Atlanta-based Proof of the Pudding, a leader in foodservice management and catering for sports and entertainment arenas and college stadiums, continues to partner with Division 1 colleges, helping them to drive premium revenue and elevate food and beverage offerings.
The company currently serves eight Division 1 colleges. Proof partnered with its first D1, the University of Georgia, in 2003, and Wake Forest University is its most recent win. “For many years, stadium foods’ sole purpose was to feed the masses. It was second to the competitive action on the field,” said Adam Noyes, CEO, Proof of the Pudding. “Today, fans of all ages expect a variety of elevated food and beverage options beyond hot dogs, nachos and beer. Proof of the Pudding’s executive chefs, mixologists and pastry artisans are given the autonomy to create custom menus with locally sourced, from-scratch cooking that supports the demographics of each college’s fan base.”
Examples include:
- Menu items in the University of Alabama’s VIP hospitality areas that range from poached shrimp, cocktail claws and oysters served over ice with seaweed and cocktail, remoulade and mignonette sauces; to hoisin-glazed beef short rib bao buns with Napa cabbage, blue cheese, sriracha aioli and mandarin oranges.
2. Mississippi State University’s “Super Dawg Express” concessions, featuring a footlong smoked sausage, chopped brisket, dill slaw, B&B pickles and molasses barbecue sauce. Mississippi State was the first Proof of the Pudding Division 1 college to implement the Grab n’ Go concept for faster speed of service.
3. Proof of the Pudding working closely with school nutritionists at Duke University and Georgia Tech University to ensure athletes are getting nutritious food to maintain health and peak performance. Student-athlete options at Duke include make-your-own smoothie, stir-fry and pasta stations, while Georgia Tech athletes enjoy healthy bowls, a build-your-own panini station and a ramen noodle bar.
“Within the first year of working together, our Division I partners typically experience a significant boost in revenue,” said Ben Witte, Proof of the Pudding’s COO. For more information, visit proofpudding.com.
