9.6 SR 10-17-2022
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and Council 9.6
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session October 17, 2022 Tim Dalton, FT Center Superintendent
Item Description Reviewed by
Furniture and Things Community Event Center Cal Portner, City Administrator
Concessions/Catering Direction
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discuss options for a catering policy, caterer approval process and food service contracts at the Furniture &
Things Community Event Center and options and provide direction for concession/cafe services.
Background/Discussion
Serrano Brothers Catering has indicated they are no longer interested in maintaining and executing the existing
exclusive agreement for concessions and catering at the Furniture & Things Community Event Center.
On September 10, 2022, the Multipurpose Facility Advisory Commission discussed short-term and long-term
strategies for providing catering services to users of the facility.
In the short term, the Commission recommended we implement a caterer application/approval procedure like
those utilized in other cities. The purpose being to develop a small list of approved caterers that would be allowed
to cater events. Approved caterers would need to meet all criteria established and agree to a contract with the
facility to pay the facility a specified percentage of then earnings for each event. The Commission expressed a
consensus to consider exclusive food service partners after the current catering option has stabilized.
Regarding concessions, the Commission recommended we move as quickly as possible to operate general
concessions. Youth hockey and figure skating indicated they had volunteer hours available to potentially assist
with staffing. We are currently soliciting applicants to staff the concession stand and are ready to interview five.
The Commission was comfortable considering the viability of engaging local service or sports groups to assist by
sharing a portion of the net revenue. They also discussed partnering with ERHS DECA or the ProStart Program.
Financial Impact
Development of a food service policy will impact revenue collected from events at the Furniture and Things
Community Event Center.
Mission/Policy/Goal
MPFAC Mission
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020