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Post by Sio on Jan 20, 2015 18:13:06 GMT 1
p.s. can we can some reggae-reggae sauce for the burgers
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k1man999
Andy Booth Terrier
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Post by k1man999 on Jan 20, 2015 19:00:26 GMT 1
my wife child and myself sometimes buy food and drink if not had chance to purchase before coming to the game.
the gripes we have is the poor service and staff not having a clue re basic maths and language.
confectionary is way overpriced
need to bring the old hotdogs back
the pies seem to be over cooked very dry (problems with ovens)
beer choice not very good as stated might be better with a few choices of bottled beers
hot drinks are of poor quality a costa type area would be good even mcdonalds do decent coffee whilst doing all their general catering.
consistency from stand to stand i sit in FM upper but at fa cup game sat in golf stand the service and quality was a lot better than in FM stand.
think better quality is the main thing for me.
as stated go have a look at other grounds and take a sample as most seem better than the JSS
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Post by Big Ern on Jan 20, 2015 19:03:14 GMT 1
For me I'd just prefer some healthier choices for my kid and some better beer choices for me. Plastic bottles of speckled hen or similar would do down a treat. Failing that something half decent. Fosters and John Smiths are absolutely diabolical -Plently of great breweries and pie shops in the vicinity. Surely you could look into tying up some local deals? I would imagine John Smiths have some sort of deal in place to sell their wares given they sponsor our stadium... I do agree though it is terrible. We should have some bottles of york brewery Terrier on sale, not only does it sound good it's bloody delicious |
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Post by hxfiver on Jan 20, 2015 20:05:45 GMT 1
I attend with my daughter who is a wheelchair user sitting in the Revell Ward lower tier. We don't purchase any food or drink but instead take our own. There is a small food trolley serving some food and hot drinks but it is positioned at the far end of the stand. Due to the nature of disability my daughter has, I'm not able to just leave her on her own and it isn't feasible, due to the crush at half time to take her with me! There are many elderly, unstable, less mobile supporters who sit near us and who I'm sure would benefit from something warm at half time. However, for similar reasons they don't or can't go for a warm drink for fear of falling, getting burned or even getting knocked over and causing someone else harm. I would like to see some kind of system where the less able could pre-order a warm drink or something to eat that could then be delivered to them in their seat at half time.
I have heard comments about the quality of food being offered and also that there seems to be a neglect of local produce. Huddersfield Town take pride in being the Yorkshire Club. In my opinion, Sodexho should support the same values on a match day offering more locally sourced produce be it Seabrook Crisps rather than Walkers, Town Tea rather than PG Tips and locally sourced burgers, sausage instead of the imitation alternatives.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 20:07:25 GMT 1
my wife child and myself sometimes buy food and drink if not had chance to purchase before coming to the game. the gripes we have is the poor service and staff not having a clue re basic maths and language. confectionary is way overpriced need to bring the old hotdogs back the pies seem to be over cooked very dry (problems with ovens) beer choice not very good as stated might be better with a few choices of bottled beers hot drinks are of poor quality a costa type area would be good even mcdonalds do decent coffee whilst doing all their general catering. consistency from stand to stand i sit in FM upper but at fa cup game sat in golf stand the service and quality was a lot better than in FM stand. think better quality is the main thing for me. as stated go have a look at other grounds and take a sample as most seem better than the JSS Better still get off their backsides come to the stadium incognito and sample for themselves . It's not rocket science, more examples of university educations no doubt ! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 20:08:56 GMT 1
I attend with my daughter who is a wheelchair user sitting in the Revell Ward lower tier. We don't purchase any food or drink but instead take our own. There is a small food trolley serving some food and hot drinks but it is positioned at the far end of the stand. Due to the nature of disability my daughter has, I'm not able to just leave her on her own and it isn't feasible, due to the crush at half time to take her with me! There are many elderly, unstable, less mobile supporters who sit near us and who I'm sure would benefit from something warm at half time. However, for similar reasons they don't or can't go for a warm drink for fear of falling, getting burned or even getting knocked over and causing someone else harm. I would like to see some kind of system where the less able could pre-order a warm drink or something to eat that could then be delivered to them in their seat at half time. I have heard comments about the quality of food being offered and also that there seems to be a neglect of local produce. Huddersfield Town take pride in being the Yorkshire Club. In my opinion, Sodexho should support the same values on a match day offering more locally sourced produce be it Seabrook Crisps rather than Walkers, Town Tea rather than PG Tips and locally sourced burgers, sausage instead of the imitation alternatives. That's a good post with some decent suggestions, apart from the Town Tea. It's awful. Having said that, I dont ever have a tea at the games. |
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Post by Jiffrtd on Jan 20, 2015 20:47:24 GMT 1
Generally the service is painfully slow. How you change that well, you are the experts but some good ideas posted. I don't think this is generic as some staff are great. It's difficult to have such a high demand over a 15 minute period but it is affecting your revenue. Assuming average queue is 200 with an average spend of £5 I would guess that at least 20% turn away or don't bother that's £200 top line and with your mark ups, well you know the score......
