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Events DC and Aramark Officially Kick Off New Food & Beverage Partnership at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

April 9, 2019

Partnership Will Bring New and Innovative Catering Options, Including New Local DC Eats Brand


WASHINGTONApril 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Events DC and Aramark officially started their new food and beverage partnership this week at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. In their new role at the Convention Center as food and beverage provider, Aramark's first client is currently long-time Events DC's client, the Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association (WANADA), servicing the 2019 Washington Auto Show.

Immediate changes under Aramark's new leadership at the Convention Center will include the unveiling of an innovative new food and beverage brand, called "DC Eats." "DC Eats" will unify the marketing, branding and sales of all food and beverage services provided at the Convention Center.  The DC Eats brand represents a commitment to creating a distinct and authentic experience that embodies Washington, DC's diversity, cultural heritage and flourishing culinary scene.

"We're thrilled to officially onboard and welcome Aramark as the Walter E. Washington Convention Center's newest food and beverage provider.  Through this new partnership, we look forward to raising the bar of food and beverage services provided, inclusive of forward- thinking and innovative approaches that exceed current industry standards – whether a convention or gala of tens of thousands," said Gregory A. O'Dell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Events DC.  "Future new offerings will highlight enhanced food and beverage operations through new mobile technology, a showcase of local DC businesses and exciting new catering menu options." 

Future projects will focus on transforming the food and beverage experience with new and innovative catering menus and retail food concepts, with an emphasis on local, quality, convenience, healthy and personalization.

"We are excited to expand our partnership with Events DC and look forward to leveraging our industry insights to deliver a unique and innovative food and beverage program for guests at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center," said Carl Mittleman, President of Aramark's Sports and Entertainment division. "We're ready to get to work and build a hospitality brand that elevates the service experience, as well as celebrates the cuisine, culture and history of Washington, DC."

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with Aramark, as one of the premier hospitality organizations across the nation.  With this partnership, we are excited to expand our food offerings paired with exceptional service," saidSamuel Thomas, senior vice president and general manager of Events DC and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. "At Events DC, it remains our goal to demonstrate our commitment to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center as a true world-class venue with a world-class hospitality experience to match."  

Later this year, the Convention's Center Grand Lobby will undergo an expansive renovation.  Plans for the Grand Lobby will include the addition of mobile dining options and a new market at the L Street Entrance of the building, which will feature local brands, representing the best of Washington, DC.

Aramark currently provides cleaning services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and exclusive food and beverage offerings at the newly opened Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights, managed by Events DC. Aramark is also the official concessionaire at DC's notable Capital One Arena, operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment. 


About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.

About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, state-of-the-art healthcare providers, the world's leading educational institutions, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. Our 270,000 team members deliver experiences that enrich and nourish millions of lives every day through innovative services in food, facilities management and uniforms. We work to put our sustainability goals into action by focusing on initiatives that engage our employees, empower healthy living, preserve our planet and build local communities. Aramark is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE, as well as an employer of choice by the Human Rights Campaign and DiversityInc. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Ashley Forrester, 202-439-7109, aforrester@eventsdc.com