Jamie Obletz, president of Delaware North Sportservice and U.K., recently traveled to the United Kingdom to visit Wembley Stadium, London Stadium, Emirates Stadium and the Stadium of Light, all professional sports venues where Delaware North U.K. serves as hospitality partner. Pictured in Delaware North’s suite at Wembley Stadium during the seventh night of Coldplay concerts, from left to right, are Brenden Schwenn, head chef; Adam Killingley, junior sous chef; Henry Horlock, culinary apprentice; Obletz; Harry Lomas, head of culinary; and James Smith, junior sous chef.
The photo also represents four levels of culinary mentorship at Wembley Stadium – Lomas mentors Schwenn, who works with Killingley and Smith (former culinary apprentices who have ascended to junior sous chefs). Killingley and Smith are mentoring current apprentice Horlock, a West Herts College student pursuing a diploma in professional cookery.
“This layered approach to development reflects our belief that every day is an opportunity to learn – and that with the right support, today’s apprentice could be tomorrow’s head chef,” Lomas said.
John Kolaski (JK) (center), president of Patina Group, and Evan Wargo (far right), executive chef at Patina 250, recently appeared on “Most Buffalo,” an afternoon program on Buffalo’s NBC affiliate, WGRZ, hosted by Lauren Hall (far left), to discuss the launch of Hencraft – a fast-casual chicken concept. Hencraft’s first brick-and-mortar location is slated to open in January – across the street from Delaware North’s global headquarters in Buffalo and down the street from the WGRZ studios. Watch the full segment here.
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, on Aug.14 held an exclusive craft beer and food pairing to kick off the 2025 Mountaineer Brewfest, West Virginia’s premier craft beer celebration. John Greenwald, executive chef at Wheeling Island, developed a specially curated menu for the event, expertly pairing food and beverage items and providing attendees with an elevated culinary experience.
Pictured above: Greenwald and representatives from Brewfest spoke about the event during a live segment.
Pictured below: Kim Florence, general manager at Wheeling Island, announced the House of the Carpenter, a nonprofit serving the Upper Ohio Valley, as the 2025 charity beneficiary of the Brewfest during the beer and food pairing event. Florence has played an integral role in the annual celebration since its inception, and her dedication and vision have helped shape the event into a cornerstone of Wheeling’s events calendar.
Delaware North team members at corporate headquarters organized a Back-to-School Supply and Backpack Drive with Steve Forman, regional executive chef for Delaware North Sportservice and pastor at Christ Crusaders Assembly Church in East Buffalo. Thanks to the generosity of team members, Delaware North donated 3,400 school supplies to fill 160 backpacks for students who are members of the church.
Pictured packing backpacks with supplies on Aug. 31 (left to right) are Alex Schwartz, senior merchandise manager; Denise Gabala, paralegal; Annette Balon, legal assistant; Shelia Schostick (front row), project manager and supply drive captain; Forman; Marie Bell, technology director; Anne Marie Taggart, enterprise architect engineer; Bell’s husband; Melissa Lauricella, human resources enablement manager; and Lauricella’s son.
Gate City Casino, owned and operated by Delaware North in Nashua, N.H., in August held a successful Back-to-School Supply and Backpack Drive to support local students in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua. There were 130 donations, including 95 backpacks.
“We’re happy to support the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua and local students as the new school year begins,” said Andrew Gentile, general manager of Gate City Casino. “We thank our loyal patrons for their strong support of this effort.”
Gate City Casino team members (from left to right) Brian Smith, assistant general manager; Casey Harrison, marketing specialist; Ashley Godzyk, marketing coordinator; Mark Martino, marketing manager; Eric Bordley, slot technician manager; and Andrew Gentile, general manager; gather some of the donations collected during the drive.