Totti's, Bert's and Ms G's among the Merivale line-up opening at Allianz Stadium
Even with mega venues Ivy and Establishment under his belt, the launch of 64 food and beverage outlets and restaurant spin-offs in one fell swoop is a challenging task for Merivale chief Justin Hemmes.
If the job he and his team face when Allianz Stadium opens its doors in a little over a fortnight is tricky, the number of workers required in a tight labour market is daunting.
"There were 1262 [staff] for the rugby test next door at the SCG a few weeks ago. We anticipate we'll need around 1100 to 1200 at the new stadium," Hemmes says.
He offered Good Food a sneak preview of the F&B at Allianz Stadium, where sports fans will be able to loosen up with a pre-game negroni and oysters and spend half-time with steamed prawn dumplings or El Loco tacos.
Merivale was fortunate to have a summer of cricket and a cross-code footy season at the SCG to iron out some bumps and get a feel for sports fans' consumption and spending habits.
With shorter-format sport more dominant at Allianz, Merivale has tailored many of the outlets to quality but fast delivery.
The Dan Hong-led Ms G's Noodles & Dumplings – with dumplings, pork buns, and salt-and-pepper squid – is making its stadium debut.
General admission include Jimmy's Falafel, El Loco and Vinnie's Pizza. There's also sushi, fish and chips, and healthy bowls.
After research trips to the newest and best stadia in the world, Hemmes says Sydney will now offer a comparable experience.
In the members concourse, Bert's Bistro, a spin-off of the luxe Newport eatery, will serve grilled lobster in garlic butter, duck liver crostini and wagyu with bearnaise.
Nearby, executive chef Mike Eggert was putting the finishing touches to the menu for the stadium version of Totti's.
"We'll focus on pasta; it'll all be cooked to order. I went with what I thought the crowd would appreciate," Eggert explains.
Totti's Pasta Bar – which will also offer a range of antipasti dishes, will be available to sit down or takeaway.
"If you want to take it to your seat, go for it," the chef says. Bolognese pappardelle will be included on an opening menu that will have one or two exclusions.
"I'm not doing meatballs; I don't want to be responsible for projectiles," the chef quips.
Allianz Stadium opens on August 28 with a free community day. The Roosters play the Rabbitohs on September 2.
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Scott Bolles writes the weekly Short Black column in Good Food.