The Port of Seattle Commissioners has authorized the port to move forward with a competitive selection process making way for 21 dining and retail options at Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA). The port said the criteria for the selection process will “continue to expand opportunities for small businesses, while also responding to public input.”
The port also announced that it offered food cart and kiosk opportunities to Ivar’s, Wendy’s and Maki of Japan. All three restaurants will close in early 2018, as the Port kicks off a major renovation adding 10,000 square feet of mezzanine space to the Central Terminal.
The changes at SEA came after a public battle with Ivar’s after the restaurant’s lease was not renewed in the most recent round of contract awards. In response to the port’s recent changes, Ivar’s president Bob Donegan said the company appreciates the port “considering creative solutions such as food carts.” The company also said it plans to bid on upcoming opportunities at the airport.
Stephanie Bowman, commissioner for the Port of Seattle, said the airport should reflect “what we love best about the Northwest.”
“We value the experience and customer service focus of Ivar’s, Wendy’s and Maki’s of Japan, and are eager to continue that partnership during construction in the Central Terminal,” she says. “Looking forward, I’m pleased that the competition in our next round will strike the right balance between celebrating our local favorites and creating an environment where newer businesses can compete.”
The competitive selection process for the next round of leases, known as Lease Group 4, will begin soon, the Port Commission said.
The criteria include a requirement that all proposing firms be fully compliant with Proposition 1 back wages and benefits, a requirement that all proposing firms to submit a customer service plan and an increased emphasis on proposed wages and benefits. The process will also maintain strong support for small businesses and and increased preference for local concepts. It will require that all proposing firms with more than 35 employees implement a labor peace agreement and will set a new limitation to how many opportunities any one company may win.
