Las Vegas, NV – The National Association of Concessionaires today presented Spectra’s Charlie Neary, Division Senior Vice President, with the prestigious Mickey Warner Award during the Association’s Board of Directors Meeting.
The Mickey Warner award is presented to an individual who exemplifies leadership and significant accomplishments in the non-theater concession industry. The award honors the late Mickey Warner; the father of the NAC Concession Manager Certification Program and one of the greatest innovators and educators of the concessions industry.
Neary oversees Spectra Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality properties in the Western half of North America, coordinating with the Regional Vice Presidents and local management to facilitate best practices. With three decades of experience and a long list of professional accomplishments, the secret of Neary’s success in food services is a unique combination of entrepreneurship and tireless dedication to developing lasting relationships with his colleagues, clients, and company. Recently, Neary helped lead Spectra’s rebrand from Ovations Food Services, and has helped to geographically re-align the field operations.
“Charlie is an integral part of our team at Spectra,” said Glen Brandenburg, President and COO, Spectra Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality. “Charlie’s experience, ingenuity, and his ability to lead make him a valuable asset to the success of our company.”
Neary’s began his career by working concessions at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, for Fillmore Fingers before climbing the ranks and serving as their Director of Concessions. Ultimately, Neary’s strong business sense led him to start FanFare Enterprises, the successful food service company he co-founded with fellow Spectra Food Services & Hospitality VP, Nick Nicora. In 2001, FanFare merged with Ovations Food Services (now Spectra Food Services & Hospitality). Since 2001, Neary has been an integral part of the tremendous growth of Spectra Food Services & Hospitality.
Neary was awarded this distinguished award for his active involvement in the National Association of Concessionaires. He provides positive leadership direction and makes significant contributions to the development, education, quality and professionalism of the concessions/hospitality industry. His significant accomplishments and longevity to the non-theatre concessions industry and current involvement in non-theatre concessions at the executive level are invaluable.
“Knowing who has won this prestigious award in the past, including Shelley Feldman, Gary Horvath and (Spectra Food Services & Hospitality President and Founder) Ken Young makes me feel both honored and humbled at the same time,” said Neary. “Winning this award would not have been possible without the great team members that have helped grow Spectra every day. I am very appreciative of the NAC for even considering me as this years’ Mickey Warner recipient.”
A San Francisco native, Neary attended the University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University, majoring in Business Administration.
About Spectra
Comcast Spectacor, a leader in the sports and entertainment industry, raises the bar on live event experiences. Spectra brings together the company’s expertise in Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality and Ticketing & Fan Engagement.
Spectra’s Food Services & Hospitality division delivers the industry’s most innovative and profitable solutions through its Everything’s Fresh™ philosophy at sports arenas, stadiums, casinos, convention centers, cultural attractions, fairgrounds, and other specialty venues. Spectra Food Services & Hospitality serves over 250,000 events and 40 million guests each year.
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is the expert in hosting and entertainment, partnering with over 300 clients and 400 global properties to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality and Ticketing & Fan Engagement. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com. Comcast Spectacor is a part of Comcast Corporation, a Fortune 50 media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, in addition to Spectra, Comcast Spectacor owns and operates the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center venue. Visit us at ComcastSpectacor.com, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com, and WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com for more information.
Source: The National Association of Concessionaires