Amtrak and Restaurateur Stephen Starr unite to redefine culinary excellence onboard

Monday, May 22, 2023

 Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group, led by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, today announced the launch of an all-new, premium Acela First Class dining menu on trains traveling on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington D.C. Amtrak’s continuous investment in enhancing and improving the Acela First Class onboard experience is based on valuable customer feedback. The introduction of these sophisticated new offerings from STARR Restaurants, as well as Acela’s upgraded wine list, brings the First Class food and beverage service to the next level.

“Amtrak is pleased to partner with STARR Restaurant Group on new, premium meals designed to enhance the customer experience onboard Acela First Class,” said Amtrak Vice President Customer Service Stations & Onboard Robert Jordan. “Incorporating the STARR touch on our menus helps us deliver the world-class journey our customers expect, and our latest food and beverage offerings are sure to surprise and delight.”

Customers in Acela First Class will enjoy a rotating selection of new signature dishes from STARR Restaurant Groups’ renowned Northeast Corridor-based eateries, including fan favorites like Buddakan’s Black Pepper Beef and The Continental Mid-Town’s Chilled Sesame Noodles.

“I’ve worked on some really cool projects outside the walls of our restaurants, but the opportunity to collaborate on a premium dining menu for Amtrak’s Acela First Class might be my favorite project thus far,” said restaurateur Stephen Starr. “I’ve always loved train travel and I’m a frequent Acela First Class customer on the Philly to NYC segment, as are many of our guests. I’m excited to offer my fellow travelers restaurant-quality meals inspired by our popular restaurants in Philly and New York.”

The STARR Restaurant Group portfolio spans Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, serving many of the same guests who ride in Acela First Class –– who will now be delighted to discover a similar level of culinary artistry and premium service onboard as they do at STARR’s award-winning restaurants.

In addition to the STARR culinary menu, First Class customers can enjoy sips from Amtrak’s upgraded wine offerings including Pommery Champagne, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Landmark Pinot Noir and Daou Rosé. For those travelling in the morning, a line-up of local bakeries deliver fresh baked pastries daily for an extra touch of sweetness to start the day.

Amtrak has also worked to elevate the caliber of food and beverages for its customers at Amtrak’s Moynihan Train Hall Metropolitan Lounge, through new café menus on the Northeast Corridor, and most recently at other Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges through its food and beverage partner, Aramark.

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