Union invites local, national restaurants to bid for space in renovated dining area
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015
MANHATTAN — The K-State Student Union is taking a local approach and is encouraging nearby restaurants to bid for space in the Union as it moves forward with renovations.
The Union is moving to a new dining services operating model that will replace its current food court with six separate restaurants. These restaurants will replace the Union's current contract-managed dining program. Qualified restaurants are encouraged to submit proposals for the new dining model.
"The students have asked for local restaurant options to complement the national brands we already have," said Bill Smriga, executive director of the Union.
The new dining model is part of the $25 million project that will renovate and expand the Union. Union leaders have sought student feedback throughout the project and a 2014 survey found that students wanted more local restaurants.
The Union has issued a request for proposal, or RFP, from qualified restaurant bidders for the six restaurants. The closing date is Monday, March 16, 2015.
Targeted food sectors may include burgers; chicken; Pan Asian; south of the border; barbecue; coffee, sandwiches and pastry; Italian; sports bar/grill items; soups/salads/wraps; or smoothie/juice/ice cream/custard (or combination with above).
For more information about the request for proposal, contact Carla Bishop, Kansas State University director of purchasing, at cbishop@k-state.edu.
The Union offers comprehensive meeting, dining and special event space, as well as conference and catering services. The Union has approximately 8,000 to 10,000 daily visitors and the reservations staff processes more than 11,000 meeting reservations annually.
The renovation project will increase student organization meeting areas and student lounges, enhance retail and dining spaces and give the building a better overall flow. The renovation is expected to start in July, and the facility will remain open during the renovation — although certain areas will be closed while under renovation.
