Ferries could reopen galleys by April 1

By Susan Gilmore
Seattle Times staff reporter

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive

Nine companies have formally applied to supply food on the Washington State Ferries, and the ferry galleys could reopen by April 1.

Twelve companies have submitted bids to provide food at Seattle's Colman Dock.

The galleys went dark Jan. 1 after no one bid on the ferry concession. Sodexho, which had the contract, opted not to rebid because it said it wasn't making enough money on the 10-year deal.

Sodexho had ferry contracts for all the onboard concessions, food, beverages, vending machines and games, but the ferry system decided to bid them separately. It found bidders for the games and vending machines (Sodexho) and the McDonald's franchise at Colman Dock, but no one bid then on the onboard food service.

Yesterday, Sodexho was one of three companies that bid both for onboard and Colman Dock food service. The other two were Alaska's Gourmet Subs of Anchorage and CDX of Mukilteo (pizza, hamburgers, Mexican and Asian food).

Several companies bid only on selected routes, but the state would not release the list of bidders on each route, the length of the contracts or what percentage of sales the companies would return to the state.

Other companies that bid on the onboard food service were B H & U, or Victorian Hospitality, from Port Townsend (crab sandwiches, clam chowder and salads); Cascade Concessions Services, of Vancouver, Wash.; Gammy's Girls & Boys, or Roadhouse Espresso, of Tacoma; HMG Services, or Classic Food Services, of Seattle (same ferry menu as before Jan. 1); Sound Food Cafe, Bakery and Wine Bar, of Vashon Island (deli sandwiches, soups and pastries); and Summit Vending, of Everett (a vending-machine company that may contract with small cafes).

Colman Dock proposals were received from Caffe Appassionato, of Seattle; Catch a Buzz Espresso, or Dockside Coffee, of Poulsbo; Commuter Comforts, of Bainbridge Island (baguettes, soups, tapas); S. Lawrence Kilts Associates, or Catered to Catering, of Bothell; Matt's Famous Chili Dogs, of Mill Creek; Perky's, of Port Orchard (doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, croissants); Skippers Seafood and Chowder, of Edmonds; Subway, of Mill Creek; and World Wrapps, of Seattle.

Only CDX bid on news, books and convenience items at Colman Dock.

Proposals for concession services at other terminals will be submitted by Feb. 25.
 
One company is bidding only on the Port Townsend-Keystone route; another wants to put a wine bar at Colman Dock.

Finalists will be selected Feb. 27, and the ferry system will announce the contract award March 24. The contract is to begin April 1, depending on agreement with the Inland Boatmen's Union.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company