NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
19 March 2004

RESTAURANT DEVELOPER FOR NATIONAL SPORTS HALL OF FAME COMPLEX ON CITY ISLAND NOW SOUGHT

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that a Request for Proposals (RFP) is now being issued for the operation of a restaurant facility inside the planned National Sports Hall of Fame(NSHF) on City Island. The RFP invites restaurant operators and developers to submit their proposals before 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2004.

Reed said the designated facility will be located on one of two top floors of the 65,000 sq. ft. National Sports Hall of Fame, with a commanding view of the downtown skyline and waterfront. Operations of a banquet facility, indoor dining area, and outdoor dining area are all included as part of the proposal request, which involves nearly 8,000 sq. ft. of prime space. The outdoor area will be enclosed, allowing it to be used in all weather and all four seasons.

The Mayor said the facility is envisioned to be a year-round operation, with a special emphasis on sports. The venue, in addition to offering regular food and beverage services to the public and to facility visitors, would also host special events around the broadcasts of all major sporting events, and would be open following Senators, Piranha and City Islander games. Seating for 100 patrons indoors and an additional 100 diners outdoors is planned, as is separate meeting space for up to 200 guests. The successful proposer will be responsible for all aspects of the Museum’s food service operations.

Reed noted that more than one million visitors annually attend events or visit the Island and its many attractions, providing a substantial potential market for the new restaurant. Parking is available for restaurant patrons on both City Island lots and at the City Island Parking Garage.

The Mayor said the city will seek monetary compensation from the successful developer in the form of leases and other revenue sources, and desires a minimum five-year lease term with a five-year renewal option. The successful developer will be responsible for all aspects of food service, including providing specialized kitchen and dining room appliances, furnishings, decorations, tenting and other needs.

Reed said the family-oriented facility should offer an affordable Central Pennsylvania-oriented menu, including Chicken Pot Pie, pierogies, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, ribs, chops, chicken dishes, sea food dishes, appetizers, desserts and a children’s menu. The successful proposer will also be required to obtain an adult beverage license from the Pa Liquor Control Board so as to allow alcohol sales in the restaurant.

A description of the number and type of televisions and video monitors planned, as well as any potential gaming devices, are all requested for the RFP, as are planned operating hours and other details.

The Mayor said interested proposers should contact NSHF Project Director John Levenda at (717) 255.3023 to obtain a copy of the RFP, or reach him in writing at The National Sports Hall of Fame, 212-E, McCormick Public Services Center, 123 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

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