How MLB stadiums have stayed flush with hot dogs, french fries and other snacks despite COVID chaos, supply-chain issues, surging inflation and a perilous lockout right before the 2022 season commenced.
“Our job is to bring analytics to our clients as much as we can, and make sure we have a value proposition for our guests,” says Kevin Miller, vice president of food and beverage for Delaware North, which provides concession and catering services to 11 MLB ballparks. “Nothing’s inexpensive anymore. Look at gas. But what we want do is once all of a sudden they’re there, is to have something to enjoy to not spend a ton of money on.
Even with, according to Miller, 65% of hot dogs provided by presenting sponsors at ballparks, it still left a massive void to fill, particularly given the array of red hots available from the most basic to the most ornate, Instagram-thirsty hunks of meat. “The unprecedented nature of the pandemic has created supply chain issues that are unusual in their scale and reach across categories,” Aramark said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “Our Supply Chain team is extremely focused on doing everything possible to ensure sports fans enjoy a great experience.
And then the lockout – a 99-day industry freeze that delayed the season and caused nervous heartbeats in Delaware North’s Buffalo headquarters – landed at the most inopportune time. “A couple teams this year, based on what clients have done, we’re super, super excited about what they’ll have coming,” Miller says, citing the Texas Rangers’ commitment of more than a half-billion dollars in contracts to All-Stars such as Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.