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Council introduces concession ordinance for Park Natchitoches; only one bid submitted for five-year term
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance authorizing a concession agreement in favor of Lazion's (listed in record as Lazien/Lazion) to operate concessions at Park Natchitoches. Staff said the operator was the only bidder and the city would receive a 15% share of sales.
The Natchitoches City Council introduced an ordinance authorizing a concession agreement that would let Lazion's (record spellings vary between Lazien and Lazion) continue operating concessions at Park Natchitoches.
Why it matters: The concessionaire operates the ballpark concession stand and provides food and beverages for events that draw visitors and tournament teams; the agreement determines what products are sold, exclusivity terms (Coca-Cola product distribution at the ballpark), and the city’s revenue share.
Details: Councilman Harrington introduced Ordinance No. 3 of 2025 for first reading; the ordinance would authorize a concession agreement granting the concessionaire the right to sell food, beverages, merchandise and similar items at Park Natchitoches and authorize the mayor to execute the agreement.
City staff said the concessionaire currently operates at the ballpark and has done so since the park opened in 2020. Recreation staff described a five-year term being contemplated in the introduction. Staff said the city advertised the opportunity, direct-mailed the request for proposals to several prospective vendors and used social media; however, staff said only one vendor submitted a formal bid.
Kevin Shannon, a city staff member who works with recreation, confirmed during council discussion that “she’s the only one that submitted.” City staff said the concessionaire has invested in the facility and is familiar with the pace and irregular schedules of ballpark events.
Other provisions discussed included: the city’s 15% share of concession sales (taken from gross sales via the point-of-sale system), the Coca-Cola exclusive product arrangement tied to installed scoreboards, and restrictions on cooking equipment because the facility lacks an overhead exhaust system (limiting fryers and some grills). Staff said the concession menu commonly includes hot dogs, candy, nachos, salads and po’boys.
What’s next: The ordinance was introduced for future action; the council did not adopt the concession agreement at this meeting. If the council moves to adopt the ordinance on a later agenda, the city will finalize contract language and terms for the five-year concession period.
Ending: Council members invited questions and noted that additional contract details will return on a future agenda for final action.
