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Food & Beverage: The Aramark Era begins

I know this isn't really related to Alton Towers, but just to show other sectors Aramark is the concessionaire for, Aramark Sports + Entertainment has shown off new food items at their MLB stadiums in the USA.
This is the Aramark press release https://aramark.gcs-web.com/news-re...ntertainments-culinary-creativity-takes-field
Here is some of the offerings in Pittsburgh Pirates stadium https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ml...ies-nachos-with-kielbasa-and-more/ar-AA2050XI
and the Phillies https://philliesnation.com/2026/03/philadelphia-phillies-aramark-citizens-bank-park-new-food/

I know the US part of Aramark will be different to the UK, but this does show that they can come up with new ways to put toppings on hot dogs and ice cream. I assume the prices are still extortionate though.
 
jon81uk said:
I know this isn't really related to Alton Towers, but just to show other sectors Aramark is the concessionaire for, Aramark Sports + Entertainment has shown off new food items at their MLB stadiums in the USA.
This is the Aramark press release https://aramark.gcs-web.com/news-re...ntertainments-culinary-creativity-takes-field
Here is some of the offerings in Pittsburgh Pirates stadium https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ml...ies-nachos-with-kielbasa-and-more/ar-AA2050XI
and the Phillies https://philliesnation.com/2026/03/philadelphia-phillies-aramark-citizens-bank-park-new-food/

I know the US part of Aramark will be different to the UK, but this does show that they can come up with new ways to put toppings on hot dogs and ice cream. I assume the prices are still extortionate though.
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This is exactly the sort of offering that Aramark need to be serving at Alton Towers, funnel cakes, empanadas, smash burgers and the likes. They can all be produced at scale and can be part of both a quick service and sitdown offering. F&B at Towers needs to be part of the theme park experience, rather than an obligatory detour. I think the UK generally has some pretty mediocre food as a whole and the escapism of theme park should really ignore the mediocrity of food offerings.

Even if they introduced a few bakery options around the park then they could offer pies, cakes and pastries, even that would be a step forward in terms of offerings.
 
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Bert2theSpark said:
This is exactly the sort of offering that Aramark need to be serving at Alton Towers, funnel cakes, empanadas, smash burgers and the likes. They can all be produced at scale and can be part of both a quick service and sitdown offering. F&B at Towers needs to be part of the theme park experience, rather than an obligatory detour. I think the UK generally has some pretty mediocre food as a whole and the escapism of theme park should really ignore the mediocrity of food offerings.

Even if they introduced a few bakery options around the park then they could offer pies, cakes and pastries then that would be a step forward in terms of offerings.
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I’ve semi-defended Aramark in the past as I truly believe they’re not underdelivering on their contract with Merlin, it’s just the agreed contract doesn’t really align with what customers really want.

However, it feels like you’re absolutely right that it’s an opportunity missed for both parties - having a food offering that enhances the park experience feels like an open goal.

Coordinating new food releases with soft launches on slow days will encourage people through the gates on slower days. Early access or discounts for passholders could increase pass purchases. Content for desperate vloggers. Little wins all round.
 
Unfortunately the coach house confectionery has stopped doing themed food now, just pretty generic donuts, which is ashame, the spooky cookie was the one thing I'd buy every visit and whenever I took my younger brother he'd always ask for one before we were even at the park.

However they are still doing themed milk shakes and ice creams so at least there's that.
 
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