The new executive chef at Red Bull Arena in Harrison – Chef Majid Parvez – has some big shoes to fill. How big? The stadium, which is home to the New York Red Bulls professional soccer team, hosts thousands of fans per night. Of course, it’s Chef Majid’s job to make sure they are all well fed.
Specifically, Chef Majid oversees the culinary/hospitality experience at Red Bull Arena. His role includes increasing the quality of food served on the Suite Levels and throughout the venue’s concessions. “When I arrived here, my goal was to deliver a simpler, more elegant style of food that reflects my approach to cooking,” he says. “Like many chefs, I believe the ingredients should take center stage, with minimal interference, to let their natural flavors shine.”
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Finding the Right Ingredients
It’s important to Chef Majid to source ingredients locally whenever possible. It’s also equally important that the staff and cooking equipment are up to the task. Even stadium favorites like chicken tenders, hot dogs, and french fries require just the right touch. “It’s crucial that the equipment functions well, the oil is fresh, and the culinary team is trained to maintain quality. These details are just as essential to the food and the overall experience, as they’re ultimately inseparable,” Chef Majid explains.
But feeding thousands of hungry fans can prove difficult and stressful. Especially in New Jersey, a state known for having high food standards. “Feeding these fans generally means feeding some of the most demanding palettes in the industry,” Chef Majid says. “But I love the pressure of delivering on this stage, setting the bar high and working to consistently perform.”
One of his creations available at Red Bull Arena is the Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Croffle (Top Photo). This tasty option is a buttermilk-brined chicken breast between a light and buttery, crispy croissant waffle.
Setting the Table
So how does Chef Majid handle the responsibility of feeding all of Red Bull Arena? “It takes some patience, as you’d imagine,” Chef Majid says. Thankfully, he has a very specific kind of training in this regard: He has three kids all under age seven. “That helps train you to remain calm.”
For Chef Majid, the best part of being executive chef at Red Bull Arena is curating unique experiences. He gets excited planning for special events, be it a soccer game, private dinner, cocktail reception, or 5,000-person event. He loves “Crafting the menu, how the food will be laid out, how the decor will accent the food, and play into the menu. The look, the feel, and the taste of it all.”
About Chef Majid of Red Bull Arena
Chef Majid grew up in Skillman and now resides in Middlesex. Prior to joining Red Bull Arena, he served as executive sous chef at MetLife Stadium. This included managing the culinary operations for events including New York Jets and New York Giants prime time football games. He has also overseen Governor Murphy’s Inauguration Ball, Wrestlemania, and the 2024 NHL Stadium Series. He then became the executive chef at The Peacock Inn in Princeton.
Chef Majid fell in love with cooking at a young age and still maintains that passion to this day. “The meritocracy that a kitchen demands also appealed to me; either you are good and move up, or you aren’t, and you move on.”
Red Bull Arena is home to the New York Red Bulls professional soccer team. As of 2024, the Red Bulls have qualified for the MLS Playoffs for 15 consecutive years. This is the longest streak amongst current pro sports teams in all of North America.
Visit Red Bull Arena at 600 Cape May St in Harrison. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more:
| Visit Their Website | Get New York Red Bulls Tickets | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 877-727-6223 |
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All Photos: © New York Red Bulls