Third Ward Alderwoman Irene Collins initially objected last week to purchasing the used food trailer that will be operated this season by the city’s new course concessionaire, Megan Podrazik of Megabites Events.
“I really don’t understand why we’re doing this if we have a pavilion with a kitchen,” Collins said. She later voted with the other members of the Common Council to approve the purchase.
A lack of responses to a request for proposals seeking a concessionaire brought Podrazik to the city with a concept to serve food at the course from a food truck while using the pavilion for tournament banquets and other special events. It’s an adaptation from Megabites, her existing food trailer and event catering business based at The Bridge Walk in Perth.
The absence of interest in the concessionaire’s contract seemingly stemmed from the challenge of staffing the pavilion to provide normal food service during regular course hours and of turning a profit, given the apparent reluctance of golfers to patronize the space.
“Golfers are not going into the pavilion because it’s so far away from the golf course,” Mayor Michael Cinquanti said.
As a result, Cinquanti said breakfast and lunch were missing at the course for some time. The shift to a food truck for day-to-day service is a more viable option that can be operated by a single staffer. The public can still be served from the trailer during private events in the pavilion.
The course opened last week with Podrazik serving food from one of her own catering and event trailers. The city always planned to buy a trailer that she would operate this season while bringing in her trailers as needed to serve golfers out on the course during large events.
The use of trailers ensures food-and-drink service is available this season and in the future as the city develops plans to build a three-season room as part of a phased approach to replacing the former clubhouse building. Constructing a permanent kitchen to serve the venue in its first stage would have cost over $100,000.
“It’s not going to cost as much as any other alternative at this point in time,” Cinquanti said of the trailer. “It’s a very good investment and it gives us much more flexibility.”
Still, Collins suggested the city could end up spending over $25,000 on the used trailer in the event any work or repairs are needed now or in the future. She went on to question the decision to use a portion of the city’s remaining coronavirus relief aid through the American Rescue Plan Act for the purchase instead of contingency funds.
Officials said the trailer was inspected by Podrazik and city staff to ensure it was in good condition and working order before bringing the purchase request to the council. Corporation Counsel Anthony Casale noted that ARPA funds must be allocated by the end of this year and expended by the end of 2026.
“This would be an appropriate use,” Casale added.
The trailer is expected to be put into use soon after officials meet with engineers from Saratoga Associates later this week to discuss plans for the three season-room and an outdoor seating area that could be created in the interim.
“They’re going to tell us what to do with that trailer between now and the completion of phase one,” Cinquanti said.
It is expected to be parked near the existing pro shop building in which bathrooms and an indoor seating area will be installed. A corner of the pavilion is being converted into a space to relocate the pro shop. The city is also filling in the hole where the former clubhouse building once stood and golfers are again starting their rounds at the first tee.
Although the season has just gotten underway, Cinquanti said he’s already received good reports with the addition of Podrazik and new golf pro Joe Carville.
“I’m really thrilled with the team we’ve put together and I think we’re going to have a good year despite the transition,” Cinquanti said.
Podrazik and Megabites have received positive feedback online from locals for the selections at “reasonable” prices. In particular, patrons seemed to enjoy the “delicious” breakfast sandwiches with double eggs, American cheese and a choice of meat on a brioche bun for $8.
In addition to the apparently popular breakfast sandwich, this week’s menu features a wake up panini, mega mack burger, chicken bacon ranch wrap, wrecker steak hoagie and loaded fries. Podrazik previously said the menu will likely feature rotating specials and fresh seasonal fare.
The concessionaire’s reputation is already attracting new customers to the course to grab a bite from the food trailer alongside golfers, Cinquanti said.
“Megan’s been a tremendous addition, she’s showing that she will be there and will be taking care of the needs of the golfers,” Cinquanti said.
