Hockey fans may have to get their food and refreshments elsewhere than at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex after receiving notice that the current concessionaire is leaving.
Wes Amendt, director of community services, told councillors Sept. 9 during a regular meeting he received one month’s notice from the current proprietor and he has since advertized the opening.
In an interview, Amendt says he intends to meet with the businessperson to recap the last year and receive any advice from her. Keeping staff appears to be one challenge.
“She indicated to me it was tough finding reliable help for someone to be there,” Amendt said.
For those interested, Amendt says the concessionaire signs a lease and pays a portion of their earnings to the town for exclusive rights to the space. He added that the Curling Club is also looking for someone to manage their concession and he feels there may be a chance someone could manage both.
Earlier, Ponoka Minor Hockey managed the space through parent volunteers but the group ceased operation two years ago. Since then, two different concessionaires have managed the location.
Last year the town replaced and updated the kitchen with a new gas stove and oven, dishwashing area, new paint and other updates to keep it up to health code standards.
Amendt is taking resumes from experienced concessionaires and is eager to fill the space. If the position is not filled, Amendt says folks may have to get their food from somewhere else.