Also very keen to understand why FML menu is different. Enjoy a bovril or oxo but told not available in this section. Also the pie variety is limited in FML.
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Post by Essex Terrier on Jan 20, 2015 21:46:34 GMT 1
£2 for a fecking Bovril!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 22:07:15 GMT 1
I attend with my daughter who is a wheelchair user sitting in the Revell Ward lower tier. We don't purchase any food or drink but instead take our own. There is a small food trolley serving some food and hot drinks but it is positioned at the far end of the stand. Due to the nature of disability my daughter has, I'm not able to just leave her on her own and it isn't feasible, due to the crush at half time to take her with me! There are many elderly, unstable, less mobile supporters who sit near us and who I'm sure would benefit from something warm at half time. However, for similar reasons they don't or can't go for a warm drink for fear of falling, getting burned or even getting knocked over and causing someone else harm. I would like to see some kind of system where the less able could pre-order a warm drink or something to eat that could then be delivered to them in their seat at half time. I have heard comments about the quality of food being offered and also that there seems to be a neglect of local produce. Huddersfield Town take pride in being the Yorkshire Club. In my opinion, Sodexho should support the same values on a match day offering more locally sourced produce be it Seabrook Crisps rather than Walkers, Town Tea rather than PG Tips and locally sourced burgers, sausage instead of the imitation alternatives. That's a good post with some decent suggestions, apart from the Town Tea. It's awful. Having said that, I dont ever have a tea at the games. Had a box of Town Tea bought as a present last year, sits in the cupboard unopened, whenever I think i'll risk one I see a post like this and I think.... nah!  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 22:14:24 GMT 1
I know we all have gripes about the catering but although the problems we as individuals face seem simplistic, to the caterers they're not always that straightforward.
Take the Watford game, normally in the NSL, there's a long queue for the beer trailer, and the queue for the food is usually about the same (normally both too long for everybody to get served before the end of half time).
At the last home game, there was practically nobody at all queuing for beer, and a massive queue for hot food and drink. I guess that's because it was a cold day, but is the fluctuation in demand predictable?
Lots of good suggestions coming through on the thread, I think we acknowledge it will never be cheap, but if the quality is good then its justifiable.
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Post by ShortbreadPete on Jan 20, 2015 22:16:10 GMT 1
1) Staff who have a better understanding of English and are better trained re their products, prices and serving systems
2) Lower prices
3) Locally sourced ales (even if bottled)and food
4) A stockcheck well ahead of the gates opening to ensure quantities and basics are all in place
5) A manager with radio contact who could problem and stock solve
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2015 22:24:52 GMT 1
Introduce gluten free and vegetarian food (I'm neither, and will never buy food at a football ground, but people I'm with are, want to, and cant).
Also... non fizzy soft drinks please.
Change the coffee supply, its dirge.
Staff that can add up, takeaway, and understand everyday English. A simple test would be to see if they can fulfil a simple request for a Cornish pasty warming in amongst pies without having to use hand gestures or have it explained that a Cornish pasty is not a cheese and onion pie nor a hot dog.
Don't take the pass with pricing of long shelf life non heated products like crisps and sweets. A personal bag of bog standard Walkers should NOT cost more than a family sharing sized bag of Tyrells.
I don't know how doable it is what with the stadium sponsor and your own supply chain, but if you want to BE THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE.... then to head in that direction you need to be selling some local fresh produce, craft beers from microbrewers and the like.... pies from Bolster Moor farm, ice cream from one of the many local producers (maybe not in January tho).
Sell this stuff where you can't get the volume for the whole stadium through small "pop up units". The aim is to sell out. Change the suppliers regularly. You'll have smaller margins obviously from these units selling non mass produced stuff, but providing a service is not just about profits.
And most importantly....
Put some charity collecting buckets in your outlets. I don't want a pocket full of 10p's, but the Town Foundation or Keep It Up (or whoever the rugby club get behind on those days) might. Show some corporate social responsibility and act in the manner that Dean Hoyle runs his football club. People generally like Dean and get behind his campaigns and efforts...hes a good model to follow.
And lets face it... if you have a sign up saying that fans donated £100,000 through donations made within your units, we're probably more likely to support you and help you in future.
