Along with the renovations, Tacoma Dome is also getting a new concessionaire.
Aramark won the contract after the request for proposals went out, taking over from Centerplate.
Aramark took over in September and has been servicing events in the Exhibition Hall next to the dome, said Melinda Altamirano, district manager for Aramark Sports & Entertainment.
“We’re taking a holistic approach and looked at ‘What is the food and beverage story in Tacoma?’” she said. “We realized what was missing was local flavor. So, we are transforming everything from the menu to the stands to bring it in.”
“We’re leaving the fan favorites — pizza, chicken fingers, hamburgers and pretzels — and are introducing new things that haven’t been seen there,” Altamirano said.
Among new items are fresh wraps and assorted noodle and rice bowls, she said.
“Getting everything locally sourced was important to us,” she said.
New stands will include a smoked BBQ concept featuring brisket sandwiches at Smoked; Taco-ma’s (street tacos); Tacoma Dough (pizza); and Dock Street (fish and chips presented by Alaskan Brewing).
The concessionaire is also modernizing all the stands.
“We have touched every single concession stand,” Altamirano said. “Every stand got a face-lift.” Most incorporated reclaimed wood from Tacoma; the insides were done as well.
Also new will be all-digital menu boards and point-of-sale systems from Appetize.
Altamirano said Aramark brought the funds to do all the concession work and additions.
The process of changing the stands started in September and will be done by the Nov. 1 grand reopening. Joe Gohndrone will be the GM for Aramark.
“What we are doing is bringing in a fan experience that integrates new technology and old-fashioned great food and great service,” Altamirano said.