Committee approves two concession agreements; Taste of Excellence to operate City Hall Rotunda and cafeteria

The Municipal Services and Properties Committee on April 6 approved companion ordinances authorizing concession agreements for a first‑class catering service in the City Hall Rotunda (Ordinance 282-2026) and a cafeteria operator for City Hall (Ordinance 281-2026). The two items are linked: the city issued an RFP and selected vendors; Taste of Excellence was identified as the vendor that will operate the Rotunda catering and the cafeteria under two-year agreements with a one‑year option.

Staff said the previous five‑year cafeteria contract and rotunda arrangement generated roughly $120,000 in 2024 and about $493,000 total from 2023–2025 (figures provided by staff). The concession agreement includes a tiered commission on net profits (a base of about 10% was discussed) and the city will continue to collect room rental fees for the Rotunda. Staff said Taste of Excellence has operated the cafeteria previously and runs other catering operations regionally.

Council members asked whether the Rotunda vendor would have exclusive catering rights (staff confirmed exclusivity for the Rotunda), whether the contractor markets the space and how well the Rotunda is being utilized, and if city‑sponsored events receive different treatment. Staff said the city can waive rental fees for city‑sponsored events and will provide an events schedule and more detail on vendor marketing and utilization. Council members also raised interest in providing opportunities to local small businesses; staff said they preferred awarding to a local small business but selected the vendor able to reliably provide both cafeteria and full catering services after the highest‑ranked small vendor was unable to proceed.