A national stadium caterer will bring 15 Tasmanian restaurants, cafés and food businesses into Launceston’s UTAS Stadium and the Silverdome under a new catering deal with Stadiums Tasmania.
Gema Group, which services venues including AAMI Park in Melbourne and Accor Stadium in Sydney, has been appointed to cater the two Launceston venues.
The arrangement also includes nine Tasmanian producers and suppliers, among them Tamar Valley Walnuts, Ritual Coffee Roasters and Lenah Game Meats.
Stadiums Tasmania said there would be more outlets, greater choice and new technology designed to reduce queues at events in the venues.
Acting chief executive David Large said Gema’s commitment to local partnerships was “a key factor” in its appointment.
“This is about delivering better experiences for our patrons while creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses to grow and reach new audiences,” he said.
Gema Group managing director Paul Valenti said the business was proud to be partnering with Stadiums Tasmania and the local community.
“We see this partnership as much more than simply delivering catering services,” he said.
“By combining local knowledge and talent with Gema’s national experience, we look forward to enhancing the food and beverage offering and delivering an exceptional experience for everyone attending UTAS Stadium and Silverdome.”
The hospitality partners include Launceston’s Black Cow Bistro and Burger Junkie, along with Hobart businesses such as Blue Eye Seafood, Jackman & McRoss and Smash Boy burgers.
Smash Boy burgers founder Felix Graves said Gema contacted him by email after seeing the business on social media.
He told Pulse it was “still pretty early days” and he was not sure exactly how the arrangement would work.
He expected to do private events, functions and pop-ups, with Gema supplying the equipment and hoped to eventually open a permanent shop in one of the stadiums.
Scott Hall from Halls Barbecue in Launceston said he was “absolutely stoked”.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence in what we’re building and with the new stadium development in Launceston, we’re ready to show up big.”
Dom Walsh from Westside Laundry said the team was “overjoyed” to be a catering partner of Stadiums Tasmania.
“Being a Hobart based small and independent business this is an immense
and amazing opportunity for us,” he said.
“We are excited for the chance to reach a broader audience and share our love for exceptional service and incredible food.”
The new catering arrangements will be introduced progressively ahead of upcoming events.
They replace the previous Launceston-based contractors Bar Choice and Hubert + Dan.
The contract comes as upgrades to the Silverdome are completed, including a full overhaul of its hospitality area.
UTAS Stadium’s Eastern Stand is also on track to have seats installed ahead of Hawthorn’s first home game in Launceston next year.
The 15 hospitality partners are Black Cow Bistro, Burger Junkie, Chez Carrie Crêperie, Halls Barbeque, Cataract on Paterson, Rupert & Hound, Uncle Chicken, Jackman & McRoss, Blue Eye Seafood, Westside Laundry, Smashboy Burgers, Daci & Daci Bakers, Pigeon Whole Bakers, Anvers Tasmania and Cultura Italian Bar & Restaurant.
The nine producers and suppliers are Tamar Valley Walnuts, Tamar Valley Pastured Eggs, Stoney Rise, Tasmanian Natural Garlic & Tomatoes, Ritual Coffee Roasters, Southern Sky Cheese Company, Lenah Game Meats, Sweet Wheat and Rowella Cherry Farm.
