Title
Commuter Station Concession Services RFP
History
The Village re-issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for concession services at the 143rd & 153rd street train stations. The proposals were due June 24, 2014. Two proposals were received. The Village has the option to work with the same vendor at both locations or to divide the stations between two different vendors. From an operations standpoint it would be to both the Village and vendor's advantage to have one business operating both stations so that there is one point of contact. The profit margin for this type of business is very small and having both facilities would make it more worthwhile to an individual vendor.
The first proposal was submitted by Doughs Guys Bakery. Doughs Guys is an existing business that consists of a bakery location in Chicago Ridge and several mobile operations. The proposal indicates that the owners have experience with providing concessions to organizations and other train stations through their mobile division and seem to be well versed with the needs of commuter customers. The offerings and associated pricing appear to be reasonable. References provided were very positive and relevant to the work that is required by the Village at the stations. Doughs Guys was praised for being well-suited for this work, great customer service and for having very high quality baked goods. The Doughs Guys proposal met all Village requirements and will initially be open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. weekdays. Once established, Doughs Guys hopes to expand the hours to include 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays providing home bound commuters the opportunity to pick-up items such as cakes, cupcakes and cookies. They would take advance orders from these items.
The second proposal is from Jeanne Dohm who plans to create a start-up business called Rush Hour Cafe. Ms. Dohm has experience as an employee at the cafe operating in the Tinley Park train station. Her proposal meets the requirements of the Village with two variances. If awarded this contract, Ms. Dohm would then create her start-up and provide the required information. References for Ms. Dohm were from her current employer and from a Metra employee who works with Ms. Dohm at the Tinley station; both were very complementary. Her dedicated service and enthusiasm for the work required was noted by each of the references. The offerings and associated prices appear to be reasonable as well. Ms. Dohm requested that staff emphasize that she intends to source her offerings from local businesses in Orland Park, Tinley Park and Monee; including GFS and Orland Bakery.
On July 7, 2014, this item was reviewed and approved by the Finance and Information Technology Committee. At the committee meeting, the Committee advanced the recommendation that the Village contract with Doughs Guys Bakery for the 143rd Street and 153rd Street Station Concessions as recommended in the staff report. The Committee discussed the small margins and the strength of the proposal and references. Should the Board wish to split the work, staff will coordinate with both vendors as approved.
Financial Impact
None. This contract provides a service to commuters at these stations at a minimal cost for utilities used by the vendor.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve a three year agreement with Doughs Guys Bakery as the concessionaire at the 143rd and 153rd Street Train Stations.