DETROIT and STAMFORD, Conn. – Hospitality provider Centerplate has announced an early, multi-year contract extension with Cobo Center in Detroit. Managed and operated by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), Cobo Center is one of the largest convention centers in the United States, located on the beautiful Detroit riverfront.
"Over the last few years, we have made a substantial investment in Cobo Center to transform it into a more modern, guest-centric venue," said Patrick Bero, CEO/CFO for the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority. "As we continue to attract conferences, meetings and events from around the globe, we are happy to continue working with Centerplate as our exclusive hospitality food & beverage service provider."
When the new Cobo Center Grand Riverview Ballroom opened in 2013, it became the premier banquet and event facility in the Detroit area. With 40,000 square-feet, divisible into smaller areas by retractable walls, the Grand Riverview Ballroom offers stunning views of the Detroit River, downtown and Windsor, Ontario. There is also a best-in-class 8,000 square foot kitchen with a private tasting room, where meeting planners can work with the Cobo culinary team to develop custom menus for their event.
Centerplate recently has created new concepts for the venue, including the Detroit Made Market for pizzas and burgers, Rock City Fresh for sandwiches, soups and salads, and Go Natural, offering more health-conscious fare.
"We are happy to carry on our partnership with Cobo Center," added Greg Fender, Executive Vice President, Centerplate. "We will continue to source locally as much as possible, from brands like Zingerman's Cheese, Dearborn Sausage, Vernors and Faygo. It's about more than just the food though, as we provide a level of hospitality that resonates well with our guests."
The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) honored Cobo Center with the William F. McLaughlin Hospitality Award for Service Excellence at the 2018 Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards this past summer. The William F. McLaughlin Hospitality Award is the only award in the state of Michigan that honors customer service excellence in businesses.
Cobo Center and Centerplate will also continue to work with PepsiCo to supply an array of soft beverage options for all guests.
About Cobo Center
With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Cobo Center boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 17th largest convention center in the country. Visit online at www.cobocenter.com.
About Centerplate
Centerplate is a global leader in live event hospitality, "Making It Better To Be There®" for more than 116 million guests each year at more than 300 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues. Strategically acquired in December 2017 by world leader in Quality of Life services Sodexo, Centerplate has provided event hospitality services to more than 30 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 14 Super Bowls and 22 World Series. Visit the company online at Centerplate.com, connect via Twitter @centerplate, Instagram @Centerplate_ or Facebook.com/centerplate.
Source: Centerplate
