SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services, has entered into a new partnership with the Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas. The firm took over the Zoo’s food and retail services in October 2023.
The Little Rock Zoo was founded in 1926. It is home to more than 400 animals representing over 200 species. Its mission is to inspire people to value and conserve the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Little Rock Zoo is committed to wildlife conservation and is a participant in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Refreshed food and retail offer
Since taking on the food and retail operations at the Zoo, SSA has refreshed the retail space and experience with upgraded fixture packages as well as new products. Plus, the company has installed self-service checkout kiosks in addition to the traditional point-of-sale (POS), in order to help expedite the checkout process. Retail products have been integrated throughout the queue lines to provide visitors with extra purchasing options.
Meanwhile, the main café, Café Africa, has been refreshed and new self-ordering kiosks have been added alongside the existing POS, to streamline the ordering process and limit queue lines. SSA Group has partnered with a local brand, Flossie’s, for popcorn and frozen lemonade. It has also partnered with a local culinary school, the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech, to provide students with hands-on experience at the Zoo.
Mobile food ordering will be introduced early next year, and SSA is also looking to implement a new ice cream concept, Churn, as well as the introduction of local breweries.
SSA Group recently announced that it is now providing retail services for the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle. The firm, which took over the retail operations in early November, also provides culinary services at MoPOP.
