A selection of new business opportunities are available to provide food and beverage services at several City of Grande Prairie recreation facilities including the Bonnetts Energy Centre, Dave Barr Community Centre and Ernie Radbourne Pavilion at Muskoseepi Park.

Details on the opportunities are as follows:

Bonnetts Energy Centre

The Bonnetts Energy Centre located in the heart of downtown Grande Prairie is a multi-purpose facility that provides entertainment and events to the region.

Within the venue are two distinct event spaces: the Bonnetts Energy Arena and The Bowes along with kitchen facilities, four concessions, two premium suites, five dressing rooms, two meeting rooms, an NHL size ice surface, a robust inventory of equipment and a dynamic team of people.

Each year, Bonnetts Energy Centre hosts between 150 – 200 events including 30 AJHL Storm regular season games plus playoff games. The venue also hosts tradeshows, conference, community events and community hockey. The arena can seat 4657 fans for a concert and 2939 for a seated sporting event. There are two premium suites located in the arena, that require service from the contracted caterer. The Bowes Event Centre has a capacity to serve 1400 guests for general admission show and 700 seated guests for a gala style event.

The Bonnetts Energy Centre Concession/ Catering Provider will be the exclusive provider of food and beverage for all guests, venue rentals and touring groups. The successful applicant must be able to service multiple concessions and accommodate large catering requests simultaneously.

The overall space is approximately 2685.5 sq. feet, and includes four concession areas:

• Main Lobby Concession (896 sq. feet)

• Centre Gate Kiosk (180 sq. feet)

• East Arena Concession and cooler (443.2 sq. feet)

• South Concourse Concessions (two point-of-sale windows) (1166.3 sq. feet)

Expressions of interest for the exclusive right to the Food and Beverage service are being accepted until November 25, 2021. Hours of operation will be proposed by the business as the city recognizes the seasonality and variable hours and traffic of the facility.

Dave Barr Community Centre

The Dave Barr Community Centre sees high traffic during hockey season which poses an opportunity for a favorable return on investment. A competitive lease rate is available, making it an attractive offer for start-ups that are interested in growing their business in Grande Prairie.

The 300 square foot kitchen is being leased for $950.00 a month, including utilities and common area costs, for a three-year term, with a one-time renewal option.

Expressions of interest for the leased kitchen are being accepted until November 25, 2021. Hours of operation will be proposed by the business as the city recognizes the seasonality and variable hours and traffic of the facility.

The volume of patrons to the Dave Barr Community Centre varies by season, for that reason those interested in the space are encouraged to consider innovative business models to maximize revenue.

Ernie Radbourne Pavilion

The Ernie Radbourne Pavilion is the central administration building for Muskoseepi Park and provides meeting and event space. In 2020, the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion received 34,000 visitors and year-to-date the facility has received more than 54,000 visitors.

The facility sees high traffic during the summer months and numerous community events are hosted within Muskoseepi Park which poses an opportunity for a favourable return on investment. The 375 square foot kitchen is being leased for $950.00 monthly, including utilities and common area costs, making it an attractive offer for someone interested in growing their business in Grande Prairie.

Expressions of interest for the leased space are being accepted until November 26, 2021. Hours of operation will be proposed by the business and must fit within the Pavilion’s seasonal operating hours and provide reliable service for park patrons.

The city looks forward to reviewing all expressions and welcoming a new vendor to enhance the community space and continue to add value to our residents.

For more information or to submit an Expression of Interest for Leased Space, view the listings at cityofgp.bidsandtenders.ca.