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Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2022 9:47 pm
by Darlo_Pete
I got a burger at the Rochdale game & it was tiny, very over priced and burnt, apart from that it was excellent. I'll not be buying again until things change.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 5:12 am
by lo36789
It obviously warrants a discussion but that is quite different to a prescribed legal requirement. It depends how the deal is structured as to what leverage we have.

Are the caterer paying a flat fee for the license to sell at DFC games so in effect what they sell is irrelevant to the football club. It is fundamentally in the caterers to sell a product people will buy otherwise they will suffer a loss.

Are the caterer sharing profits (or more true to life adding on a surplus to the price) so we effectively get a small part of each sale. It would fundamentally be in the caterers interest to sell a product people will buy as their return depends on it.

Are we paying the flat fee for catering and then we receive all the revenue. This would be the circumstance where the caterer to some extent wouldn't be affected by sales.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:22 am
by eddie-rowles
Enjoyed the match Mboro were very good and both our fullbacks knew they were in a game ,Lawlor struggled against both attackers, Wheater was very good. Agree Rivers works hard but unlikely to score but last season his delivery was poor and unfortunately it has continued into the friendlies with no end product along with Mondal and in a small squad I cannot see them keeping a couple of loanees out of the team. Maddison still struggling to get upto speed but optimistic he can get there. Thought we may have had a few more spectators.
Like many others tried the food pie and chips which was lukewarm, mentioned it to staff who said "Thanks"??? and turned hotplates on? Not sure it is hygienic (especially last season in rain) carrying cooked food from clubhouse to tinshed hut by kids, some covered, some not. I gave it a try and again won't be bothering again.

Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:10 am
by Darlogramps
lo36789 wrote:It obviously warrants a discussion but that is quite different to a prescribed legal requirement. It depends how the deal is structured as to what leverage we have.

Are the caterer paying a flat fee for the license to sell at DFC games so in effect what they sell is irrelevant to the football club. It is fundamentally in the caterers to sell a product people will buy otherwise they will suffer a loss.

Are the caterer sharing profits (or more true to life adding on a surplus to the price) so we effectively get a small part of each sale. It would fundamentally be in the caterers interest to sell a product people will buy as their return depends on it.

Are we paying the flat fee for catering and then we receive all the revenue. This would be the circumstance where the caterer to some extent wouldn't be affected by sales.
In four very badly-written paragraphs you’ve said absolutely nothing that hasn’t been said already.

The situation is pretty simple to understand.

The product is poor. Feedback is universally negative. People are making the football club aware so it’s now up to the football and rugby clubs to work together to improve the situation.

If they don’t, sales will decline and reputations will be damaged.

It doesn’t need anyone banging on about “objective parameters” and “prescribed legal agreements” to complicate matters.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:31 am
by AndyPark
See, I was at the Rochdale game and before the game - I got pie/peas and a plate of chips. I didn't think it was that bad at all.

But going by Social Media this weekend, they've had some bad reviews especially the burger photo that's floating about.
Hopefully feedback can be taken onboard and improvements can be done going forward.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:47 am
by spen666
Old Git wrote:
Sun Jul 24, 2022 8:46 am
... but away fans who may have traveled a long way and be looking forward to a gastronomic treat.....
Not words one normally hears to describe public catering ( as opposed to corporate hospitality) at any football ground, or other large event, unfortunately

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 10:04 am
by Old Git
spen666 wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:47 am
Old Git wrote:
Sun Jul 24, 2022 8:46 am
... but away fans who may have traveled a long way and be looking forward to a gastronomic treat.....
Not words one normally hears to describe public catering ( as opposed to corporate hospitality) at any football ground, or other large event, unfortunately
Yes I did over egg it a bit (forgive the pun), but on a more serious note if away fans or even home ones have traveled a long way and are relying on the food on offer they are going to be very disappointed. It is not as if there are loads of alternative catering establishments in the vicinity of the ground.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 10:43 am
by D_F_C
eddie-rowles wrote:Enjoyed the match Mboro were very good and both our fullbacks knew they were in a game ,Lawlor struggled against both attackers, Wheater was very good. Agree Rivers works hard but unlikely to score but last season his delivery was poor and unfortunately it has continued into the friendlies with no end product along with Mondal and in a small squad I cannot see them keeping a couple of loanees out of the team. Maddison still struggling to get upto speed but optimistic he can get there. Thought we may have had a few more spectators.
Like many others tried the food pie and chips which was lukewarm, mentioned it to staff who said "Thanks"??? and turned hotplates on? Not sure it is hygienic (especially last season in rain) carrying cooked food from clubhouse to tinshed hut by kids, some covered, some not. I gave it a try and again won't be bothering again.
I thought Mondal has looked good in pre season so far. He could surprise a few this season.

