Lindley Venue Catering has entered into a seven-year joint venture with Gillingham Football Club worth £21.3m, taking over from incumbent caterer Compass Group.
The Npower League 2 club has partnered with the specialist sports stadia catering division of the Lindley Group in a bid to maximise potential sales revenue from both match day and non-match day hospitality catering sales at the club's Priestfield Stadium in Kent.
Paul Scally (pictured right), chairman of Gillingham FC, indicated that Lindley's success at other football stadia contracts had influenced the club's choice of catering partner.
He said: "We have contacts throughout the footballing world, and those using Lindley's services all spoke highly of them.
"We were well aware of their reputation for operating retail outlets at various sporting venues, and although that was important to us we also wanted an operator who would help us capitalise on our superb conference and banqueting facilities.
Among the ideas currently being discussed is the possibility of hosting outdoor music concerts in the stadium, Scally added.
Adam Elliott (pictured left), chief executive of Lindley Group, said: "Gillingham FC has invested heavily in the infrastructure and facilities at Priestfield, and the club has been single-minded in its ambition and commitment to equip the stadium to the very highest standards expected of a top-flight football venue.
"Our aim is to share our knowledge and expertise in stadia catering, sales and marketing, and large-scale event management to ensure the financial return generated by Gillingham's catering, conference and banqueting operation reaps the maximum rewards from their substantial capital investment."
Last week Lindley announced it had won a five-year contract with Sheffield Wednesday Football Club worth £8.2m.
Lindley wins £8.2m contract with Sheffield Wednesday FC >>
Lindley scores £10.5m catering contract at Huddersfield Town stadium >>
Lindley wins £2m contract extension at Spurs football ground >>
By Janie Stamford
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