Visitors to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will encounter a revamped menu and an easier process for buying tickets.
That’s thanks to two new partnerships designed to “improve the interactions that occur before, after and in between the memorable animal encounters,” according to the aquarium.
Visitors will find a new menu of sustainably sourced, made-to-order foods, which can be placed via mobile orders to avoid lines. There is also a streamlined process to purchase tickets, manage memberships and make donations.
The aquarium partnered with Texas-based Tessitura to upgrade its ticketing process and the Colorado-based SSA Group to elevate its food choices, along with adding new table service in its main cafeteria.
Maritime President and CEO Jason Patlis said visitors will surely notice the changes.
“We want to ensure our guests have a world-class experience not just when they arrive at the aquarium and enjoy our amazing exhibits, but when they first see us online, visit our website, buy their tickets, order a meal or make a donation,” said Patlis.
“Through Tessitura and the new customer interface, we become more accessible and can more easily accommodate special needs,” he added. “Through SSA Group and our new café offerings and catering, we are not only providing sustainable, locally sourced food options, but we are also improving all aspects of the café, including purchasing, preparation, service, disposal, and recycling to ensure a more sustainable operation. And, on top of that, the food is absolutely delicious.”
Tessitura’s Chief Growth Officer Mara Hazzard-Wallingford said the nonprofit tech company works with more than 750 arts and culture organizations in 10 countries, from the Lincoln Center to the Yale Repertory Theater, “to improve customer experience and increase efficiency.”
The SSA Group serves more than 75 zoos, aquariums, museums and other cultural attractions across the U.S.
Eli Grill, SSA Group regional vice president, is thrilled to partner with the aquarium in elevating its menu.
“From sustainable seafood options to partnerships with local brands like Longford Ice Cream, Deep River Snacks and LesserEvil, we’re bringing fresh new flavors to the Cascade Café and Sound Bites Café,” Grill said. “We’re also integrating new ordering styles like mobile ordering to allow guests to skip the line and order from their phone when they’re ready.”
The new ticketing system aligns with Maritime’s conservation efforts, as they “continue to move toward digital paperless ticketing, and also now we are introducing digital membership cards and gift cards,” according to David Sigworth, Maritime’s associate director of communications.
For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.
