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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 11:31:04 GMT
What a year, may I just say a massive congratulations to Oxford United. Its been nerve racking at times but finally, the boys made it to league 1, and I couldn't be happier for them, but not just them, I'm happiest for you, the fans, the fans that have stuck with OUFC through thick and thin, the good and the bad, come rain or shine. Me and my family have been actively involved in the the catering for over 12 years at the Kassam, And I remember all to well the days of the conference. During this time we have met a lot of the fans, and got to know a lot of you, making some good friends along the way. Just over a year ago, I heard about the possibility of the inside catering operation opening up. It was always our dream to take over the concourse catering, and prove that somebody could do a much better job, never did I actually believe that we would be the ones doing it. But after a lot of negotiating, and back and forth, me and my wife signed the contract on the 1st of August, just 8 days prior to the start of the season. 8 days to take 8 empty and unloved shells, and turn them into something we would be proud of. Looking back, I can not believe how we managed it, there were plenty of times we panicked, there were plenty of times we got things wrong, and believe me when I say there were plenty of lessons learned. But we learned our lessons, we got better with stock control and forecasting, we brought more tills in, and more equipment. And I feel we are in a good place, but the job isn't finished, not in the slightest. League 1 will produce its own obstacles to over come, some I believe we can plan for, others will blindside us and leave us scratching our heads. But there's always a solution. I am excited for next season, we have new equipment being installed, including beer dispensers that can pour a pint in under 5 seconds, the possibilities of credit card machines being added, and some sort of pre paid, express alcohol counter to serve people at lightning speeds. We are looking at adding new product lines and expanding on current offerings. Of course as always trying to source and serve the best quality foods we can, and hopefully ( if testing goes well) something to rival kidderminsters famous offering. We will of course keep you up to date with our plans. I am hoping to get more involved with the fans and try to get a feeling for what you want and where we can improve things, because at the end of the day, it's your opinions I value the most, I want the fans to enjoy the game, and enjoy the match day experience. The fan zone wasn't the greatest success for us this year, as matter of fact we ran it at a loss, however I honestly believe it made a difference to the match day experience, and was enjoyed by those who came and visited us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us and make this year a success, I have got to meet a lot of the behind the scenes staff who have made it a pleasure to work with, the ticket office staff who put up with my repeated ( and sometimes relentless) requests for information, the commercial and media teams, the stewards and match day controllers, and the management of the club, thank you for all your help. But I would like to thank the fans the most, thank you for your continued support, thank you for your feed back, the good and the bad, for keeping us on our toes, and thank you for believing in us, it means so much to us. So here's to next season, here's to league 1, and here's to the best god damn food in league 1.
You're sincerely
Bailey & Rebecca Farr
Farrs Catering Group
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Post by oufcyellows on May 12, 2016 11:39:18 GMT
I think u will see a massive uptake in spending once fans know the money is being split between u and the club, rather than kassam , certainly much better this season though pies are top quality.
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Post by Oxford Nondie on May 12, 2016 13:15:14 GMT
Suggestions
Still need to sort quicker way of serving people be good to have barriers to make the queuing seem better and prevent people jumping in. Comment for Oxford Mail stand only Why can not serve beer during the game and this ridiculous process of waiting for the half time whistle Draught Beer from Plastic bag was more than acceptable to me and was a good pint. Credit cards = delays !
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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 13:42:58 GMT
Suggestions Still need to sort quicker way of serving people be good to have barriers to make the queuing seem better and prevent people jumping in. Comment for Oxford Mail stand only Why can not serve beer during the game and this ridiculous process of waiting for the half time whistle Draught Beer from Plastic bag was more than acceptable to me and was a good pint. Credit cards = delays ! The concept of serving beer only at half time is, I agree utterly ridiculous, it makes no sense, it is however completely out of my control, it's some stupid rule from I believe the FA, I feel most of the problems we have are directly linked to no being able to sell, believe me when I say I would love to sell alcohol all the way through the game. I am looking into what can be done, barriers are are a no go, as they could pose a health and safety issue. But if we could serve alcohol during the game and had contactless credit card machines meaning my staff don't have to mess about with cash as much I believe that the queueing would vastly improve
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Post by ascotyellow on May 12, 2016 14:00:24 GMT
The beer only at half time rule was a consequence of hillsborough. Now they proved it wasn't drunk fans fault they should let us drink during the game again
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Post by theflyingox on May 12, 2016 14:02:05 GMT
Any chance of some more veggie options? A veggie balti pie or something? It is often 50/50 whether there is any hot food available suitable for vegetarians.
The quality has been excellent when it has been available though.
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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 14:34:20 GMT
Any chance of some more veggie options? A veggie balti pie or something? It is often 50/50 whether there is any hot food available suitable for vegetarians. The quality has been excellent when it has been available though. Probably not veggi balti, but I am bringing in a cheese and onion pasty, homity pies didn't take off as I had hoped.
