Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Contacts: Dan Silver
dsilver@nyrainc.com
Theresa Mullen
tmullen@ushgnyc.com
DANNY MEYER’S UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP TO DEBUT EXCITING CULINARY OFFERINGS AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE INCLUDING BLUE SMOKE, SHAKE SHACK AND THE PADDOCK BAR
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has formed a multi-year partnership with The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) to create a unique culinary experience at historic Saratoga Race Course. Operated by USHG’s Union Square Events, the offerings will include Shake Shack and Blue Smoke in close proximity to the paddock saddling area. In addition, Union Square Events will design, construct and operate The Paddock Bar, serving exciting specialty cocktails, beer and wine.
“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “Mr. Meyer’s critically acclaimed restaurants have long offered New York City residents and visitors an unparalleled dining experience, and we can’t wait to introduce our loyal guests at Saratoga Race Course to their culinary and hospitality expertise.”
Thoroughbred racing has no finer setting than Saratoga Race Course, named by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Ten Sports Venues of the 20th Century. On Friday, July 23, the gates will open at Saratoga for a 40-day race meet that will conclude on Labor Day, Monday, September 6. Among the highlights, guests will enjoy pulled pork sandwiches and Kansas City spareribs at Blue Smoke, ShackBurgers, hot dogs and frozen custard at Shake Shack and a collection of innovative and classic cocktails, beer and wine at The Paddock Bar.
“My colleagues and I are excited to have the opportunity to bring a collection of our culinary offerings to this beautiful, storied setting,” shares Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group. “I’ve made family pilgrimages to the “Spa” since I was 15 years old, and it is going to be a thrill to bring our food and hospitality to my favorite track. We look forward to being a part of this cherished summer pastime in upstate New York, and hope our food will be another reason racing fans look forward to going to Saratoga Race Course.”
This partnership reflects Union Square Events recent growth, diversification and evolution from a single-focus catering operation to one that also specializes in producing large scale events and premium culinary solutions for sports and cultural institutions. Union Square Events (formerly Hudson Yards Catering) has earned acclaim as an innovative hospitality leader for its role in creating and operating USHG’s culinary offerings at The New York Mets’ Citi Field, and also for Public Fare, its open-air cafe at the Public Theater at The Delacorte in Central Park.
About Union Square Hospitality Group
Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) includes some of New York City's most beloved establishments: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Tabla, Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard, Shake Shack, The Modern, Cafe 2 and Terrace 5, located at The Museum of Modern Art, El Verano Taquería and Box Frites (both at Citi Field), Maialino, Union Square Events and Hospitality Quotient, a learning business. USHG is best known for its blend of excellent food and its unique style of warm hospitality. Actively involved in the community, USHG and its employees are committed to extending its enlightened hospitality beyond the walls of its restaurants. The company supports an array of hunger relief organizations including Share Our Strength and City Harvest; civic organizations such as NYC & Company, Union Square Partnership, and the Madison Square Park Conservancy; and other causes including the Hospice Unit at Beth Israel Hospital for which it prepares and delivers meals to its patients. Meyer, his restaurants, and chefs have earned an unprecedented 21 James Beard Awards, as well as numerous other media accolades. For the past decade, Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe have vied for #1 and #2 among Zagat’s Most Popular Restaurants in New York. www.ushgnyc.com
About NYRA
Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2009, more than 1.6 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races alone totals more than $9.3 million every race day. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com.
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