Hershey Park Coaster Cafe: An Exclusive Employee Dining Experience

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The Hershey Park Coaster Cafe is an exclusive dining facility within Hersheypark, reserved solely for park employees. This hidden gem offers a unique culinary experience, providing staff with a range of affordable menu options in a convenient location. While not accessible to the public, the Coaster Cafe plays a crucial role in supporting the park’s workforce, ensuring they’re well-fed and energized to deliver exceptional guest experiences throughout their shifts.

What’s on the Menu at Hershey Park Coaster Cafe?

hershey park coaster cafe
Image ‘File:Hershey Park roller coaster tracks.jpg’ by Librarian1984, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

While the full menu of the Coaster Cafe isn’t publicly available due to its employee-only status, we can provide some insights into the type of fare offered:

  • Starters: One known item is the Cheesy Bacon Chips, priced at $8.95. These are fresh-fried potato chips seasoned and topped with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, along with smoked bacon.

  • Main Courses: Although specific items aren’t disclosed, it’s likely that the cafe offers a variety of hearty options to fuel employees through their shifts. This could include:

  • Burgers and sandwiches
  • Salads and wraps

  • Hot entrees like pasta dishes or daily specials

  • Snacks and Desserts: Given Hersheypark’s chocolate heritage, it’s probable that the cafe features some sweet treats incorporating Hershey’s products.

  • Beverages: A selection of soft drinks, coffee, and other refreshments are likely available to keep staff hydrated.

It’s worth noting that the prices at the Coaster Cafe are reported to be inexpensive compared to other eateries in the area, making it an attractive option for employees.

Where is the Hershey Park Coaster Cafe Located?

hershey park coaster cafe
Image ‘File:Hershey park gate.jpg’ by Gusc554, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The exact location of the Coaster Cafe within Hersheypark is not publicly disclosed, as it’s not intended for visitor access. However, we can make some educated guesses about its placement:

  1. Employee Areas: It’s likely situated in or near the park’s employee-only zones, such as:
  2. Behind-the-scenes operational areas
  3. Near staff locker rooms or break areas

  4. Close to the park’s administrative offices

  5. Accessibility: The cafe is probably positioned to be easily accessible from various parts of the park, allowing employees to reach it quickly during their breaks.

  6. Away from Guest Areas: To maintain the magic of the park experience, the Coaster Cafe is almost certainly located out of sight of regular guest areas.

While visitors won’t find the Coaster Cafe on public park maps, employees receive guidance on its location during their orientation and training.

What Are the Operating Hours of Hershey Park Coaster Cafe?

The operating hours of the Hershey Park Coaster Cafe are not publicly disclosed, given its employee-only status. However, we can make some informed assumptions about when it might be open:

  1. Park Operating Hours: The cafe likely aligns its schedule with the park’s general operating hours, which can vary by season:
  2. Summer: Typically open from early morning (around 7-8 AM) to late evening (10-11 PM)

  3. Off-season: Hours may be reduced, possibly opening later and closing earlier

  4. Employee Shift Coverage: The cafe’s hours probably extend beyond guest operating hours to accommodate:

  5. Early morning shift employees arriving before park opening
  6. Late-night staff working after the park closes

  7. Overnight maintenance and security personnel

  8. Peak Meal Times: It’s reasonable to expect extended hours or additional staffing during typical meal times:

  9. Breakfast: 6-9 AM
  10. Lunch: 11 AM – 2 PM

  11. Dinner: 5-8 PM

  12. Special Events: During Hersheypark’s seasonal events (like Halloween and Christmas celebrations), the Coaster Cafe may adjust its hours to support extended park operations.

While these are educated guesses, the actual hours are communicated internally to Hersheypark employees to ensure they can plan their meals accordingly.

How Does the Hershey Park Coaster Cafe Compare to Public Dining Options?

While we can’t directly compare the Coaster Cafe to public dining options due to its exclusive nature, we can highlight some key differences:

Aspect Coaster Cafe Public Dining Options
Access Employees only Open to all park guests
Pricing Reported as inexpensive Typically higher, tourist-oriented pricing
Menu Variety Limited but employee-focused Wide variety catering to diverse guest preferences
Location Hidden from public view Prominently placed throughout the park
Theming Likely minimal Often heavily themed to match park areas
Wait Times Probably shorter due to limited clientele Can be long during peak hours

What Makes the Hershey Park Coaster Cafe Unique?

The Coaster Cafe stands out for several reasons:

  1. Exclusivity: As an employee-only venue, it offers a unique perk for Hersheypark staff.

  2. Affordability: The reported low prices make it an attractive option for employees, especially those working long shifts.

  3. Convenience: Its location within the park saves employees time during their breaks.

  4. Community: The cafe likely serves as a gathering spot for staff, fostering a sense of community among Hersheypark employees.

  5. Behind-the-Scenes Experience: For employees, dining at the Coaster Cafe is part of the ‘backstage’ experience of working at a major theme park.

How Does the Hershey Park Coaster Cafe Support Employee Wellness?

While specific details about the Coaster Cafe’s wellness initiatives aren’t public, many employee dining facilities in similar settings focus on supporting staff health and well-being:

  1. Nutritious Options: It’s likely that the cafe offers some healthier menu choices to help employees maintain energy throughout their shifts.

  2. Dietary Accommodations: The menu may include options for various dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) to cater to all employees.

  3. Hydration Stations: Easy access to water and other hydrating beverages is crucial, especially for employees working outdoors.

  4. Rest Area: The cafe probably doubles as a space for employees to relax and recharge during breaks.

  5. Seasonal Adjustments: The menu might change seasonally to provide appropriate options for hot summer days or cold winter shifts.

While the Hershey Park Coaster Cafe remains a mystery to the general public, it plays a vital role in supporting the hardworking staff who bring the magic of Hersheypark to life every day. This exclusive dining venue ensures that employees have access to affordable, convenient meals, contributing to their overall job satisfaction and ability to provide excellent guest experiences.

References:
1. Evendo – Coaster Cafe Information
2. Restaurant Guru – Coaster Cafe Listing
3. Hersheypark Official Site

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