STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Yay — the FerryHawks won their first home game! And in the edibles department on opening day, cheers also came for a much-improved concession setup at a freshly renamed Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
The stadium’s new management kept on Legends Hospitality, the food and beverage operator of the former franchise. Menu items for the main concourse this year include traditional game fare like hot dogs —the Classic ($4.95,) Buffalo ($6.95) and the jumbo “Hawk” ($6.95) plus the Classic NYC Hot Dog ($4.95). Snacks included peanuts ($8), Cracker Jacks ($8), a whole-wheat soft pretzel ($7) and candy slightly larger than a softball served in a bag ($9). A machine cranked out doughnuts to order, packed in bakery boxes at four for $4.
In one of the main concessions, beer and soft drinks are offered from the same stand. In the former iteration of food services, this was not the case and the source of massive pileups in the stadium. In another move toward efficiency, cans and draught selections of mainstream brews are now sold from several portable bars.
On this inaugural night, offerings from various stations included 20-ounce domestic drafts and domestic beer can ($8), premium King can ($14), bottled water and fountain soda ($4.50) and premium 16-ounce draft beer ($9).
Beer drinkers buzzed about the Left Field “beer cave,” the only section of the facility with craft selections from Tompkinsville brewer Killsboro. With tax, it sold for $17.42 per can.
Of great interest among attendees were the local vendors — G’Knows Cheesesteaks of Port Richmond plus Ho’Brah and West Brighton’s Kettle Black. While the restaurants’ crews produced or assembled food in open kitchens, the Legends staff handled the serving of respective eats and drinks and performed the payment transactions.
In a major change of policy, the stadium no longer accepts cash. In its place, patrons can use credit or debit cards. Cash can be converted via a debit card at machines located in the facility. There is no charge for the card and it can be used outside Hawk City, one of the terms now used to describe the ball park.
“The new system is part of a growing trend to avoid touching cash and it moves lines more quickly,” FerryHawks president Eric Shuffler explained.
POSTIIVE FEEDBACK
In a poll of a dozen Staten Islanders at the game, the feedback was positive, for the most part. Patrons did point out hiccups with Legends’ service yet there was a general understanding and empathy from consumers that this was the first day and a massive undertaking.
Those interviewed felt prices were exceptionally high and each expressed great concern on the matter.
Said one South Shore resident who came as a suite guest, “But it’s Day One with the new people. They got it together. Moving forward, they’ll do a lot better. It was a lot different that what I expected.” And he was impressed with the eats that were a step up from classic ball park fare — fried artichoke hearts, chicken tenders and corn dogs. He reported “good quality mustard and dipping sauces.”
Al Gentile loved the stunning look of the turf field and also complimented the suite food. The St. George pharmacist said he has a vested interest in the new franchise’s success and thought Tuesday night set the tone for a great path ahead.
“I hope it brings more people to the neighborhood. I hope attendance is stronger in the future but I wish more people from St. George — rabid baseball fans, in particular — knew about the season opener,” he said. Gentile added how he chatted about the game with customers the following morning and shared his excitement. He said was met with comments like, “I didn’t know there was a game there last night.”
“We’ve got to get the word out about the FerryHawks. They’re looking great this year,” Gentile enthused.
West Brighton resident Jimmy Collins loved the overall experience and relished the night with his 13-year old son.
He spoke of “The Foodie Hawks” and said, “All the FerryHawks needed to win was some home cooking and all I needed to win this chilly night was the Great Wall wings from Kettle Black. Excellent! Crispy! The blend of teriyaki, soy and — my favorite, garlic — was as big a hit as the chants for Kelsie Whitmore by the FerryHawk fans! I’m looking forward to the next game — and more wings!”
Shuffler concluded, “It was a great night. Pulling it all together was a monumental task. We welcome the feedback from the fans. We’re still in the process of getting it better each day — but a great start.”
Pamela Silvestri is Advance food editor. She may be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
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