Recent Projects and what our Clients have to
Say...
A list of some facilities & clients our staff has reviewed...
University of Utah
University of Utah Stadium & Arana Event Services took over the concessions and catering operations from the Utah Athletic Department. Utah Stadium & Arena Event Services Management hired Concession Solutions to assist with the transition and setup of the new concession management department. Concession Solutions first evaluated the operations during the 2013 football season to determine if the management should remain in house and continue to build a first class operation or place the concession and catering out to bid.
Once it was determined that the concession operation was going to remain in house, Concession Solutions was given the task of redesigning all the concession locations to be remodeled prior to the 2014 football season starting. We have provided initial design layouts, equipment specs and are awaiting an Architect firm to be hired to move onto the final design phase before construction begins in the spring.
Concession Solutions has been working with the Utah Stadium & Arena Event Service management team over the course of the 2013 football season and into the winter and spring sports. We have revamped the menu, product selection, money handling procedures, event procedures, accounting procedures, NPO development, coaching them on event scheduling, reviewed all contracts with vendors and NPO groups, and worked side by side with the management team during events to teach concessions operations.
The first two football games in the 2014 season were a huge success. Increasing the perhaps over 125% from the previous year. The first game had a record percap of $8.92 and the second game was close to that as well.
Rochester Institute Technology
RIT Dining operates the concession operations for two sports complexes. They are building a new Hockey arena and have hired Concession Solutions to assist with the design and layouts of the concession locations. Concession Solutions was brought in five days prior to the deadline to make changes to the concession operation design. We redesigned the menu, pricing and completely redesigned each of the concession spaces with specifications for new equipment now needed for the concession operation. We continue to work with the management team to finalize portable cart locations throughout the concourse.
Concession Solutions continues to work with the RIT management team to improve the current operation that will remain in place at one of the sports complexes.
University of California - Berkeley
Cal Berkeley Dining was awarded a 15 year contract to operate the concessions and catering operations for the Cal Athletic Department. Prior to Cal Dining taking over the concessions and catering operations on July 1st, 2012, from a national contract company, Cal Berkeley Dining services hired Concession Solutions to assist with the setting-up and opening of their new concessions operations. Concessions Solutions first priority was to assist with the final design and operational layout for the concession stands within the newly renovated Football stadium that opened September 1, 2012. We worked with the on-site construction contractors, architecture teams from the athletic department and Cal Dining, capital project management, equipment companies and Cal Dining’s management.
As Concession Solutions was working on the final design, we were also assisting Cal Dining’s management team with all aspects of setting up the new concessions operation. This included hiring a new on-site concession management team, equipment purchases and arranging all food and supply purchases for the first year of operation. We set-up the internal management infrastructure including: documentation, inventory control, and sales reporting. Concession Solutions worked with Cal Dining’s management team to finalized contracts with subcontractors and Non Profit Organizations that are being used as the labor force in the concession stands. We remained on-site through the second home game to help ensure a successful opening. As a direct result of our assistance, sales were increased 35% in all venues over the previous contract company.
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University and Athletic Department decided to bid out the concession and catering operations. We recently assisted developing the bid proposal response to obtain the concessions and catering operation in-house. We developed a proposal with the Ohio State Food Service Department to show the in-house operation was the right choice.
University of Notre Dame
January 5, 2011
RE: Reference for Concessions Solutions Inc.; Theresa Traulsen, President
Without reservation I highly recommend Concessions Solutions as a consultant for any concessions related project. The University of Notre Dame has utilized the services of Concessions Solutions on multiple occasions and have found their work to be professional, comprehensive and conducted with high integrity.
Theresa Traulsen has impressive industry knowledge gained from practical experience and many years of exposure to both university and professional concessions operations throughout the country. Theresa shows commitment to the project at hand and will take the necessary time to complete work in a thorough and comprehensive manner. Theresa is a credible industry leader with the ability to effectively communicate to people at all levels from stand operators to university senior leadership and corporate executives.
The University of Notre Dame has benefitted from its association with Theresa and would eagerly retain her consulting services again if the situation arises. I am available to respond to questions regarding Concessions Solutions, Inc.
Sincerely,
David R. Prentkowski Director Notre Dame Food Services
Click Here to view the letter.
Modesto A's Baseball
Designing the layout of the concessions, worked closely with
the Architects during the construction phase, lined up equipment purchasing,
equipment delivery, menu development, staff hiring and training, sub contractor
development, management training and set up the accounting systems.
Provided them with monthly visits to continue staff and
management training development during the first year.
