Delaware North takes home Leader in Foodservice Award; Abramson reflects on Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex experience

Delaware North’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, Rick Abramson, accepted a Leader in Foodservice Award on behalf of the company at Wednesday's portion of the 8th Annual FARE Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
 
The awards are given to companies that exemplify the evolution and potential of foodservice in their respective channels.
 
“Delaware North is an international company that manages to deliver a hyperlocal experience across the locations it serves,” said Abbie Westra, who moderated a panel discussion featuring Abramson and his fellow winners, including leadership from Michigan State University, Panera Bread and RaceTrac.
 
For Abramson, who discussed Delaware North’s global reach, there is one company-operated location that continues to resonate with him.
 
“I’m blessed with the cornucopia of experiences that I’ve had in this business,” Abramson said. “I think the most meaningful thing I’ve done or been a part of is Kennedy Space Center, where we aren’t just the food and beverage providers. We do everything but launch the rockets. To be able to sell a cold beer and terrific food at a ballgame – and at world-class events such as the Super Bowl – is wonderful, and there are many memorable moments. But to be able to nourish the minds of people at our exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – that is something special and something that I cherish.” 
 
Earlier in his career, Abramson served as president and chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which Delaware North operates for NASA.
 
During his eight-year tenure, he turned the visitor complex into one of the most visited attractions in Central Florida. Of his achievements in Florida, Abramson is most proud of the $130 million redevelopment initiative he oversaw, which included opening the world-renowned Apollo/Saturn V Center, International Space Station Center and Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. Additionally, he managed the opening of several visitor complex educational programs and exhibits, including Astronaut Encounter, Mad Mission to Mars 2025, Early Space Exploration, Exploration in the New Millennium and the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility.