Put away those hot dogs, carnivores.
Wheat-based cheesesteaks are on the ballpark menu in Philadelphia, the No. 1 vegetarian-friendly stadium in America, according to PETA.
Veggie hoagies, garden burgers and vegan hot dogs also helped boost Citizens Bank Park to the top of the annual list compiled by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
“It is a little ironic, especially since our city is known for cheesesteaks,” said Kevin Tedesco, Aramark’s director of concessions at the stadium.
Aramark services 13 of the 30 major league ballparks. Tedesco said the faux-meat cheesesteak, new this year in Philly, has been a popular item.
“People can still order their Whiz wit” – that’s local lingo for a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and fried onions – “and get it without meat,” Tedesco said.
“It’s important that customers get a choice. We sell everything right at the regular stands. If you want a hot dog with meat, you can get it. If you want without meat, it’s there,” he said.
The grilled veggie cheesesteak does well, too. It includes all the ingredients – mushrooms, peppers, mushrooms and cheese, among them – except the beef.
T Park in San Francisco, with its portobello sandwiches, veggie sushi and garlic fries, was second on the PETA list.
“The trend toward healthy and humane meatless options at ballparks is in full swing,” PETA assistant director Dan Shannon said. “It’s a victory for both animals and the health of baseball fans.”
The next three on PETA’s list of big league parks: Safeco Field in Seattle, Petco Park in San Diego and Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park was the top vegetarian-friendly park in the minors. Next up on PETA’s list were Portland, Ore.; Norfolk, Pawtucket and Memphis.
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