Food at Rogers (Question for season ticket holders)

Evilsports

Registered User
Aug 18, 2015
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Ok, going to change the criteria of my question on account of the apparent reality of limited in rink options...


Which restaurant within walking distance of Rogers would you eat at if you only had one opportunity to do so?
 

Evilsports

Registered User
Aug 18, 2015
915
814
Should also remind, "walking distance" on Dec 23rd, so likely somewhere around -40.

I'll have my vehicle but we're staying at the Coast so we'll just be walking to the game.
 

Paralyzer

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Should also remind, "walking distance" on Dec 23rd, so likely somewhere around -40.

I'll have my vehicle but we're staying at the Coast so we'll just be walking to the game.
The nice thing is, if the location is a bit further around downtown, there is the underground pedway to get there. So you won't have to be outdoors, if at all.
 

Drivesaitl

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Thanks. I didn't know about that.
You're going to be in the Coast on 105st 101ave? Theres no pedway connecting all the way to that. You'll have a quick walk to the former Bay building and you can walk indoors from there. Some of the pedway is underground, occasionally its an overpass pedway. Its all marked. Alternately your hotel is about a 5 block walk to the Arena. You'll want to walk 104st to see that street and several shops, restos along the way there.

If I was a visitor I would want to hit up the Arena district well before the game, take a look around there at the Marriot, the adjacent Casino, Ford Hall. the whole build is interesting to look at, then head for a dinner before game.

DOSC is a nice restaurant that would be on your way to the game.


It gets really good reviews and versatile menu and the place is conscientious about any dietary restrictions.

I mentioned before that Braven on main floor Marriot is a nice place to go for dinner. After the game you could check out the Alchemy bar which is a really nice spot in the Marriot. The Marriot is the hotel that is attached to arena and that housed the NHL bubble playoffs.
 

Drivesaitl

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Tips should never be required or asked.
I give a tip because I choose too, when you ask for a tip, I will give a second thought in coming back to the venue.
The business should be paying their employees enough that they shouldn't be asking for a tip.
A tip is only there if good business and good customer service is present in the transaction.
Tips are also meant to mitigate low wages which used to be tied to very low minimum wages in the service industry. Now minimum wage in this jurisdiction is 15 bucks. In about a decade its doubled or tripled from what it was. So that minimum wages proportionally have increased much more than other wages have.

In anycase the 10-20% tips, that the industry see's as "fair" result in unqualified servers getting more income, and much of it tax free, than a lot of people sitting at the tables paying. Said it before but I've known lots of servers that pull in hundreds of bucks a night in tips. Which they don't declare. On top of their wages which are now decent.
 
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K1984

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Tips are also meant to mitigate low wages which used to be tied to very low minimum wages in the service industry. Now minimum wage in this jurisdiction is 15 bucks. In about a decade its doubled or tripled from what it was. So that minimum wages proportionally have increased much more than other wages have.

In anycase the 10-20% tips, that the industry see's as "fair" result in unqualified servers getting more income, and much of it tax free, than a lot of people sitting at the tables paying. Said it before but I've known lots of servers that pull in hundreds of bucks a night in tips. Which they don't declare. On top of their wages which are now decent.

I know someone personally that served at Rogers for one shift. She said that lots don't tip due to the high prices and then those tips get divvied up among all service staff so there isn't a lot going in individuals pockets in the end. Lots of people saying "sorry, tell your bosses to lower the prices and I'll have more money for tips."

Wasn't worth it so she pulled the plug.
 

Drivesaitl

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Oct 8, 2017
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Islands in the stream.
I know someone personally that served at Rogers for one shift. She said that lots don't tip due to the high prices and then those tips get divvied up among all service staff so there isn't a lot going in individuals pockets in the end. Lots of people saying "sorry, tell your bosses to lower the prices and I'll have more money for tips."

Wasn't worth it so she pulled the plug.
I was speaking of standard service in restaurants. For sure people wouldn't be tipping much at Rogers. They're already paying handsomely for tickets to the game and parking and food costs and everything else. The feeling of being taken to the cleaners would already be evident.

I avoid spending money there but have been to 3 events. Only time we ate there we had the food cart stuff instead of concessions food. We did the Indian one there and the Butter chicken was not good. Nor was the portion good. I come from Millwoods and it obviously doesn't compare to what I could get a block away from where I live.

its interesting that one of the selling points of the new Arena build was going to be how much better all the food options were going to be. But now that they got the arena built and funded they don't have to worry about any of that window dressing. The whole concept was bait anyway. They even talked about regular seat holders could have an app that tells them what the Concessions, or bar or washroom lineups were like. Is this available. Never heard anything about it since they said they would offer that. Anybody remember there was going to be sky paddock seating. That was nixed too. I would have paid for that viewing experience.
 

brentashton

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Jan 21, 2018
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Because I’m a third or fourth tier fan and not a STH, I’m curious…

Have any of you as season ticket holder ever been part of a survey or focus group on the food and drink offerings at the new Rogers?

As pointed out by others, it is unanimous on this site that you’re best to eat and imbibe “off campus” before or after the game, because the prices and selection are not great or in some cases even realistic. I’m ask, because when you invest that much into a facility you’d expect that they would want to deliver better than (below) average food and drink as part of the overall customer experience.
 

bellagiobob

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Jul 27, 2006
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Because I’m a third or fourth tier fan and not a STH, I’m curious…

Have any of you as season ticket holder ever been part of a survey or focus group on the food and drink offerings at the new Rogers?

