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City awards Moonlight Amphitheater concessions contract to DLS Events; chamber urges future local‑preference language
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Summary
After an expedited RFP, the council unanimously approved a concession services contract for the Moonlight Amphitheater with DLS Events LLC. The Vista Chamber urged future RFPs to include criteria for local hiring and reinvestment; the contractor pledged local sourcing and staff will explore contract language for renewals.
The Vista City Council unanimously approved a contract with DLS Events LLC to provide concession services at the Moonlight Amphitheater after staff ran an expedited request for proposals and a tasting/interview phase to evaluate vendors.
Staff said six firms advanced to the second evaluation phase and that the panel—composed of season ticket holders and city staff—used tasting interviews to rank candidates. "DLS Events did emerge as the top ranked proposer through the evaluation process," Recreation and Community Services staff member Sydney Rolfe said during the presentation.
Rachel Beld, president and CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, told the council she supported the process but urged the city to consider adding local‑economic impact criteria—such as local hiring, partnerships with Vista businesses and reinvestment—to future RFPs. "Many cities have found ways to do this while maintaining fair and competitive processes," Beld said.
A DLS representative, Casey Swinford, said the company is rooted in Southern California and committed to working with local breweries, restaurants and suppliers. "We are committed to working with local breweries, local farmers markets, restaurants ... to make sure that we are offering fresh, amazing local products at the fairest prices," Swinford said.
Councilmembers praised staff for the quick turnaround and the survey work used to gather patron input: staff reported 282 responses from more than 7,300 season ticket holders. The contract term runs through Dec. 31 with options to renew for up to four additional one‑year terms, staff said.
Councilmember Contreras asked staff to bring a future agenda item to consider procurement tools that create a local preference in RFPs. Staff said the contract template in the RFP could be revised at renewal time and that they would pursue voluntary commitments with the selected vendor and return to council with language if desired.
The council approved the staff recommendation to award the concession contract to DLS Events LLC unanimously.
