SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services, has announced a new partnership with Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans.
In early May, SSA Group took over retail and concessions operations at Audubon Zoo. Soon after, in early June, the company also took over retail and concessions operations at Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium.
Leading immediate change
The partnership has led to a wide range of short-term, immediate changes at both the Zoo and the Aquarium.
At Audubon Zoo, SSA Group is working with many former Audubon Nature Institute staff and has developed a collaboration between the two organisations.
Chef Diamond Jones has been appointed and will be working to create ongoing improvements in quality and menu design. Updated menus will be developed for most food and beverage locations. In addition, a partnership has been established with local supplier French Truck Coffee. Sustainable wash ware has replaced service ware at the Zoofari Café and Cypress Knee Cafe.
The food offer is being integrated into the wider retail locations to create a marketplace experience. The ordering and checkout process has been made easier, with both self-serve kiosks and mobile ordering being introduced to the attraction.
At Audubon Aquarium, new chef Gerald Schwandt will be responsible for the continual improvement of quality and menu design. Snacks, alcoholic drinks and seltzer are also being introduced at food locations.
In the gift shops at both attractions, visitors will find a refreshed experience with new ranges including products from local suppliers. New sustainable practices have been adopted, including biodegradable hang tags, bagless retail, and sourcing of sustainable products such as plush made from recycled water bottles. Ecochit receipt paper is also now being used, which plants mangrove trees for each case sold.
Looking long term
Guests can expect to see improvements over the long term at both the Zoo and Aquarium. SSA Group plan to develop many food and retail locations across both sites. Work has already begun on a brand-new cafe for the Aquarium, while the Zoofari Café will be renovated over the next year. New carts and kiosks are planned for both attractions, along with self-checkout services.
SSA Group recently announced that two of its projects have been recognised at the Shop! Design Awards 2023 – The Wild Things Gift Shop at Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland, and The South Gate Marketplace Concept at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois.
The Shop! Design Awards were created to celebrate achievements in areas such as new store design, renovations, fixtures, visual presentation projects and in-store communications. Entries are recognised for their excellence in design, originality in the use of space and materials, and quality of concept execution.
