SAVOUR Manitoba

"Last season, we sold about 28,000 hot dogs over the course of 50 games." – MELISSA SCHLICHTING W hen a person or group of people makes something look easy, you know the task they're performing isn't as easy as it looks. at's the case with the Winnipeg Goldeyes' food and beverage department. Although they deliver food, drinks and dessert in a seemingly effortless manner at Goldeyes games, a lot of preparation and hard work goes on behind the scenes to keep patrons fed and hydrated. "We have the largest staff in the organization," says Melissa Schlichting, who has served as the Goldeyes' food and beverage manager for 10 years and counting. "Right now, we have 180 people on staff. Coordinating that many people is a big job in itself. We usually have about 80 people working each game just in the food and beverage department alone." Understandably, the concourse — where all concessions are located — is a beehive of activity whenever the Goldeyes play. "With 25 different concessions that offer food and drink, we're known as Winnipeg's best food court," she notes. "You can get perogies, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, samosas, Indian cuisine, hot dogs, hamburgers — you name it. ere's something for everyone." And while there's plenty of food being ordered on the busy concourse — most orders take place between the start of the game and the first and second inning and taper off from there — it isn't just being ordered on the concourse. "At every game, we'll have about 25 to 30 folks selling pop, beer and popcorn in the stands. People can also order through their phone, GOLDEYES FOOD & BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT THE MVP OF GOLDEYES GAMES BY TODD LEWYS "With 25 different concessions that offer food and drink, we're known as Winnipeg 's best food court." – MELISSA SCHLICHTING, GOLDEYES' FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER

• Cover