As pointed out by others, it is unanimous on this site that you’re best to eat and imbibe “off campus” before or after the game, because the prices and selection are not great or in some cases even realistic. I’m ask, because when you invest that much into a facility you’d expect that they would want to deliver better than (below) average food and drink as part of the overall customer experience.
Not a current STH, but was for 40 years, and we filled out surveys every year, on a variety of subjects. My takeaway, based on my answers, was that they did the exact opposite of my suggestions every year. ;). Basically they don’t give a shit, or actually think their food offerings are great.
 
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Stoneman89

Registered User
Feb 8, 2008
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Not gonna lie, these weren't the responses that I expected. I guess I figured that with all the money spent on the new arena there'd be at least a couple good options for supper. Glad I asked! I'll pass it on to dad and we can find something outside the facility. Thanks guys.
Good call, but I would try to make reservations if you can wherever you go, as it can get quite busy, and then you and you dad won't have to wait in a line.

I went to the game last night

1 beer 14$
1 hotdog 8.25$

Then they have the audacity to ask for a tip...

Everyone else has said it. The food is dogshit and costs the moon. There are some great restaurants around the arena. If you just want some quick bar food, Campio is great! Joeys is always good too.
That hotdog price is even harder to take, when you can get one that's far better at Costco for a 1.50.:(
 

brentashton

Registered User
Jan 21, 2018
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Thanks. I didn't know about that.
Ya know, after we have all crapped on the food and beverage service at Rogers, I do hope you and your father enjoy a good hockey game and have a memorable time together. In 10-20 years you won’t remember the food or the score, but you will remember going to the game together. 👍
PS - I enjoy Gene and his schtick a lot, but your avatar is disturbing…😳
 

Morpheus

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It’s a shame that Coliseum Steak & Pizza didn’t open up a location nearby Rogers.

If a person wants to try something a little more fancy, I recommend Sofra. Hidden gem and highly rated. One of my favourites and walking distance. One tip, make a reservation ahead of time and plan to be there for an hour or longer. Ain’t no fast food:

 
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Evilsports

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Aug 18, 2015
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Ya know, after we have all crapped on the food and beverage service at Rogers, I do hope you and your father enjoy a good hockey game and have a memorable time together. In 10-20 years you won’t remember the food or the score, but you will remember going to the game together. 👍
PS - I enjoy Gene and his schtick a lot, but your avatar is disturbing…😳
I'm sure you're right. Dad's the reason I'm a fan. Well Mr Gretzky had a bit of input as well.

I can still remember the crushing feeling of losing to the Isles. I can remember even more distinctly the feeling of my bare feet banging on the carpet as I laid on the floor in front of the tv a year later kicking in excitement as we watched them win their first cup.
 

brentashton

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Jan 21, 2018
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I'm sure you're right. Dad's the reason I'm a fan. Well Mr Gretzky had a bit of input as well.

I can still remember the crushing feeling of losing to the Isles. I can remember even more distinctly the feeling of my bare feet banging on the carpet as I laid on the floor in front of the tv a year later kicking in excitement as we watched them win their first cup.
Don’t change your avatar on my account! But this one is a fantastic looking dad and daughter avatar, I assume. Cheers.
 
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5 Mins 4 Ftg

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Because I’m a third or fourth tier fan and not a STH, I’m curious…

Have any of you as season ticket holder ever been part of a survey or focus group on the food and drink offerings at the new Rogers?

As pointed out by others, it is unanimous on this site that you’re best to eat and imbibe “off campus” before or after the game, because the prices and selection are not great or in some cases even realistic. I’m ask, because when you invest that much into a facility you’d expect that they would want to deliver better than (below) average food and drink as part of the overall customer experience.

I get a survey, sometimes two or more, per year which pertain to the overall customer experience including food and beverage. Not sure they do much about the responses though lol. But as has been said the many restaurants downtown are much better than arena food. That said I do enjoy Studio 99 which I tend to go to early pregame, that has gotten better each year. I wish they had a better beer selection however.

It’s a shame that Coliseum Steak & Pizza didn’t open up a location nearby Rogers.

If a person wants to try something a little more fancy, I recommend Sofra. Hidden gem and highly rated. One of my favourites and walking distance. One tip, make a reservation ahead of time and plan to be there for an hour or longer. Ain’t no fast food:


As a huge KISS fan I approve your avatar.

You could always visit one of the greatest pizza places on earth located right across the street from the arena. Good ol Boston Pizza.

Christmas turkey pizza mmmmm.
 
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Oilhawks

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Yeah, those are not bad. Also the pizza from the club section is better than other parts

I do echo the recommendation to eat nearby instead, though. I only eat at the arena if I’m running behind
 

Fixed to Ruin

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Christmas turkey pizza mmmmm.
1665164255933.png
 
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Stoneman89

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Feb 8, 2008
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It’s a shame that Coliseum Steak & Pizza didn’t open up a location nearby Rogers.

If a person wants to try something a little more fancy, I recommend Sofra. Hidden gem and highly rated. One of my favourites and walking distance. One tip, make a reservation ahead of time and plan to be there for an hour or longer. Ain’t no fast food:

Agree with the bolded 100 %. They are in a class of their own.
 

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