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Chicken George
Andy Booth Terrier
Wise men sing, only fools rush in, but I cant help falling in love with you.....
Posts: 3,019
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Post by Chicken George on Jan 20, 2015 22:51:37 GMT 1
Main gripe is having to queue for a long time, only to find most of the items I want have been sold out and to be told, try another stall - Sorry, but Im not going to queue up for another 10 mins elsewhere to be told the same. If you have loads of items in one area, share them out, or even better, have enough stock! Its not rocket science that one.
Pre pulled pints is a must - Other clubs, other events can do it way faster, you just need to think smarter - Someone suggested a token booth to pre purchase beer tokens and then just go to the separate line and hand over, and get instantly handed your pre pulled pint.
The small extra stand in the FM upper was a good idea, just totally in the wrong place which meant you had two queues in opposite directions causing yet more people congestion - not a bad idea, just needs a bit more thought.
pricing is always a touchy one, everything is over priced - I would buy more if it was more reasonable but then I also understand the monopoly of where you and its par for the course to charge event attendees silly money - doesn't make it right though
Better trained staff who comprehend English - appreciate it might be cheap but in a busy environment, its not fair on them or the paying punters.
as per scoffa, ID badges and clearly marked who is on the in duty Team Leader (visible and accessible) who you can speak to when escalating a problem who has the power and common sense to be able to resolve it
Hope that helps
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Post by Cole on Jan 21, 2015 0:25:08 GMT 1
Do you have regulations/guidelines on hiring staff? Without trying to insult too much, I feel that I as a 15 year old could do a much better job than 90% of the catering staff who look like they couldn't be arsed and spend 20 minutes trying to work out the change. Maybe you need to look at hiring more enthusiastic people? (Maybe not as easy as it sounds)
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Post by Jiffrtd on Jan 21, 2015 0:40:41 GMT 1
Generally the service is painfully slow. How you change that well, you are the experts but some good ideas posted. I don't think this is generic as some staff are great. It's difficult to have such a high demand over a 15 minute period but it is affecting your revenue. Assuming average queue is 200 with an average spend of £5 I would guess that at least 20% turn away or don't bother that's £200 top line and with your mark ups, well you know the score...... Also very keen to understand why FML menu is different. Enjoy a bovril or oxo but told not available in this section. Also the pie variety is limited in FML. And a £5 free voucher for the L**ds match for everyone who has given a valid reply  ?? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2015 0:42:03 GMT 1
Do you have regulations/guidelines on hiring staff? Without trying to insult too much, I feel that I as a 15 year old could do a much better job than 90% of the catering staff who look like they couldn't be arsed and spend 20 minutes trying to work out the change. Maybe you need to look at hiring more enthusiastic people? (Maybe not as easy as it sounds) Your job is in the NSL, don't be thinking you can go moonlighting flipping burgers. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2015 0:45:56 GMT 1
On the staffing issue, the numbers of agency workers we had kind of validate everybodies concerns.
Similair to the stewards,the ones employed on a more permanent basis tend to be much better.
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Post by drfootball on Jan 21, 2015 1:42:43 GMT 1
Do some special offers for kids , my kids love a match day pie or hot dog but at £3.50 -£4.00 a chuck I'm more likely to pre buy a snack before we go but at £2 each say ....
Well I'd be giving u at least £8 a match u currently don't get off me ......
Hmmmm pie
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Post by otium (EPBS) on Jan 21, 2015 6:26:02 GMT 1
The whole concourse thing is a disaster anyway. OK, lets get some large-breasted girls in silver bikinis serving on. Black football managers need not apply as some "positive discrimination" is whats required!! The TVs need to be always on, with volume and showing the Skysports half-time round up...not the Huddersfield Town centre-circle. Position them where the queue can see and the vast majority of fans drinking too...not by the stinking loos! How about local pie and peas in a cardboard bowl? Finally, get your staff to wear L**ds shirts to get the crowd fired up for the second half  |
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Post by tafftheterrier on Jan 21, 2015 8:17:02 GMT 1
I have some home brew on the go I could sell that, 500ml bottles at £2 each.
Surely they would go down a treat.
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Post by Is It Eidur Gudjohnsen on Jan 21, 2015 11:37:55 GMT 1
The whole concourse thing is a disaster anyway. OK, lets get some large-breasted girls in silver bikinis serving on. Black football managers need not apply as some "positive discrimination" is whats required!! The TVs need to be always on, with volume and showing the Skysports half-time round up...not the Huddersfield Town centre-circle. Position them where the queue can see and the vast majority of fans drinking too...not by the stinking loos! How about local pie and peas in a cardboard bowl? Finally, get your staff to wear L**ds shirts to get the crowd fired up for the second half
You are a disgrace showing clear discrimination there.......what about girls who want to wear black bikinis, or red, or blue and white!!!
