GET DAILY REPORT FREE
What does it take to be a food vendor at Tiger Stadium? Matthew LaBorde, senior associate athletic director and chief financial officer with LSU athletics, says vendors are selected based on the quality of food, how fast it can be prepared and how likely the business is to be successful at the sixth-largest on-campus stadium in college football.
Last year, vendors in Tiger Stadium generated more than $2 million in gross sales during the football season. On average, food and beverage service provider Aramark receives 30% of concession product sales at Death Valley.
Tiger Stadium will have nine new vendors this fall including local businesses ABG on Wheels, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, KOK Wings and Things and Papi’s Fajita Factory. Louisiana companies returning this season are Cajun Classics, Empire Wingz, Leroy’s Lemonade, Louisiana Creole Creations, Bev Inc. Queen Eats and Royal Treats, Lucky Dogs, Posh Pop, Tre’s Street Kitchen and Triple B’s Cajun Corner.
A majority of the food stands this year are returning vendors. Contracts to sell at Tiger Stadium are for one year only. After the end of the season, Aramark and the vendors assess whether it was a mutually beneficial partnership.
LaBorde says Tiger Stadium prioritizes local businesses but is open to out-of-state companies as well. This season, the majority of the vendors are local or are located within an hour of campus.
Louisiana will also be represented in the alcoholic beverages served in the stadium. Drinks from Baton Rouge-based Rally Cap Brewing Company will be sold, as well as beers from Shreveport’s The Seventh Tap Brewing Project, Hammond-based Gnarly Barley Brewing Company and Parish Brewing Company, of Broussard. Spirits from distilleries Oxbow Rum Distillery, Noel Family Distillery and Sugarfield Spirits will also be stocked by stadium bars.
