Fine Host Lands Deal With Maryland Science Center

Greenwich, Conn.-based Fine Host Corp. has signed a partnership deal with the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore to take over food service operations from Friendly Restaurants, catering and the snack bar at the Imax theater.

"They needed some kind of consistency throughout the operation so customers could come in and get a full package," said Mike Dubui, district manager for Fine Host.

Fine Host is footing the bill to change the former Friendly diner into a 2,400-square-foot food court offering a variety of cafe favorites with a Baltimore waterfront bent, scheduled to open June 1. An additional 1,200-square-foot harbor-themed covered outdoor seating area is being added.

Fine Host will offer catering on the rooftop area with a panoramic view of the harbor. "It's one of the best locations in the city to take pictures," Dubui said. "It's a spotlight account, very visual."

Outside vendors, such as French fries and ice cream, will probably be brought in for the summer season, Dubui said. The free museum gets foot traffic of about 10 million people a year walking by, he said.

Fine Host will also add an espresso bar in the lobby when an addition to the museum opens in two years.

Fine Host, with annual revenue of about $310 million, has contracts with other science centers.