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2016 14:41:16 GMT
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Post by oufcgav on May 12, 2016 15:26:48 GMT
Any chance of some more veggie options? A veggie balti pie or something? It is often 50/50 whether there is any hot food available suitable for vegetarians. The quality has been excellent when it has been available though. Probably not veggi balti, but I am bringing in a cheese and onion pasty, homity pies didn't take off as I had hoped. The Homity Pies were awesome - often chose it in preference to a meat pie...
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Post by Junior on May 12, 2016 16:00:14 GMT
Sadly ( nothing against you guys btw ) I'd hope that fans choose to spend money elsewhere seeing as it's been confirmed by the club that we don't make any £££ from the sales.
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Post by ZeroTheHero on May 12, 2016 16:04:12 GMT
I think I had three Homity Pies over the season in the grand total I purchased of.. three pies. Which is three more than I bought the season before. So I know I am not spending a fortune with you - mostly because I know where half the profits go. But if you get rid of the Homity pie, then please pick a more imaginative option than a cheese and onion pasty.
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Post by oufcyellows on May 12, 2016 16:05:42 GMT
Probably not veggi balti, but I am bringing in a cheese and onion pasty, homity pies didn't take off as I had hoped. The Homity Pies were awesome - often chose it in preference to a meat pie... Same and that's massive for me, when chicken and meat and potato are on offer
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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 16:15:27 GMT
I think I had three Homity Pies over the season in the grand total I purchased of.. three pies. Which is three more than I bought the season before. So I know I am not spending a fortune with you - mostly because I know where half the profits go. But if you get rid of the Homity pie, then please pick a more imaginative option than a cheese and onion pasty. How does the chicken piri piri pasty sound??
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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 16:17:24 GMT
Sadly ( nothing against you guys btw ) I'd hope that fans choose to spend money elsewhere seeing as it's been confirmed by the club that we don't make any £££ from the sales. At present I dont get any money out of it, due to the high levels of investment we've put in this year, how ever it was discussed with mark Ashton, hat when we turn a profit there may be option to "share the love" as they say. However my main priority remains the fans, because you are my customers.
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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 16:19:33 GMT
I think I had three Homity Pies over the season in the grand total I purchased of.. three pies. Which is three more than I bought the season before. So I know I am not spending a fortune with you - mostly because I know where half the profits go. But if you get rid of the Homity pie, then please pick a more imaginative option than a cheese and onion pasty. How does the chicken piri piri pasty sound?? And FYI, I'm not on a profit share basis, I'm on a fixed rental agreement. The busier we are, the better I can invest and the quicker we can work with Oufc.
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Post by ZeroTheHero on May 12, 2016 16:21:49 GMT
I think I had three Homity Pies over the season in the grand total I purchased of.. three pies. Which is three more than I bought the season before. So I know I am not spending a fortune with you - mostly because I know where half the profits go. But if you get rid of the Homity pie, then please pick a more imaginative option than a cheese and onion pasty. How does the chicken piri piri pasty sound?? It sounds very non-veggie!
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Post by ZeroTheHero on May 12, 2016 16:24:15 GMT
How does the chicken piri piri pasty sound?? And FYI, I'm not on a profit share basis, I'm on a fixed rental agreement. The busier we are, the better I can invest and the quicker we can work with Oufc. At least I can sleep easy in the knowledge that none of my massive £10 spend went to our landlord then!
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Post by Eaststandboy on May 12, 2016 16:36:22 GMT
I never got the chance to have any food from you this season, but everyone who had said it was great. Looking forward to having the beer machines in, contactless card payments would be great, worked very well at the Genting Arena.
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Post by Eaststandboy on May 12, 2016 16:36:53 GMT
And FYI, I'm not on a profit share basis, I'm on a fixed rental agreement. The busier we are, the better I can invest and the quicker we can work with Oufc. At least I can sleep easy in the knowledge that none of my massive £10 spend went to our landlord then! Exactly how Tim at the Priory was then.
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Post by nottsyellow on May 12, 2016 18:37:02 GMT
How does the chicken piri piri pasty sound?? And FYI, I'm not on a profit share basis, I'm on a fixed rental agreement. The busier we are, the better I can invest and the quicker we can work with Oufc. Ah but where does this "Fixed Rental Agreement" go to? Kassam or OUFC? If you are not making a profit now from the large attendances we have had this season then the fixed rental agreement must be excessive. Assuming it goes to Kassam, it appears to be another case of Kassam charging excessive amount, fleecing his customers for every penny, so much so his customer can't make a profit, and Kassam possibly doesn't care you work mighty hard for no reward as long as he grabs every penny going from your business and your hard labour.
