Transcript
DELLA PENNA:
Hamburgers, Cracker Jacks and … waffle fries? The Syracuse Mets unveiled on Wednesday that Chick-Fil-A would make its way to NBT Bank Stadium. Manager Jack Szatkowski believes it’s his pleasure to offer chicken nuggets at the ballpark.SZATKOWSKI:
It’s a blessing to be out here and serve the community.DELLA PENNA:
Even on opening day, Szatkowski already dished out some juicy takes about hoe Chick-Fil-A stacks up against traditional baseball food.SZATKOWSKI:
We can promise the fans of the Syracuse Mets who are coming here that our chicken sandwiches pair just as well with a beer compared to a hamburger or hot dog.DELLA PENNA:
The popular fast-food chain could be coming at the perfect time. The Mets front office reported on social media that the organization had over 43,000 fans during their last homestand… the teams highest in over a decade.Families like the Weissman’s are regulars at the ballpark and noticed an improved atmosphere this season.
WEISSMAN:
It does [feel different] not just the fans, but the team is on fire right now compared to previous years.DELLA PENNA:
Even with temperatures higher than pitchers’ fastballs, Chick-Fil-A stayed busy all night long.SZATKOWSKI:
We’re getting through it. It’s been very busy and warm. More busy than we expected with the warm so we’re excited for the future.DELLA PENNA:
Customers can’t wait to eat more chicken next time they come to the stadium.LANDON:
Super cool. It’s easy to get Chick-Fil-A… it’s super good and their sandwiches are really good.DELLA PENNA:
I guess it’s safe to say that night one… was a home run.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and… waffle fries?
Chick-Fil-A was a home run in its opening night at NBT Bank Stadium on Wednesday. The Syracuse Mets announced the nearby Cicero location would have a stand at all home games from Monday to Saturday for the remainder of the season.
Jack Szatkowski has been with Chick-Fil-A since the company came to Central New York in 2018 when his father Jimmer Szatkowski opened a store. Fast forward just six years, and Jack Szatkowski never could’ve imagined the collaboration with the hometown Mets.
“It’s just a really unique opportunity for us,” Szatkowski said. “It’s a blessing to be out here at the ballpark serving our community.”
Szatkowski realizes that offering chicken nuggets and fudge brownies isn’t traditional baseball food. However, due to the fast-food chains’ popularity, he believes that they will be busy night in and night out.
“We can promise the fans of the Syracuse Mets who are coming here that our chicken sandwiches pair just as well with a beer compared to a hamburger or hot dog,” Szatkowski said.
With the Mets sitting at the top of the International League East Division at 44-26, fans have been coming out to support at higher rates than in previous seasons.
Chick-Fil-A Cicero’s business venture with the Mets could be happening at the perfect time. The organization reported on social media that over 43,000 fans attended their last homestand. That number is their highest in a six-game period in over a decade.
Szatkowski battled high temperatures in the stand’s opening night, yet business was still booming.
“It’s been very busy and warm. Busier than we expected with it being so hot which makes us excited for the future if there’s this much business on a Wednesday night,” Szatkowski said.