Dane County Executive Falk Introduces Airport Retail and Concessions Contracts with The Paradies Shops and The Compass Group

February 17, 2005
Lesley Sillaman, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Madison – Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today announced the intent to award two contracts that will earn Dane County more than $6 million – an increase of more than $3 million dollars – over 10 years. The contracts are between the Dane County Regional Airport and The Paradies Shops and The Compass Group, to provide new retail and food and beverage concessions, respectively. “This is a great step in our continuing improvements at the Dane County Airport,” said County Executive Falk. “These expansions will make us money while working with local entrepreneurs, and improving opportunities for minority business.” The new contracts will include expanded shopping and food and beverage options to travelers, including partnerships with local establishments like Ancora Coffee Roasters and the Great Dane Brewery. Other concessions will include a Lake Country TravelMart, a CNBC News Madison store, a Wisconsin Marketplace store, a European-style Café Ritazza and Bar, and a Bleachers Sports Bar. The contracts both include Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation. The Paradies Shops has joined with Raymond Allen and Stephen Braunginn, both experienced leaders in the African American community, to form Paradies Madtown, LLC, which will give Mr. Allen and Mr. Braunginn opportunities to achieve 10% DBE participation in subcontracting, and develop several unique programs including scholarship and internship programs for minority students, and the hiring of people with disabilities. The Compass Group has included The Orient Restaurant, Inc., a 100% minority-owned business in Minneapolis as their partner in the Pizzaria Uno venture. “The Paradies Shops and its local partners have enjoyed being a partner of the Dane County Regional Airport for the past ten years and are honored to be selected as the concessionaire of choice to be involved in the terminal improvement and expansion program,” stated Lou Bottino, Chief Operating Officer for The Paradies Shops. “By presenting such dynamic brands as CNBC News, Explore Madison, State Street News and Lake Country TravelMart, the airport will be able to offer the traveling public a great combination of national brands and local flavor.” The contracts, approved by the County’s Airport Commission Wednesday night and subject to County Board Approval and County Executive signature, will begin after the Airport’s current contracts with both groups expire on July 1, 2005. Construction on the new shops and concessions will begin in the next several months and will be completed on a staggered schedule, finishing in early 2006. A full listing of the retail shops and concessions is below: Café Ritazza and Bar Bleachers (Sports Bar) Quizno’s Pizzaria Uno’s Ben & Jerry’s Great Dane Brewery Ancora Coffee Roasters and Café Badgers Bar Lake Country Travel Mart CNBC News Madison Wisconsin Marketplace