Merlin Entertainments has named Aramark, a global leader in food service operations, as its food and beverage partner for five attractions in the UK and two locations in the US.
Aramark will serve as Merlin’s F&B partner at Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and Legoland Windsor in the UK. In the US, Aramark will provide services at Legoland California and Legoland Florida.
“Building an innovative and high-quality food and beverage offering for our guests is part of our continued business strategy to deliver the very best guest days out and short breaks,” said Nick Varney, chief executive at Merlin Entertainments.
“Aramark’s accomplishments in driving world-class hospitality programmes at many of the most prestigious sporting events, iconic locations, and leading destinations in the world makes them a great partner to elevate our food offering as part of the magic and memorable experiences we offer our guests.”
Merlin’s food and beverage strategy
Aramark will introduce F&B programmes across the resorts and hotels, offering fresh concepts, fun themes and engaging events. It will utilise industry-leading technology solutions, and each destination will feature unique and personalised F&B.
F&B operations will start to operate under Aramark from March 2022 in the UK and March 2023 in the US. “We are proud to share our hospitality culture with Merlin Entertainments’ guests and families,” said John Zillmer, CEO of Aramark.
“We like to say that we’re ‘rooted in service’ and our scale, experience, and expertise as a global leader in food service innovation positions us to deliver world-class dining experiences at Merlin’s resorts and hotels, both in the UK and in the US.”
Merlin operates 137 attractions, 24 hotels and six holiday villages in 24 countries. The company is proceeding with plans to build a holiday village at Legoland Windsor Resort, and recently announced its acquisition of This is Holland in Amsterdam.
Images: Merlin