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Post by farrscatering on May 12, 2016 19:02:39 GMT
And FYI, I'm not on a profit share basis, I'm on a fixed rental agreement. The busier we are, the better I can invest and the quicker we can work with Oufc. Ah but where does this "Fixed Rental Agreement" go to? Kassam or OUFC? If you are not making a profit now from the large attendances we have had this season then the fixed rental agreement must be excessive. Assuming it goes to Kassam, it appears to be another case of Kassam charging excessive amount, fleecing his customers for every penny, so much so his customer can't make a profit, and Kassam possibly doesn't care you work mighty hard for no reward as long as he grabs every penny going from your business and your hard labour. We have had to invest heavily this year, as we started with absolutely nothing, we have sunk every penny and more into the business as we have another 4 years to run with our contract. Whilst I fully apreaciate a lot of people's feeling towards firoka the deal we have is a sensible deal which allows us to operate properly and profitably, but not till we have paid for all the equipment. With the bigger attendances it has meant we needed more tills, more coffee machines, more hot holding and cooking equipment.
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Post by ox4eva on May 12, 2016 19:08:40 GMT
Fair play and well done with the effort in regards better quality catering, like everyone else we wish you well and hope it works out for you. Just wish a cut of the profits went to OUFC and we understand that it's out with your control.
Why don't you do what Carlisle do in regards to beer at half time, you purchase before the game kicks off and just present your receipt and pick up the pre poured pint or whatever which means it's nice and quick if you run it from a dedicated area.
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Post by Mark on May 12, 2016 19:29:14 GMT
Good luck for next season Farrs , the pies were some of the nicest I've had at football. Steak and kidney actually tasted of steak, and kidney, rather than some lump of meat completely covered in gloopy gravy in a half empty pie case.
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Post by Kris Grebis on May 12, 2016 22:39:38 GMT
This is the best thread on this website. Pies bring everyone together
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Post by SteMerritt on May 12, 2016 22:56:46 GMT
This is the best thread on this website. Pies bring everyone together Pies? That's war. Pasty or face being slain as a heretic.
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Post by iambungle on May 13, 2016 9:05:44 GMT
I'm an occasional customer I must admit, but I will say the standard has improved immeasurably from previous season so thank you for your efforts Farrs. The pies are great! Any chance you can stock some choccy bars though (Mars, Snickers or Dairy Milk etc).
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Post by oxvox on May 13, 2016 12:05:56 GMT
The introduction of Bailey and Rebecca and the Farrs Catering Team has been very positive. The quality of food, refreshments and level of service is as good as it's ever been at The Kassam. So thank you very much.
It isn't Bailey's fault about the contract situation (and situation between OUFC and FIROKA) but we were hugely concerned and disappointed about the news we were given recently that Oxford United don't get any split from any form of catering. We understand this extends to the Headington Bar and Quadrangle when we were told a few years ago their was a split deal under Ian Lenagan and Firoka.
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Post by Marked Ox on May 13, 2016 12:42:16 GMT
The introduction of Bailey and Rebecca and the Farrs Catering Team has been very positive. The quality of food, refreshments and level of service is as good as it's ever been at The Kassam. So thank you very much. It isn't Bailey's fault about the contract situation (and situation between OUFC and FIROKA) but we were hugely concerned and disappointed about the news we were given recently that Oxford United don't get any split from any form of catering. We understand this extends to the Headington Bar and Quadrangle when we were told a few years ago their was a split deal under Ian Lenagan and Firoka. That helps explain the Barbecue/using Littlemore Rugby Club then so the club get some or all the profits. Hopefully the club continue using the Rugby Club next season.
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Post by oufcyellows on May 13, 2016 12:51:28 GMT
The introduction of Bailey and Rebecca and the Farrs Catering Team has been very positive. The quality of food, refreshments and level of service is as good as it's ever been at The Kassam. So thank you very much. It isn't Bailey's fault about the contract situation (and situation between OUFC and FIROKA) but we were hugely concerned and disappointed about the news we were given recently that Oxford United don't get any split from any form of catering. We understand this extends to the Headington Bar and Quadrangle when we were told a few years ago their was a split deal under Ian Lenagan and Firoka. Also explains the cost of a bottle of beer in the headington bar
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Post by Mark on May 13, 2016 12:51:40 GMT
The introduction of Bailey and Rebecca and the Farrs Catering Team has been very positive. The quality of food, refreshments and level of service is as good as it's ever been at The Kassam. So thank you very much. It isn't Bailey's fault about the contract situation (and situation between OUFC and FIROKA) but we were hugely concerned and disappointed about the news we were given recently that Oxford United don't get any split from any form of catering. We understand this extends to the Headington Bar and Quadrangle when we were told a few years ago their was a split deal under Ian Lenagan and Firoka. If I read Farr's post correctly, they pay a fixed fee to Firoka, so profits or losses are then down to Farrs. With all the investment they are putting in, the quality of the food and drink is better than it's ever been, and so I think people should be encouraged to support them, the in-stadium alternative being the mass produced rubbish served up by Lindlays who never seemed that bothered about service levels or quality.
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