NEWS RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Christopher Whitcomb, Delaware North Companies
(716) 858-5773
cwhitcom@dncinc.com

Delaware North Companies Hosts Fall Food and Beverage Summit at The Lodge at
Yosemite National Park
Bi-annual event brings together some of the best minds in the culinary world

BUFFALO, NY (January 11, 2008) – Delaware North Companies hosted its third ever Food and Beverage Summit at the Lodge at Yosemite National Park. More than 45 food and beverage professionals were on hand from all areas of Delaware North Companies including Gaming & Entertainment, Parks & Resorts and Sportservice.

Participants were able to offer their insights into the current trends in the food and beverage industry. Many discussions were focused on how to control variable costs and improving upon the company’s existing ‘green’ efforts.

“This is our third food and beverage summit and each one seems to be more successful than the last,” Delaware North Companies Vice President of Food and Beverage Christian De Vos said. “It’s important that our company’s culinary leaders get together during the year and talk about best practices and how we can improve as a company.”

According to De Vos one of the key focuses of the meeting was to identify key trends within the food service industry.

Participants came to numerous conclusions regarding current and future trends including the belief that guests continue to be interested in a wide range of food choices as well as smaller portions.  Guests also seem to be seeking healthier options with bold flavors. One of the more prevalent trends is the growing enthusiasm for ‘fusion cuisine’ which involves standard American food with enticing Pan Asian, Central American, South American and Mediterranean flavors.

“That’s why we hold these events,” explained De Vos. “We need to always be on top of the current trends and always looking to what’s coming next. That’s how we can make sure Delaware North remains a culinary leader.”

Presentations highlighted each day of the summit including programs by Christine Letchinger, professor in the school of hospitality at Kendall College and Gary Armitage, director of sales at The BALSAMS and co-author of The Wealthy Waiter. This book features an interesting look at the waiter’s profession and how to be successful in the food service industry. The second day featured reports, updates and discussions from many of the company’s units. Select vendors including Schulstad Bakery and Ocean Spray were also invited to present. Attendees also enjoyed an enjoyable and educational wine-pairing seminar given by the Foster group along with meals served and prepared at the legendary Ahwahnee Hotel.

Delaware North Companies currently plans to hold two summits a year. The next is scheduled for July of 2008 and will focus on ‘food to go’ and ‘one-hand-food’ concepts.

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About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International, TD Banknorth Garden and American Park ‘n Swap. Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues exceeding $2 billion annually and 40,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit http://www.delawarenorth.com/.