Phoenix Convention Center

O.H.S.O. Brewery and Distillery proposal at the Phoenix Convention Center.

A food and beverage makeover is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center.

A local brew pub could soon set up shop on Convention Center property. The city’s new contract with Aramark Sports and Entertainment calls for transforming the Innovation Studio, an enclosed area at Monroe and Second streets, into outdoor drinking and dining space.

During a June presentation before a city subcommittee April Truncellito, fiscal manager for the convention center, said Aramark, which does business at the center as Aventura Catering, proposed subcontracting with a local pub.

“One example of that is O.H.S.O.,” she said. “They are a local nano-brewery and distillery whose original opened in Arcadia in 2011. Since then they have opened multiple locations throughout the Valley. This will provide a great spot for happy hour and post even socializing all on the convention center campus.”

The convention center’s food court will be upgraded and rebranded as the Phoenix Marketplace to feature local and corporate options. Other additions include mobile carts, exhibit booth catering and something in the industry called “action stations.”

“These are chef attended stations allowing attendees to be part of the process giving the experience a casual and fun theme,” Truncellito said.

Changes coming to the Orpheum Theatre and Symphony Hall include mobile ordering to serve guests faster during intermissions.

The 10-year contract, which the city council approved on June 27, is expected to generate around $90 million for the city.

The proposal presented before the Phoenix Downtown Subcommittee included preliminary local and corporate food and beverage brands. Specific contracts with each subcontractor were expected after the full council awarded the contract to Aramark (dba Aventura Catering) on June 27.