Lexington, KY - Kentucky caterers bid for the hospitality program at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games but were not competitive with the package presented by bi-coastal boutique caterer Patina Restaurant Group (PRG), according to World Games Foundation officials.
The Official Food Provider for the Hospitality Program of the 2010 Games scheduled for Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park, Patina is to provide food for Hospitality offerings at each venue, in addition to the James Beard Celebrity Chef Dinner Series at the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation's Farmhouse.
World Games Foundation CEO Jamie Link acknowledged that there were Kentucky bidders for the catering contract, but added that in the end, the decision comes down to getting the most bang for the buck.
"The World Games Foundation, while managing its self-funded budget in very challenging economic times, is doing everything possible to provide local and Kentucky businesses the opportunity to participate with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games," Link said. "In fact, over the past four years, a tremendous amount of money has been spent, and will continue to be spent, locally and within the Commonwealth. Further, the economic impact on local and regional hotels, restaurants, and retail and service businesses during the Games will be enormous."
Organizers of the 16-day international event have projected a regional economic impact of approximately $167 million.
Patina's Sports & Entertainment division has experience with major sports arenas. Client events have included the US Open Tennis Championships, the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, and the 2004 Breeder's Cup, among others.
PRG's East Coast portfolio includes New York City's world-famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, Rock Center CafÈ, The Sea Grill, Brasserie, Brasserie 8 1/2, CafÈ Centro, Naples 45, The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera and La Fonda Del Sol. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Epcot World Showcase in Orlando, FL.
The company's West Coast the portfolio includes the renowned, Michelin-starred Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, CafÈ Pinot at the Maguire Gardens, Zucca Ristorante, Pinot Bistro, Catal and three other restaurants in Anaheim's Downtown Disney District, Leatherby's Cafe Rouge at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Pinot Brasserie in Las Vegas and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout California.
http://www.patinagroup.com
http://www.alltechfeigames.com