Belmont Park Makes F&B Provider Pick Ahead of Reopening, Partners With Chef Marc Forgione

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Levy will continue on as the New York Racing Association’s food and beverage provider at the rebuilt Belmont Park.

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The Chicago-based F&B company has worked with Belmont — and Saratoga, where the Belmont Stakes was held the last three years during Belmont Park’s $455M renovation — since 2020. Given NYRA’s not-for-profit status and state oversight, a public competitive RFP process was held and won by Levy.

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Belmont Park reopens Sept. 18 with horse racing and a Dierks Bentley concert following the rebuild of a much smaller but more modern grandstand and paddock. The first two floors will open that day, with floors 3 through 5 opening in early 2027. The 2027 Belmont Stakes, the third leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, will be run at the site next June.

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In addition to Levy’s extension, chef Marc Forgione has been named Belmont’s signature chef.

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The award-winning restaurateur and Food Network Iron Chef mainstay will develop and execute menus across the venue’s 10-plus premium spaces, including the Turf Club Restaurant, Turf Club Lounge, Homestretch Market, and Big Red’s Sports Bar. The previous iteration of Belmont had no premium seating areas.

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Belmont guests can expect staple dishes from Forgione’s restaurants, such as Hiramasa Tartare, Chili Lobster, Côte de Boeuf and 10-Minute Cookies, and a beverage program featuring a high-end wine list and cocktails and mocktails unique to Belmont. Elevate helped secure the participation of Forgione, who grew up in Bellerose, N.Y., minutes from the track.

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Levy has run food and beverage at the Triple Crown’s first leg, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, since 2001.