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New park's pitch: Good food, for a change

By Tim Lemke
March 26, 2008

Bert V. Goulait / The Washington Times The Nationals replaced Aramark, the concessionaire at RFK Stadium for three seasons, with Centerplate.

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The stories of long lines, cold hot dogs and shortages of buns at RFK Stadium are legend.

But if all goes well, the stories at Nationals Park will feature glowing accounts of tasty half-smokes, juicy barbecue and refreshing sno-cones served quickly.

The Nationals did not even wait for last season to end to announce that they would replace Aramark, the concessionaire at RFK for three seasons, with Connecticut-based Centerplate, which provides catering and concessions at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and six other major league ballparks.

Already, the Nationals and Centerplate have whetted fans' appetites by recruiting several local companies to the new ballpark.

Fans can order half-smokes and chili dogs from Ben's Chili Bowl, the famed U Street eatery. There are stands featuring treats from Gifford's, the oldest ice cream parlor in Washington. Alexandria-based Hard Times Cafe will be in the stadium serving a wide range of food, including its famous chili-mac (a combination of chili and spaghetti).

Other vendors include Cantina Marina, which serves frozen drinks along with Tex-Mex and Cajun food, Noah's Pretzels and Krazee Ice, a maker of sno-cones based in Maryland.

"They were looking for a partner that would deliver a standard-setting experience at the new ballpark," said Bob Pascal, a vice president with Centerplate. "It's certainly one of the touchstones of our approach to provide choices that are representative of the local flavor and local culture. We don't like to do something that's cookie-cutter."

Nationals president Stan Kasten said the team will continue to add new food options as the season progresses. Five Guys burgers and Capitol City Brewing Co. are among those still in talks with the team.

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