The NEC Group's two arena venues, the Genting Arena and Barclaycard Arena, have been given an Italian twist as they boost their pre-show catering offering with two franchise pizzerias.
Brought to the Arenas by the NEC Group's catering arm, Amadeus, the new Neo Pizza outlets – owned by Tugo Food Systems Ltd. – are located in each of the pre-show entertainment and catering areas of Forum Live (Genting Arena) and B(eat) (Barclaycard Arena). The outlets are the latest additions to the Arenas' ever expanding food and beverage options, and were handpicked by Amadeus due to the quality of the product, cooked fresh on site with premium ingredients.
Trading for just over two months, Neo Pizza is proving extremely popular at both arena venues – at the Genting Arena, catering staff sell approximately 100 slices of pizza per hour, or nearly 400 slices of pizza before each show – equalling a total of 9104 inches, or 758 feet. At the Barclaycard Arena, a sell-out show will see staff sell on average 180 slices of pizza per hour.
Marc Frankl, Food and Beverage Director for Amadeus, said: "Since the Neo Pizza outlets have opened at the Arenas they have proved phenomenally popular – this is no surprise to us as our food and beverage options are always tailored to suit specific audiences and based on visitor research. We know that before a live arena event, speed of sale is extremely important to customers, but they also don't want to compromise on quality or flavour.
"TUGO Food Systems Ltd are absolutely delighted to have been chosen to work with Amadeus in the design and implementation our Pizza Neo concept into both the Genting and Barclaycard Arenas.