San Antonio – The Spurs are looking for a new teammate in the food division this season.Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) and Aramark are looking for local minority-owned restaurants to participate in the second year of their culinary training program.
Four restaurants have been selected to showcase their menus during the 2022-23 Spurs season at dedicated program concessions within the AT&T Center.
“We’ve worked over the past few years to be more local to reflect the city we represent,” said Kevin Barker, senior manager of Culinary Experience at SSE.
The program, which began last season, brings together underrepresented chefs and local restaurants to keep food in AT&T Centers fresh and up-to-date.
Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen, Tony G’s Soul Food, The Lord’s Kitchen and BallHoggs BBQ were all part of last season’s program.
“Over the last few years, we have put a lot of effort and focus into making our food more diverse.
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But adding more food options to the menu isn’t everything. Helping minority businesses grow is also an important part of the program.
“Historically, minority-owned companies have faced inequities when trying to gain access to capital and expand their business exposure,” says SSE’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Affiliation Strategy. said Morgan Jones, senior manager at
This season, restaurant owners can also participate in a business mentorship program coordinated by SSE’s Impact team that includes training in areas such as social media, marketing, graphic design, finance and accounting.
“Our role in this is to be able to help them grow their business, and we hope to encourage fans to come to the arena and experience the food, which drives them to the brick and mortar store.” said Jones.
Restaurant owners can apply for the program for free, and selected restaurants will receive all staff, food and ingredients for free, SSE officials said.
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The restaurant will work with SSE and Aramark to plan and prepare the signature dishes for sale during Spurs home games.
The culinary residency program concession is located on the balcony level concourse next to the HEB Fun Zone.
Each of the four eateries will be a featured restaurant with nine game-dedicated concessions.
The application deadline is August 15, and Barker said dozens of local eateries have already applied to participate in the program, each sharing their own story.
“There are a lot of compelling stories about who deserves, wants, and should be in the program,” Barker said. “We represent San Antonio, so we must also serve food that represents our city.
“We are focused on building leaders and legacy where we live, learn, work and play, so equity is at the center of everything we do,” Jones said. says Mr. “Whether you’re an employee or a fan, when you walk into our arena, soccer game, or Austin Spurs game, you always feel like you have a safe space to belong.”
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Restaurant owners who wish to apply can complete an online application.
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