Sodexo new vendor for Austin's F1 track

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) - Circuit of The Americas, site of the future Formula One races east of Austin, has chosen Sodexo as its food and beverage services partner.

Sodexo is a global leader in high-volume concessions, catering and hospitality management with a proven ability to manage large-scale events on international stages, according to COA officials.

Sodexo will design, manage and deliver all aspects of concession services including catering, food and beverage service, hospitality and associated vendor management for COA.

“Sodexo has great experience managing large-scale and innovative events around the world that enhance the fan experience,” said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “Their team fully understands the need to host and entertain an international audience to exceed fan expectations. At Circuit of The Americas, they will be integrating a global capability with the unique flavors of our region to provide fans a truly memorable experience.”

Sodexo ’s work was recently on display at Royal Ascot, one of the top horse racecourses in the United Kingdom and the largest catering contract in Europe. The company launched the first ever Royal Ascot Fashion Show as a hospitality package featuring world-class designers, as well as a nightclub on the Ascot site. Both additions to the event were well received by fans and broke new ground for the historic facility.

COA officials said the company also understands the expectations a Formula 1 event brings. It recently managed the inaugural Indian Grand Prix and successfully managed catering and concessions to a record-breaking 310,000 visitors at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone in 2009. The company also supported the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2008.

“We are thrilled to bring our Formula 1 event experience to Circuit of The Americas, a truly one-of-a-kind venue in one of the great food regions of the world,” said Steve DiPrima, president of Sodexo Leisure Services Division. “We know Tex-Mex, Gulf seafood, southern-style cooking and barbecue are great Texas food traditions, and we also know a Formula 1 event brings high expectations for world-class fare. Our team will be tasked with elegantly blending them all together while providing flawless service for the entire festival week in Austin. I believe the F1 race will be the start of a great relationship between Sodexo and Circuit of The Americas.”

Other notable international experience includes serving as the hospitality and ticketing/marketing partner for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Sodexo has served as the official food and beverage provider for many of the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1988. They also provide high-volume concessions to specialized suite and backstage catering for The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Local vendors expressing an interest in serving food on large event days at the venue can contact Sodexo at: circuitoftheamericas@sodexo.com