arena, this fall.
Its 26 concession stands also continue to be revamped with new food concepts, including a taqueria with three types of mini tacos, Nathan’s Hamburgers added to its hot dog stand, innovative Paisano’s Burgers and Table 87 Pizza’s full-size pies replacing the pizza slices.
“Aside from our two kosher stands, we don’t sub our food out,” said Fabozzi. “Instead, we license food recipes or products from restaurant companies and foodservice suppliers.”
Each year, the arena attempts to up its game in terms of technology. It most recently instituted a mobile ordering system, where guests can order food by phone and bypass the concession stand lines to pick up their meals.
Premium food offerings include chef-inspired menus at the Calvin Klein Courtside Club with carving stations, pasta and hand-rolled sushi. Its Brooklyn Taste program extends to these areas, with concession fare  offered, as well.
“We have menu cycle rotations every 10 days in our premium areas and will offer unique items for marquee events,” said Fabozzi.
Levy is currently investigating how to connect smart queuing and speed of service.
“We’re looking at system-wide improvements with our foodservice app within the arena to tie it into mobile pickup points,” said Fabozzi. “We’re trying to formalize our five-year fan experience with the food and beverage plan in the next year.”