O'Charley's comes to Covelli Centre

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Covelli Centre announced Wednesday that it will offer menu items from O’Charleys, the franchise restaurant of the arena’s namesake, Sam Covelli, president and chief executive of Warren- based Covelli Enterprises.

The new offerings will be available on both the concourse and suite levels.

The decision, said Covelli’s executive director, Eric Ryan, in a press release, came as part of an effort to solidify “the fans’ food and beverage experience by offering quality cuisine.”

Concession stands at the facility have had their exteriors renovated to include the O’Charley’s green-and-brick design to give them the look and feel of an O’Charley’s satellite location.

Among the items available on the concourse level will be the restaurant’s signature hand-breaded chicken tenders, as well as Spicy Jack Cheese Wedges, Grillers and french fries.

Menu items available on the suite level will be more extensive and also feature O’Pretzel Sticks, O’Charley’s meatballs, a Mediterranean chicken wrap and teriyaki sesame chicken.

Kelsey Rupert, director of marketing and sales at the Covelli Centre, said O’Charley’s menu items will help round out what’s already available at the centre.

Currently, concession stands offer traditional snack foods such as popcorn, nachos and cheese as well as beverages such as beer and soda, but nothing like what O’Charley’s will bring to the table.

Rupert added the Covelli Centre is working on bringing more brand-name foods to the concession stands, an effort the center has been focusing on heavily. She said it’s too early to speculate about what other restaurant chains might set up shop there.