Concession Solutions, Inc.
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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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Some Facilities & Clients Our Staff Has Reviewed

 
  Safeco Field
Pac Bell
GM Place
Savvis Center Arena
Seattle Center
Orlando Arena
Kingdome
Reunion Arena
Sport Mart Place Kamloops, BC
Clearwater Threshers
High Desert Mavericks
Spokane Indians
Everett Aquasox
Hickory Crawdads
Binghamton Mets
Visalia Oaks
Rochester Red Wings
Birmingham Barons
Winston-Salem Warthogs
Trenton Thunder
St. Lucie Mets
Vermont Lake Monsters
Bakersfield Blaze
Modesto A’s
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Carolina Mudcats
New Jersey Cardinals
Tacoma Rainiers
Jacksonville Suns
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
Stockton Ports
Asheville Tourists
CNJJ Architects
Pacific Coast Builders
Gentry Design Studio
Providence Mount St Vincent
Pacific Design Associates
Warren News & Gift, Pretzel mania
Shriner Circus
Ripken Management & Design
America’s Pastime Sports Management
Oregon Shakespeare Feastival
FFKR Architects
Sacramento River Cats
University of Maryland
University of Utah
University of Arizona
Rochester Technical Institute
Ohio State University
University of California - Berkeley
Delta Center
United Center
Rose Garden
Philadelphia Veterans Stadium
Portland Int'l Raceway
University of Notre Dame
Syracuse University
University of Missouri
University of Tennessee
University of Kansas
University of Washington
Washington State University
University of Oregon
University of Northern Iowa
University of Georgia
Michigan Technological University
Texas A & M University
United States Military Academy
Brigham Young University
Tulane University
University of Wisconsin
North Texas Athletics
Bucknell University
University of Illinois
Westchester Co. Center
Sioux City Convention Center
Fresno Convention Center
L.A. County Fair-Fairplex
Oregon State Fair
San Diego State University
 
       
   
   

Phone: (206) 440-9203   Fax: (206) 440-9213
email:
info@concessionsolutions.com