Blazers Replace Ovations With Levy Restaurants For Rose Garden Food Services

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Thursday that Ovation Food Services has been replaced by Levy Restaurants as the official food and beverage provider at the Rose Garden.

"After a long and in-depth selection process, we are pleased to be partnering with who we believe is the top food and beverage provider in the world, Levy Restaurants," said Chris McGowan, Trail Blazers President & CEO. "With its broad relationships with other NBA teams and major venues around the world, Levy will deliver an award-winning food and beverage vision, along with premium hospitality and service. They will play a critical role in our goal of enhancing the fan experience in the Rose Garden and Rose Quarter."

"The Rose Quarter campus is a true epicenter of culture, hosting an array of events, from NBA basketball, live theatre, concerts, exhibitions and so much more," said Andy Lansing, President & CEO of Levy Restaurants. "Struck with Blazermania, we are thrilled to dive into the eclectic local culinary scene to capture the spirit and flavors of this truly trail blazing region. We can't wait to welcome fans to yet another great gastronomic experience in Portland."

The choice of Levy Restaurants concludes a search process that covered more than 13 weeks, with five competitors vying for the opportunity. The Rose Garden becomes the 22nd NBA home venue utilizing Levy Restaurants to oversee food and beverage services. Levy's list of NBA arenas and clients includes AmericanAirlines Arena, home of the reigning NBA Champion Miami Heat; the Houston Rockets' Toyota Center; United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls; and the newly-opened Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets.

"What excites us most about Levy Restaurants are their plans to celebrate Portland's dynamic and diverse culinary culture in the offerings our guests can experience starting next season," said Chris Oxley, Trail Blazers Vice President of Operations.

Allan Brettman of The Oregonian reports that the Blazers had been with Ovations since 2005.

The Blazers also decided to drop AEG, which had managed the Rose Garden, this week, releasing this statement on Thursday.

"Trail Blazers, Inc. /Rip City Management (TBI/RCM) is continuing to implement its restructure initiative across all areas of operation. In full support of that, AEG Facilities and TBI/RCM mutually agreed to allow our Rose Quarter and Rose Garden Arena management contract to expire at the end of its current term. Rip City Management and the Trail Blazers would like to thank AEG for being outstanding partners for the past five years and value the many accomplishments achieved in partnership between our two organizations.

This change has positioned the TBI/RCM organization to return back to a self-operating facilities model much like what was in place when the Rose Garden opened 18 years ago. We look forward to continuing a positive business relationship with AEG going into the future."

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter