New Leadership Role Created at Michigan Venue The Dow Event Center in Saginaw has appointed Joseph Stetson as Director of Food & Beverage Operations, a newly created position overseeing all food and beverage service for the multipurpose entertainment facility. Stetson will manage F&B for sporting events, concerts, family shows, conferences, banquets, and other events hosted at the venue. Stetson brings more than 30 years of executive foodservice leadership. His career includes roles as a traveling executive chef for large-scale professional stadiums and convention centers nationwide, 13 years owning and operating a fine-dining restaurant, and 13 years as Executive Corporate Chef at Dow Chemical.
Focus on Consistency and Local Partnerships Stetson's stated priorities include delivering consistent quality and reliable service across all Saginaw Spirit games and events as the hockey team enters its 25th-anniversary season. He also plans to strengthen operational efficiency standards and develop partnerships with local and regional businesses to enhance guest experience. "It's rare to find someone who's run high-volume venue operations at that level and also has real roots in this community," said Kevin Murphy, General Manager of The Dow Event Center. "Joseph brings both. That combination will matter as we head into the Spirit's 25th-anniversary season, and I expect our guests and partners will feel it in the day-to-day consistency." Andrew VanDeweghe, Regional Director of Food & Beverage for Legends Global—the venue's F&B operator and management company—said that "his leadership, culinary expertise and commitment to consistency will elevate our food and beverage operations while creating new opportunities to showcase local flavors and deliver an outstanding experience for every guest." Stetson said in a statement: "I'm honored to join Legends Global and The Dow Event Center in this new role. This venue is not only home to the Saginaw Spirit but also an important gathering place for the community. I look forward to building on an already strong foundation by delivering consistent quality, efficient service, and meaningful partnerships that benefit our guests, our local businesses and everyone who visits the venue."
Why It Matters
Venue operators are increasingly focused on operational consistency and community partnerships as differentiators. Stetson's appointment reflects The Dow Event Center's strategy to strengthen F&B execution during a milestone season—critical for generating revenue from concessions and catering while managing expectations across the mix of sports, entertainment, and convention events that multipurpose venues depend on.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
