General Manager Delaware North Sportservice at Progressive Field

Fattar Thomas continues to work at building a successful career. His focus on continuous improvement and passion for exceeding guests’ expectations are his core motivators. As the General Manager at Progressive Field, he is responsible for all aspects of the Food and Beverage operation ranging from delivering the highest quality products with world class customer service to ensuring company standards are surpassed in security, safety, sanitation and responsible alcohol service. Fattar also takes pride in the training and development of team members and fostering an environment that encourages partnership with clients.

Fattar started in the sports and entertainment industry at the age of 16 as a cashier at Great Adventure. His talent and drive for excellence was quickly noticed and rewarded with a promotion within the first three months of his tenure. Each summer he was met with a more challenging position that required more time spent working during the off season. However, the additional work load did not impact his academic performance or his extra curricular activities. He graduated in 1993 as Salutatorian with a 4.37 GPA and was a 2 year varsity letter winner on a successful basketball team.

He was awarded the James Dickson Carr academic scholarship from the Rutgers University College of Engineering in 1993. However, he decided to leave school to work full time after 2 years. Fattar’s work ethic, integrity and leadership attributes made him a heavily recruited talent in the contract services industry. He took on increasingly challenging roles managing aspects of the food and beverage operation in partnership with the following organizations, the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, and Cleveland Indians. He was recognized for his career accomplishments by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a part of the publication’s 2013 40 Under 40 class.

Fattar returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from DeVry University in February of 2006. Fattar’s commitment to the community was recognized when he was awarded the Distinguished Student Award for Outstanding Community Service during the commencement.

Fattar married the love of his life, Michelle in July 2007. They have 6 wonderful Children, Mike (28), Derek (25) Fattar Junior (22), Bryant (Deceased), De’Ajanae (16) and Jaylin (13). They currently live in North Royalton, OH. Fattar enjoys coaching youth sports in his spare time. He has coached AAU basketball off and on since 1998, teaching young men the value of hard work, teamwork, sacrifice for a common goal, giving back to the community, and last but certainly not least, healthy living.