"We found that you (Concession Solutions) have created an
outstanding concession layout and design. Short lines and high percaps have
become the norm out here - regardless on the size of our crowds… Our fans
have noticed a difference - we owe that to you."
David Gottfried
General Manager
Modesto A's Professional Baseball Club
Spokane Indians
Provided and on-site review of their concession operation.
The extensive report we provide allows them to examine their operation from a
new perspective and make changes in the future that will increase the
profits.
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High Desert Mavericks
Provided and on-site review of their concession operation.
The extensive report we provide allows them to examine their operation from a
new perspective and make changes in the future that will increase the profits.
We provided them with 20+ recommendations that more than paid for the
consulting services.
The on-site evaluation includes evaluating the menu,
pricing, product cost structure, possible sponsorship and rebate programs
available based on their menu, equipment, equipment placement, stand design,
staffing, point of sales speed, customer satisfaction, food handling procedures
and ways to increase the profitability to the team.
"…Concession Solutions team was extremely
well-prepared, thorough, friendly and most importantly, productive. Concession
Solutions reviewed our game day operations, personnel, financial performance
and team history in order to issue an accurate and complete overview."
"…In an era when many operators turn to outside
concessionaires instead of making the most of their concession opportunities,
Concession Solutions stepped up to allow the Mavericks maximize concessions
revenues. In fact, any one of the Concession Solutions' 20 + recommendations
probably paid for the cost of the consultation."
"This preparation, comprehensive overview and on-going
service make it a pleasure to do business with Concession Solutions."
Steve Pastorino
General Manager
High Desert Mavericks
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University of Northern Iowa
We reviewed the current concessions operation then we
developed a Request for Proposal that fit the needs of the University and their
future operation, we assisted them with the bid process, selection of a new
concessionaire and finally a contract between the University and
Concessionaire.
We also provided the University assistance with the Soft
drink bid and selection process of their future soft drink company
contract.
"Thank you for the excellent consulting services you have
provided to the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Department regarding our
concession and soft drink vending bids."
"Your expertise, understanding, and thoroughness were
extremely helpful as we worked through the process that our University had not
gone through in over ten years. Because of your efforts, we expect to see a 40%
increase in concession revenue and tens of thousands of dollars in promotional
revenue from Pepsi. These are funds we never received before and will be very
helpful as we work to increase the competitiveness of our sports."
Chris Ritrievi
Director of Athletics
Northern Iowa University
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Bakersfield Blaze
We provided an on-site evaluation of the concession
operation. We evaluated the menu, pricing, product cost, equipment, equipment
placement, stand design, staffing, point of sales speed, customer satisfaction,
food handling procedures and ways to increase profit for the team.
We also provided their first year manager with advice and
suggestions on how he could better the operation this season and in future
seasons.
"…We are always looking for better ways to improve
ourselves in every area of our operations and really do appreciate you taking
the time to come see us while you were in California."
Susan Wells
Assistant General Manager
Bakersfield Blaze
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University of Georgia
Fine Host Concessionaire - On site management has been using
our Concession Management for Windows software since the 1996 Olympics.
Binghamtom Mets
The team has been using our Concession Management for
Windows software since 1997.
University of Washington
We provided the Athletic Department assistance in extending
the concession contract by writing a new agreement. In this process we improved
both the financial and operational terms of the contract.
"…The professional insights that your company
provided during this process were very helpful in improving both the financial
and the operational terms of the contract. Thank you also for drafting the
terms of the contract and the related schedules and for the response time to
comments and questions. I would not hesitate to ask your company for assistance
in the future."
Paul King
Associate Athletic Director, Business
and Finance
University of Washington
We also provided management for the NCAA Championship
merchandise sales. We organized the entire operation, coordinated delivery and
ordering of merchandise, displays, storage and sales at the actual events
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University of Nevada
We assisted Marriott Corporation in the development of their
bid proposal for the concessions food service operation.
Fresno State University
We assisted Marriott Corporation in the development of their
bid proposal for the concessions food service operation.
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Fresno Convention Center
We analyzed the entire concession and merchandise operation
prior to developing the Request For Proposal. We worked closely with the
Convention Center management and City to produce a detailed RFP. We were part
of the team that reviewed the proposals and selected the best concessionaire
for the facility. Concession Solutions provided our findings in an oral report
to the City Counsel for their final vote regarding the selection of the
concession company.
"We selected Concession Solutions as our consultant to
assist us with this process based on letters of recommendations from facilities
similar to ours as well as Theresa Traulsen's demonstrated expertise in the
field gleaned through interviews…
We have been very impressed with
the work completed so far. The RFP is now in the final stages of legal
approval. Mrs. Traulsen has been a thorough, knowledgeable and extremely
responsive consultant… Turnaround time has been exceptionally prompt, and
she had impressed us with her productivity and ability to stay on schedule. She
is adept in analyzing financial issues as well as potential product advertising
revenues.
