New food deal for Accor and CommBank Stadiums announced

Forget the choice of soggy chips or a warm pie at the footy – the tucker at Accor and Commbank stadium has just jumped up a level. See what’s on the menu.

The action on the field’s never been better, now the same goes for the food off it. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Forget the choice of soggy chips or a warm pie at the footy – the tucker at Accor and Commbank stadium has just jumped up a level.

Venues NSW has today announced a new catering deal that will bring big brands including Hollywood star Robert De Niro’s Japanese restaurant Nobu, Five Guys burgers, The Meat and Wine Co and Sushi Hub to the two stadiums.

The deal with Western Sydney family owned company Gema Group will also put Al Aseel traditional Lebanese cuisine from Greenacre and El Jannah Lebanese charcoal chicken from Granville into the stadiums in Parramatta and Homebush.

“We’re bringing the best of Western Sydney’s diverse food and wine culture into NSW’s major venues,” Gema Group managing director Paul Valenti said.

It was welcomed by Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue chair Christopher Brown for showcasing “local heroes” such as El Jannah chicken into Western Sydney venues.

Staff from the food outlets which will be available for the public at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium from next year. Photo: Phil Hillyard

“When Sydney hosts the world at Accor and Commbank stadiums they will be able to enjoy the best of the west in the west,” he said.

The deal comes after Justin Hemmes Merivale Group took over catering at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground to bring in food from brands including Totti’s Pasta Bar, El Loco and Queen Chow.

Corporate visitors to major events such as the Taylor Swift and Pink concerts next year at Accor Stadium will also be treated to food from Crown Sydney’s Nobu Japanese restaurant. The world famous restaurant, founded in the US by De Niro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa in 1994, is better known for serving Japanese Wagu at $275 than catering at stadiums.

Top chefs including Spanish-Australian chef Miguel Maestre, French-Australian chef and restaurateur Manu Feildel and award-winning pastry chef Anna Polyviou will also cook up a storm on major event days.

Fans will be treated to great tucker for games at Accor Stadium. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

On event days the two terraces at Accor Stadium will be reimagined with Ribs & Burgers and Al Aseel bringing their signature dishes into a stadium setting for the first time.

Venues NSW Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said the deal would give fans the chance to enjoy cuisine that reflected the “diverse communities” who attend events at the stadiums.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gema Group who will revolutionise the event experience for the millions of fans who visit Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium,” she said.

NSW Minister for Sport and Small Business Steve Kamper said partnering with the Silverwater based company would also provide local jobs.

“This is a great announcement that will not only highlight the flavours of Western Sydney, it will create jobs and support many small to medium family-owned businesses, like the legendary El Jannah,” he said.

And for footy fans hankering for traditional stadium favourites before kick off, food trucks and carts will continue to provide hot chips, pies and hot dogs.