Corned beef sandwiches and hot dogs with bologna from Attman’s Delicatessen won’t be on the menu for Ravens fans at M&T Bank Stadium this fall, owner Marc Attman said he learned earlier this week.
When he called to inquire about plans for the upcoming football season on Monday, Attman said, a representative of Levy Restaurants — the new Chicago-based concessionaire at M&T Bank Stadium this year — informed him that his Jewish deli wasn’t being asked to return.
“Did we do something wrong?” Attman asked. Disappointed, he said he hadn’t been told the news before his call. “My business is a part of Baltimore.”
Attman’s, which got its start in Charm City more than 100 years ago, opened a new eatery in Harbor Point earlier this year. In addition to its East Lombard Street and Potomac locations, the deli had operated out of a booth in Section 119 of M&T Bank Stadium for the past decade. There, Attman said he had a year-to-year contract and intended to stay for more years to come after his booth was recently revamped.
But sweeping change for the stadium came this spring, when the Ravens announced in March that the team would be parting ways with longtime concessions partner Aramark to start a new venture with Levy, which already manages concessions for Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Convention Center, and was approved for a liquor license at M&T Bank Stadium last week.
“As is customary in all sports and entertainment venues, vendors and offerings are consistently evaluated, and new concepts and menus are introduced on a yearly basis,” Levy wrote in a statement in response to questions about the fate of Attman’s Delicatessen and what might replace it.
“We’re committed to creating a first-class and memorable experience for fans, and ensuring variety of our food and beverage offerings is a big part of that promise. We will continue to evolve our offerings each year to make game days as enjoyable and delicious as possible.”
Attman said he’s heard that a chicken restaurant could take his spot in the stadium. The former deli outpost meant extra paychecks for his employees and a chance to work with the organization Caring For Young Minds.
“My employees … got screwed. And truthfully, I got a little screwed. And I’m not going to really be upset, but I am very disappointed that this happens. I’m just a small guy,” he said.
“I think the fans will miss us, absolutely.”
Originally Published: July 18, 2024 at 7:04 p.m.