Tsk
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Post by goodshot (FGS) on Jan 21, 2015 12:35:18 GMT 1
Three very simple things:
Get some decent locally grown pork pies in.
Bacon baps.
One decent guest beer.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2015 12:42:48 GMT 1
Three very simple things: Get some decent locally grown pork pies in. Bacon baps. One decent guest beer. I'm no farmer but I don't think pork pies are grown mate. |
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Post by goodshot (FGS) on Jan 21, 2015 13:07:10 GMT 1
Three very simple things: Get some decent locally grown pork pies in. Bacon baps. One decent guest beer. I'm no farmer but I don't think pork pies are grown mate. So you want Dutch pork? Where is Superholt when you need him. |
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Post by goodshot (FGS) on Jan 21, 2015 13:13:13 GMT 1
How hard can it be to make a decent bacon roll. Cambridge won the football food of the year award on the strength of its bacon baps a couple of years ago, and how about those speciality sausages at Fulham.
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Post by oldmanboothy on Jan 21, 2015 13:46:37 GMT 1
The quality of what is on offer is just abysmal for the price. I just don't understand why a nice pint can't be served? I have never ever enjoyed drinking a beer at the ground when I've had the misfortune of trying one. Metallic tasting urine. If you could serve your customers nice beer you might find that a lot more would be partial to a pre match beer (as well as a half time beer). Pie quality is OK but as mentioned before stock control is a real issue and needs addressing. Staff are slow and the queues at half time are just unacceptable (I don't bother as I refuse to miss any of the match due to inept catering staff supplying a poor and overpriced product). For the prices you are charging there must be a hell of a profit margin because the company certainly aren't paying for quality products. In short, improve the product and the staff and you may find that people are more willing to pay the price...
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Post by Essex Terrier on Jan 21, 2015 14:10:57 GMT 1
On the staffing issue, the numbers of agency workers we had kind of validate everybodies concerns. Similair to the stewards,the ones employed on a more permanent basis tend to be much better. but more expensive, as they are the regular, reliable guys who are sought out by other employers. UK job vacancies are now back above 2008 (pre-recession) levels, so people can vote with their feet. SODEXO@HTAFC want to employ the youngest and cheapest with no thought to skills or abilities or staff retention. Many of us will work daily within margins an understand the cost/benefit equation but I really do think that Sodexo are providing we Town supporters with very very poor produce, poorly trained and poorly motivated staff which results in a an almost insulting level of customer satisfaction. I want them to do well, I really do, and it does not matter to me whether they make a big profit or a teeny, tiny one, but they absolutely have to look at their own procurement, their staffing levels and staff retention and at service levels as I for one (and I know there are many others) will do all we can to avoid buying from them. From personal experience of their staff, whether it be front line or management shuffling around in the background, is that Sodexo don't really care very much about us as customers (anyone ever been TALKED to by one of these guys? It costs them nothing, but how useful could it be for them and for us as customers). I want them to do well because it has the opportunity to enrich my matchday experience, but all I see is that we are treated as cash-cows to be milked. Action points - 1) Lets have some local produce on sale - we are The Yorkshire Club, lets have some decent Yorkshire produce. 2) Improve the quality of what you sell. 3) Get some decent staff in and work on staff retention. Pay people what they are worth, not because they are the only ones who will work for you and treat them with respect. 4) Ever thought about putting the same (good) staff on the "Home" bars, so you get to know the people? I'm available for consultation and my rates are very reasonable for HTAFC!!! |
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Post by Essex Terrier on Jan 21, 2015 14:18:50 GMT 1
The whole concourse thing is a disaster anyway. OK, lets get some large-breasted girls in silver bikinis serving on. Black football managers need not apply as some "positive discrimination" is whats required!! The TVs need to be always on, with volume and showing the Skysports half-time round up...not the Huddersfield Town centre-circle. Position them where the queue can see and the vast majority of fans drinking too...not by the stinking loos! How about local pie and peas in a cardboard bowl? Finally, get your staff to wear L**ds shirts to get the crowd fired up for the second half Get in Oti!! See, it doesn't take much - how about some nice Sarmale?!! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2015 14:24:57 GMT 1
Ah yes , name badges ! That should do the trick .
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Post by bullterrier on Jan 21, 2015 14:54:50 GMT 1
Why not separate the beer from the food then they can concentrate on each one and do it better at that particular one. So one booth does food other beer, also I would serve mainly bottles and just have j smiths pulled save loads time. I would also like to see a better variety of food maybe sandwiches ,chips and maybe some offers on for kids snacks
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