My friends (via the Internet) asked me a simple question. Could a good lunch be served to senior citizens for less than $2.50 per meal?
Of course, knowing these two friends, my answer was… and just what ARE you two thinking? They had recently moved to Utah (in the middle of nowhere), and neither had a TON of food service experience. I’m talking about the overall experience needed to get the job done day in and day out. In retrospect, I think it was a test. A test to see if maybe, just maybe, I’d be interested in joining them in the middle of nowhere.
That was in late 2005. Barely a year later, I made a mad dash between snow storms from Oregon to Utah and have been here ever since. The contract never came open, however, we have become the “relief cooks” for the contract holder. That gets our foot in the door.
This past year, there have been a number of indicators leading us to believe the contract will become available at some point between now and the end of the year. Fuel prices are putting a SERIOUS bite on the current contract holder. Along with increased food costs, they are struggling to maintain a decent profit margin.
Additionally, the primary contract holder is now 65 and has gained full eligibility for his SS and Medicare. Ever since his Dad passed away this spring, he’s been looking forward to retirement, and travel, while he’s still young enough and in good enough physical health to enjoy life.
Now, the process for obtaining this contract has been somewhat convoluted as it’s not your standard “put it out to bid” type thing. Rather, the “position” is posted by the county H&R department, and you literally apply, as if you were applying for a JOB.
According to the local director, with whom we have a good relationship, there is an “interview” process. The current contract holder was not quizzed on food service experience at all… go figure!
I’ve been putting a business plan together to present to the county when the contract comes open. I firmly believe that if they are presented with a professional plan, that will give them the confidence to award us the contract.