We feel that we have received excellent service as well as
being cost effective. By contracting for their services we gained valuable
insight and perspective regarding our specific concession opportunities.
Consequently, we enthusiastically recommend Concession Solutions and welcome
the opportunity to provide further information should it be helpful to your
decision."
Michael J. Sweeney
Administration Manager
Fresno
Convention Center
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Carolina Mudcats Baseball
Concession Solutions provided the Mudcats management with
detailed layouts of their new concession and skybox pantry. The layouts
included detailed placement of counters, all equipment, plumbing, and
electrical. Concession Solutions researched all equipment needs, health
department and building codes as well as necessary details required by the
Architect.
"During the past year the Carolina Mudcats incorporated a
complete restructuring of Five County Stadium… Mrs. Traulsen ran "point"
for this operation, and produced layouts for our brand new concession
facilities and skybox pantry.
Theresa has a very good knowledge of
concession layout and accounting procedures, and proved to be very responsible
and dedicated."
Joe Kremer
General Manager
Carolina Mudcats
Professional Baseball
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Trenton Thunder
We provided an on-site evaluation. We evaluated the menu,
pricing, product cost, equipment, equipment placement, stand design, staffing,
point of sales speed, customer satisfaction, food handling procedures and ways
to increase commissions to the team from the concessionaire.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
They were going into the last year of their contract with
the concessionaire and wanted Concession Solutions to review their contract and
provide areas where changes and improvements could be made in the next contract
agreement with a concessionaire. We evaluated the contract, menu, pricing,
product cost, equipment, equipment placement, stand design, staffing,
management, point of sales speed, customer satisfaction, food handling
procedures and ways to increase commissions to the team from the
concessionaire.
Hickory Crawdads
We provided and on-site evaluation. The on-site evaluation
includes evaluating the menu, pricing, product cost structure, possible
sponsorship and rebate programs available based on their menu, equipment,
equipment placement, stand design, staffing, point of sales speed, customer
satisfaction, food handling procedures and ways to increase the profitability
to the team.
"We implemented several of you ideas immediately and look
to implement several more next season. It was good for myself, our concession
director and our stand managers to hear suggestions from someone "outside" the
organization."
David Hass
General Manager
Hickory Crawdads
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Shriners Circus
We provided an audit of services to the concessions and
merchandise sales operations.
"…(Concession Solutions) provided a very thorough
audit of services as it relates to concessions and improving sales…
recommendations and observations gave us the information to hold our third
party accountable…This not only led to more circus income in this area
than ever before, but has also provided suggestions to improve this number
significantly in the future.
(Concession Solutions)…experience and
suggestions in the merchandising area has led to our implementation of programs
which we believe will make our revenue grow over 400%."
Tom
Stebbins
Executive Director
Spokane Shriners Circus
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Portland International Raceway
We evaluated the raceway concession operation at small
events and large Indy races. Provided assistance with the process of developing
the RFP.
"I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your
assistance and advice in setting up the process to select a food and beverage
concessionaire for Portland International Raceway."
"Especially
helpful was your research into the revenue potential of the facility and your
analysis of the operations available to us to provide the service. …The
process is now complete and the new concessionaire has been selected. It was by
far the most efficient such process I have been involved in."
Fontaine Hagedom
Manager
Portland Parks Enterprises Division
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Washington State University
Concession Solutions was asked to review the concessions
operation and advise the University on future concessions contracts. We looked
at all options such as going in-house, extending the current contract, going
out for public bid or going out to bid for a management fee contract.
The extensive report submitted reviewed all options and the
estimated amount of revenue each would generate for the University.
"… On their own initiative,…(Concession
Solutions)…expanded their review…demonstrating how we could improve
our operation with the concepts of economy of scale. Only by getting to know
us, could they have broadened their scope and included such a constructive
element… Never were any of their recommendations threatening. They made
the effort of spending time with the individuals essential in this part of our
operation, and to a person earned their respect… They did not attempt to
fit us into some standard mold, but adjusted their approach and report to the
idiosyncrasies they found at WSU…By the time they competed their study,
there was no question in my mind they were the experts of our operations,
knowing more about our strengths and weaknesses than we did. Then, to further
demonstrate their professionalism, they proceeded to educate us within their
report in a positive manner. In so doing, we were made aware of alternatives
for improvement heretofore unknown to us."
Harold C.Gibson, Jr.
Associate Athletic Director
Washington State University
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