August 11, 2015
Philadelphia-based food services firm Aramark has officially been named the food and beverage provider of next month's World Meeting of Families 2015, the much-anticipated global event that will mark its first-ever appearance in the United States.
Aramark had previously been announced as the official retail partner for the event on Sept. 26-27, which is expected to draw more than 1 million pilgrims to the Ben Franklin Parkway and Independence Mall in Center City. New details about the company's food and beverage offerings were provided in a news release Tuesday afternoon.
The company, which has extensive experience covering large events, including the Olympics, plans to offer a variety of menu options and will also coordinate with local food trucks to round out the weekend's offerings. Grilled and grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, fruit and Philadelphia staples (not specified, but perhaps soft pretzels and cheesesteaks) will be for sale alongside family friendly WMOF picnic bags and snack boxes, according to the release.
"As a proud partner of World Meeting of Families -- Philadelphia 2015 and the Papal Visit, Aramark is excited to play such an integral role in this important global event," said Eric J. Foss, Aramark chairman, president and CEO. "The food and beverage experience Aramark will provide all in attendance will showcase the depth and breadth of our offerings – for local and international visitors – while also reflecting a wide variety of tastes that make Philadelphia such an iconic city for food."
There will be a wide variety of beverage options to go along with the grub, however, no alcoholic beverages will be for sale at any of the papal events.
"The visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia is set to be one of the most extraordinary events ever to be held in Philadelphia, and we are delighted that Aramark will serve as our food and beverage partner," said Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families -- Philadelphia 2015. "With the unprecedented size and scope of this event, we sought a food and beverage service provider who could successfully manage the magnitude of the expected crowds."
