As airlines have eliminated their Northeast shuttle services and associated perks since Covid, Amtrak is clear in its desire to capture these lucrative passengers. As it progresses in getting its long-delayed new Acela fleet on the rails of the Northeast Corridor, the national operator has taken another step towards differentiating its higher-speed train as a premium option over its Northeast Regional trains by unveiling a newly enhanced Cafe Acela menu.
Amtrak says its new Cafe Acela menu focuses specifically on more gourmet and “artisan” options that are sustainably sourced from local brands, delivered with a redesigned physical menu, and contained in more sustainable packaging. The upgraded premium packaging is now made of compostable materials and recycled plastics.
The latest menu change adds to the perks only found on Acela trains, such as reserved seating for all passengers and a food & beverage cart service on select departures.
“Customers riding on our premium Acela trains expect the very best and thus, it’s essential we continue to evolve our premium offerings and amenities to meet their needs and provide an enhanced experience,” says Amtrak executive vice president and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch in a statement.
While mainstay items such as the Hebrew National hotdog and cheeseburgers remain on the menu, the new Acela-only items include a cherrywood smoked ham & fontina sandwich and a peppered turkey with gouda sandwich, plus a Mediterranean salad, overnight oats, and charcuterie plate.
Notably, Amtrak will locally source pastries daily from bakeries in New York, Washington D.C., and Boston.
With higher-end menu items for Acela, however, also comes higher prices.
While pricing for the mainstays remain on par with Northeast Regional, the new Acela options range from $12 for sandwiches up to $13.50 for an antipasto tray.
Beverage pricing has also increased anywhere from 50 cents to a dollar, and the new menu has also introduced a new premium wines category just shy of $20.
Lower priced items such as the turkey & asiago sandwich and chicken caesar salad, are now only available on the less premium Northeast Regional trains.
Related Articles:
- Amtrak adds Northeast Regional frequencies as it confirms rebound
- Brightline gives Amtrak a run for its money on Orlando-Miami
- Amtrak designs better PaxEx in advance of Airo debut
- Amtrak divulges fresh details about Airo passenger experience
- Amtrak riders go wild as railroad announces menu changes
- How Amtrak treats Roomette passengers like royalty — mostly
All images credited to Amtrak