Whilst it wasn’t Rivers best season last year, he’s still a good player, probably won’t be starting as many as he has in the past but his defensive qualities will be better than Maddison or Lambert


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Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 11:21 am
by lo36789
AndyPark wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:31 am
See, I was at the Rochdale game and before the game - I got pie/peas and a plate of chips. I didn't think it was that bad at all.

But going by Social Media this weekend, they've had some bad reviews especially the burger photo that's floating about.
Hopefully feedback can be taken onboard and improvements can be done going forward.
Yeh I was at Rochdale and thought the feedback was pretty positive. You never know could have had a holiday / absence.
bga wrote:
Sat Jul 23, 2022 8:42 pm
Why not? We have a contract with them to provide food to an agreed standard surely?
I was responding directly to this. The practicality is the solution will be a conversation - it may just be a one off anyway.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:11 pm
by Wiseacre
The great pie hooha ad nauseum. The season can't start soon enough then we can get stuck into something more interesting. Why not bring our own pies anyway and support local businesses ? Back in the day a Zisslers pork special and Feethams Bovril made a grand afternoon's footie.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:26 pm
by Quaker85
Wiseacre wrote:The great pie hooha ad nauseum. The season can't start soon enough then we can get stuck into something more interesting. Why not bring our own pies anyway and support local businesses ? Back in the day a Zisslers pork special and Feethams Bovril made a grand afternoon's footie.
Probably because neither the rugby or football clubs will allow it?


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Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:41 pm
by Darlogramps
Wiseacre wrote:The great pie hooha ad nauseum. The season can't start soon enough then we can get stuck into something more interesting. Why not bring our own pies anyway and support local businesses ? Back in the day a Zisslers pork special and Feethams Bovril made a grand afternoon's footie.
The issue is more that fans are being ripped off with poor quality products which are too substandard in quality to justify the price.

Both the football club and rugby club made a big deal about how the catering arrangements were new and improved. We’ve yet to see anything to suggest the “improved” part of the arrangement has materialised.

Oh, and signing an exclusive deal on the catering means we can’t just bring our own pies to the ground (and that totally misses the point anyway - the food should be decent enough quality to not have to do that).

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:45 pm
by My opinion
Quaker85 wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:26 pm
Wiseacre wrote:The great pie hooha ad nauseum. The season can't start soon enough then we can get stuck into something more interesting. Why not bring our own pies anyway and support local businesses ? Back in the day a Zisslers pork special and Feethams Bovril made a grand afternoon's footie.
Probably because neither the rugby or football clubs will allow it?


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[/quote

I can't recall ever being searched for pies prior to entering the ground.
Anyway it would be Taylor's pies for me every time.]

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:26 pm
by Old Git
My opinion wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:45 pm
Quaker85 wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:26 pm
Wiseacre wrote:The great pie hooha ad nauseum. The season can't start soon enough then we can get stuck into something more interesting. Why not bring our own pies anyway and support local businesses ? Back in the day a Zisslers pork special and Feethams Bovril made a grand afternoon's footie.
Probably because neither the rugby or football clubs will allow it?


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[/quote

I can't recall ever being searched for pies prior to entering the ground.
Anyway it would be Taylor's pies for me every time.]
I totally agree it has to be Taylor’s every time. It seems criminal that we have a legendary pork pie maker based in the town and we go and serve up rubbish.
Maybe we could be missing a great marketing opportunity here. We have a great goalkeeper in Tommy Taylor and a great pie maker in Taylors. How about an advertising campaign with Tommy catching a pork pie with the tagline of “ Another great save by Taylor”.
Great publicity for all concerned and maybe we could get a free supply of pies 🤣

