Atlanta, GA – April 30, 2024 – Proof of the Pudding, a leader in food service management and catering for state-of-the-art convention centers, sports and entertainment arenas and college stadiums, today announced it will serve as the exclusive hospitality services provider for the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC) in Memphis, Tennessee.

Proof of the Pudding will manage hospitality and food and beverage services for the MSEC’s two Courtside Cafes and all special events, including parties, corporate gatherings and VIP suites, regional and national tournaments and exhibitions, collegiate scouting and performance training camps.

“This is an amazing sports destination within Liberty Park,” said Adam Noyes, CEO of Proof of the Pudding. “We’re excited to partner with the MSEC to offer a revitalized culinary program that enhances guest and athlete experiences and spotlights locally sourced food and flavors.”

The MSEC’s new catering menu offers choices such as the Memphis Breakfast, including buttermilk biscuits, scrambled eggs, Pecanwood smoked bacon, southern fried chicken with hot honey, and smothered and covered hashbrowns with smoked Gouda and caramelized onions. Customizable oatmeal, French toast and pancake bars, breakfast tacos and breakfast sandwiches, grab & go options and a la carte choices are also available.

New hearty lunch and dinner catering options include a rambling tailgate buffet, taco and guacamole bars, Italian specialties, pot roast and mac and cheese, fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. Desserts include caramel-filled churros with chocolate sauce, lemon bars, and double chocolate brownies.

Proof of the Pudding is also adding exciting new Courtside Cafe menu items, featuring fresh takes on favorites like pizza and introducing flavor-packed choices such as:

  • southwestern chicken quesadillas with ancho grilled chicken, cilantro, jalapenos, onions and Jack cheese
  • Proof’s signature burger with a double Angus beef patty, American cheese, not so secret sauce and pickles on a Martin’s potato roll.

Proof of the Pudding’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and scratch-made meals are completely in step with what consumers prefer.

“A great menu and service leave a lasting positive impression and contribute significantly to an event’s success, and Proof checks both those boxes,” said Andy Ballard, vice president of Eastern Sports Management, which oversees the MSEC operations. Ballard said the MSEC is also considering Proof’s enhanced digital technology and cashless purchasing options.

Proof of the Pudding brings its commitment to sustainable venue operations, including water conservation and waste reduction, offering compostable or recyclable eco-friendly service ware and straws, and eliminating the use of Styrofoam.

No stranger to Memphis, Proof of the Pudding has provided top-tier concessions and premier hospitality course-wide at the PGA TOUR FedEx St. Jude Championship since 2020.

About Proof of the Pudding

Based in Atlanta, GA, Proof of the Pudding has served top-notch cuisine, service and design for clients nationwide for more than 45 years. At state-of-the-art convention centers, sports arenas, collegiate stadiums, cultural landmarks, world-class golf courses, yacht shows and motorsports facilities, Proof’s passion for elevated hospitality, service and quality is served daily via custom creative menus. The Company’s list of partnerships includes PGA Tour, Gas South Arena, Michelin Raceway & Tower, The World of Coca-Cola, The Carter Presidential Center, Georgia Tech University, Duke University, Mississippi State University, Wake Forest University and Emory Sports Medicine Complex. Proof’s services include food service and venue management, premium sports and entertainment, large-scale corporate and social events and wedding catering, customer service training and catering consulting. The Company’s demonstrated expertise has been recognized with a variety of industry awards, most recently with BizBash’s Industry Innovator Award. In 2023, Proof of the Pudding received investment from Bruin Capital, a global sports and entertainment investment company.

About Memphis Sports and Events Center

Opened in 2021, the Memphis Sports and Events Center is a 227,000-square-foot sports and events facility that features 16 indoor basketball hard courts and 32 indoor volleyball hard courts. It is also host to wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, futsal and other events, as well as convocations and commencements, and has seating for 3,500 spectators. Located in the heart of Liberty Park, just outside Memphis’ Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the complex recently added a two-story NINJA 901 Adventure & Clip N’ Climb Course and an eSports gaming lounge.

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by Dina Biondo in Press