RINCON — The City of Rincon is looking for people interested in bellying up to the bar and grille at Lost Plantation Golf Club.
City officials recently issued an RFEI (request for expression of interest) to identify financially strong restaurateurs capable of successfully operating the food and beverage operations — via a concession/lease agreement — at the 18-hole city-owned golf course.
The deadline for submitted questions or information requests about the RFEI is Friday. The deadline for official restaurateur responses is Dec. 31.
The intent of the RFEI is to provide the City of Rincon with sufficient information to decide whether outsourcing the food & beverage operations at LPGC is a viable alternative to self-operation, from both financial and customer service perspectives.
"Responders to this RFEI are not required to adhere to rigid guidelines and are encouraged to offer creative ideas to meet the City's stated objectives with respect to LPGC food & beverage operation," the RFEI states.
"The document is intended to inform interested parties of the information requested by city officials in anticipation of potential issuance in early 2019 of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for Lost Plantation GC food & beverage operations via concession/lease agreement with the City of Rincon," it continues.
Lost Plantation Golf Club, located at 1 Clubhouse Drive, is an 18-hole course designed by Joseph L. Lee. The City of Rincon acquired it in late 2009 for the purpose of discharging treated water onto the golf course
All aspects of the golf course, which operates on a tight budget, are handled with city employees.
" ... Part of the reason for soliciting interest in a possible food & beverage concession agreement at the facility is to free up resources for other aspects of the operation, such as golf course maintenance," the RFEI states. "The City expects that improved golf course maintenance conditions will drive more customers to the facility, and increase activity and demand for the LPGC Grille, especially if a fresh approach to food & beverage service area is undertaken."
In the last three fiscal years, the total food & beverage sales at the club have ranged from $63,671-$74,046. Because of budget and staffing constraints, the grille's current hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
The golf clubhouse totals approximately 3,640 square feet and includes a pro shop, restrooms, a small office, kitchen, dining space, kitchen, storage space and outside deck.
The square footage of the food & beverage service area is approximately 432 square feet and comfortable seats about 85 patrons (dining area approximately. 560 square feet), with capacity for an additional 20 or so on the back uncovered deck/porch.
The clubhouse building is in good structural condition but in need of enhancement.
Formerly known as Willowpeg Golf Course when privately owned, the facility opened in 1989. The par-72 golf course features four sets of tees, ranging from 4,953 yards from the front tees to 6,833 yards at the tips. The facility also includes a 15-station driving range; clubhouse; cart barn; and maintenance facility. A new irrigation system was installed in 2013.
Peak green fees, including cart, for an 18-hole rounds of golf at LPGC are $40. Over the last several fiscal years, LPGC has hosted between 16,000 and 18,000 total rounds each year and generated between $500,000 and $600,000 in annual gross operating revenue. The facility has about 80 members (in various categories) who pay annual fees.
For more information, contact City Manager John Klimm at (912) 826-5745 or jklimm@cityofrincon.com.