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:35 pm
by real_darlo_85
Old Git wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 10:04 am
spen666 wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:47 am
Old Git wrote:
Sun Jul 24, 2022 8:46 am
... but away fans who may have traveled a long way and be looking forward to a gastronomic treat.....
Not words one normally hears to describe public catering ( as opposed to corporate hospitality) at any football ground, or other large event, unfortunately
Yes I did over egg it a bit (forgive the pun), but on a more serious note if away fans or even home ones have traveled a long way and are relying on the food on offer they are going to be very disappointed. It is not as if there are loads of alternative catering establishments in the vicinity of the ground.
More likely to suffer from gastroenteritis if what I've seen on social media is anything to go by. That burger picture, if that is a true reflection of the standard of food on offer, is disgusting and needs resolving asap. As much as getting stuff right on the pitch is a priority, it is also the minor details off it that also make a difference.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:41 pm
by don'tbuythesun
Without starting a lunch/dinner and tea/dinner debate I've rarely felt the need to eat between 3 and 4.45! I've been partial to a chippy meal when I've rushed to an evening game especially when I need to thaw/dry out like Southport last season. Chorley definitely have it sorted. I still find it hard to believe there wasn't some sort of food tasting before a decision was made. I can do a fine m and s burger with cheese- it's not exactly masterchef level.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:08 pm
by lo36789
don'tbuythesun wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:41 pm
I still find it hard to believe there wasn't some sort of food tasting before a decision was made.
I think there was and they pitched and won.

Tbf few clubs I know just get other local companies in to do catering. The margins are so slim that you can see it as almost a chance to build community relationships, as all you end up doing by trying to take a cut is annoy people with higher prices.

Find a different local caterer each week and give them a spec for free and let them show off their product.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:17 pm
by TKOA
Did Taylor’s used to supply food at the arena? I remember at one point the sausage rolls and the pies were delicious. Maybe its something we can look into when we get our own ground. For now maybe they can stop cooking the burgers with a flamethrower, especially with the cost of fuel these days.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:20 pm
by Ghost_Of_1883
The caterers last year used to supply Taylors pies.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:34 pm
by bga
don'tbuythesun wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:41 pm
Without starting a lunch/dinner and tea/dinner debate I've rarely felt the need to eat between 3 and 4.45! I've been partial to a chippy meal when I've rushed to an evening game especially when I need to thaw/dry out like Southport last season. Chorley definitely have it sorted. I still find it hard to believe there wasn't some sort of food tasting before a decision was made. I can do a fine m and s burger with cheese- it's not exactly masterchef level.
Food heaven then as both games are within 3 days of each other! The diet can wait.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:52 pm
by Darlo_Pete
Yeh last season I used to buy a taylors pork pie from the van, it was overpriced but at least the quality was great.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:05 am
by TKOA
Ghost_Of_1883 wrote:
Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:20 pm
The caterers last year used to supply Taylors pies.
Ah right I didn't realise, I don’t get to as many home games as I used to! Majority are away for me now.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 4:05 pm
by Wiseacre
Those pies continued ... if we do as well as hoped next season the queue for a pie would be another reason for sticking one in your coat pocket on the way in. I take the point about supporting the club but when they dish up such crap food it's too bad. The goalie's pie connection is a good idea - what about Beck and a lager link ? :thumbup:

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 4:07 pm
by loan_star
Is the food crap or is it down to the people serving it up? If they can’t cook a burger properly they shouldn’t be anywhere near food prep.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 6:46 pm
by H1987
Just buy a bunch of pies and sausage rolls from Taylors and sell those. Bags of crisps and sweets for the kids. Just seems the easy option, everything from Taylors will be spot on anyway. Sold at a bit of a markup so everyone gets paid.

I must admit, as others have said above, i'm not the target audience as I don't really eat at that time, but I do try to call in Taylors whenever i'm in town. Indeed a pie is often on the matchday agenda, i'll just often have it at home for lunch.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:00 pm
by shildonlad
Sure taylors supplied feethams, now that was good catering, pie and chips spot on

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:31 pm
by theoriginalfatcat
I thought the whole idea of a pie (it’s U.S.P. If you like) is that for the purchaser it’s a convenient/tasty way of getting grub on the go - but for the seller it should be easy to provide, as in buy good stock and heat it up.

It’s a win/win - or should be.

Re: Darlington V Middelsbrough

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2022 11:59 am
by H1987
Also supports a local business too and it would surely be hard to bugger it up / lead to complaints.

Failing that, I wonder if there's actually some local food trucks who might fancy doing it? (i.e. not the lowest common denominator burger van stuff but the guys who go to food festivals etc). I think i've mentioned on here before I get to the odd Dulwich game down here and they often have different guys doing gyros, jerk chicken etc. I think a mix of it being a bit different and actually good quality food makes people buy something they otherwise wouldn't, and again you're supporting a local business that way. I think the way football fans are often viewed is semi-insulting, and they have to be served up the most basic, horrible food at a huge markup because 'that's what the people want' (i.e. working class therefore we have no tastebuds). I reckon that view is quite out of date.

Either way (going for taylors as they're reliable and good quality or getting a fancier option in) is better than just getting the rugby club to incinerate the worlds cheapest burgers and charging a big markup for it.