Board recommends BOMA consider concession contract for Andre’s Barbecue at Mary’s Magical Place

The Parks Board voted to recommend that BOMA consider a concession agreement to allow Andre’s Barbecue to operate from the concession stand by Mary’s Magical Place and the pickleball courts.

Owner Andre Hathaway told the board he retired from FedEx and wants to establish a stationary presence in Hendersonville. He said he would operate primarily from the concession building and might use his trailer to transport and cook food. Hathaway said he plans to donate a share of proceeds to Mary’s Magical Place and to the city: he described a proposed contract template that would return 7.5 percent of net sales to the city's general fund and $1,000 each in midyear and year-end payments to Mary’s Magical Place, subject to final review.

Board members raised operational questions, including where the concession would be located, whether use would displace or reduce sales for the existing concession operator, how many food trucks might be permitted in the future and whether Coca‑Cola exclusivity in existing concession contracts would require coordination for beverage sales. Parks staff said the template used was similar to one previously used for kayak vendors and that the agreement would still need departmental and legal review and approval by BOMA.

The board voted to recommend approval to BOMA. Staff noted the agreement will go through the usual committee, legal and BOMA review before any business may operate; the board chair told the applicant it will take about a month for the BOMA process and that he should not begin operating pending final approvals.