The St. Louis CITY SC food scene at CITYPARK has captured national attention, with Forbes magazine recently extolling the virtues of its revolutionary, 100 percent local approach. This unique strategy, featuring a lineup of exclusively local vendors, is setting a new standard for fan experiences nationwide and showcasing the city’s finest culinary talent.
According to CITY SC CEO Carolyn Kindle, the vision was to elevate the game-day experience by curating a world-class food program that encourages fans to explore restaurants beyond their own neighborhoods. “That was the vision,” Kindle noted in the Forbes article. The initiative, branded as “City Flavor,” was designed not just to feed fans but to showcase the rich diversity of St. Louis’ culinary landscape.
A key to its success is an innovative no-cost entry and revenue-sharing model that allows smaller, independent restaurants to operate within the stadium without the prohibitive upfront costs. This has allowed local favorites to thrive, and the impact is palpable. Fans have changed their game-day rituals, arriving as early as 90 minutes before kickoff just to take advantage of the myriad offerings. “I have friends who honestly go to matches just to eat,” Kindle shared. The model is so successful that other professional sports teams are now reaching out weekly to learn how they can replicate it.
The program is curated by Chief Experience Officer Matt Sebek and James Beard Award–winning chef Gerard Craft, who serves as the club’s “Chief Flavor Officer.” Craft has been instrumental in selecting the vendors and ensuring the lineup stays fresh by rotating in a handful of new restaurants each year.
Among the standout offerings is the food from Balkan Treat Box, owned by chef Loryn Nalic. She focuses on just two items for the stadium: a loaded fry with Balkan flavors and a dinner kabob available with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian option. The beef kabob, in particular, has become an iconic dish.
“As visiting fans come in and ask our locals what to eat, that beef kabob is the item everyone points to,” said Sebek. “Food this delicious should not be in a stadium. That has become our signature.”
Ultimately, the program offers a genuine slice of the city itself. “It really is a taste of St. Louis,” Nalic added. “If you have season tickets, every game is a new culinary experience, if that is what you choose.”
