CLEARWATER — The City Council has extended the city’s Clearwater Beach concession contract for five more years, keeping in place a partnership with the Chandler family that dates to the 1990s.
The unanimous Aug. 31 vote gives Fields Inc. continued operation of the Barefoot Beach House at 332 S. Gulfview Blvd. and Pier 60 Concessions at 7 Causeway Blvd., with the option of three additional five-year renewals.
The agreement guarantees the city $240,000 a year in base rent for the two buildings, plus a share of gross sales above $1.5 million — starting at 20% and rising to 25% once sales reach $3 million. Fields also will pay the city half of gross sales on all beach rentals, along with $5,000 a year toward Clearwater Beach lifeguard operations and $100,000 a year for capital improvements and renovations at the concession complex.
Steve and Lisa Chandler operate both stands. They were founding members of the city’s Sugar Sand Festival and have been instrumental in the success of Sunsets at Pier 60.
Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader told council members the city owns both buildings and has put the work out to bid four times in 20 years. Each time, he said, the Chandlers’ companies — Fields Inc. and Alexandra of Clearwater Beach Inc. — have come out on top.
The most recent request for proposals drew two responses, Kader said, and the selection committee chose Fields based on experience and financial return to the city.
“Fields Inc. has played a role in the success of the beach by providing vital concession services over the past two decades, and it is anticipated that they will continue to be an important partner in the future,” he said.
Along with food and retail sales, the concessionaire handles beach equipment rentals, restroom operations, facility maintenance and required capital improvements. Kader said most people do not realize the company also maintains four public restrooms and empties the trash cans at Pier 60 Park.
Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton called the arrangement a model.
“When I think of a public-private partnership, this is setting the standard,” he said. “You all do great work on our beach and through the events that you guys provide, as well as maintaining our beautiful beach out there, taking care of our guests and residents alike.”
Mayor Bruce Rector said the family has been an important part of the city’s growth.
“All you’ve done out there with Pier 60 Concessions — throwing your heart and soul into it — the community recognizes that,” he said. “Happy to see that we’re able to extend the relationship, because it’s been a great relationship so far.”
Under the lease, the complex may be used only for the purposes spelled out in the agreement; any other use requires the city’s written consent. Fields holds the exclusive right to sell grilled and fried food such as hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries, along with ice cream, cold sandwiches, packaged snacks, nonalcoholic beverages, and wraps and salads offered in support of city wellness initiatives. The company may also sell gifts, seasonal merchandise, clothing and beach recreation items.
The lease anticipates a possible change in state or local law on alcohol sales. It states that nothing in the agreement prevents the lessee from selling alcoholic beverages if the law allows it and the company obtains the necessary licenses and approvals. Such sales are currently prohibited.
The agreement also bars hawking and other verbal solicitation at the concession and rental areas, along with coin-operated amusement devices, jukeboxes, and indoor or outdoor loudspeakers and amplifiers.
The concession, rental area and restrooms may open no earlier than 6 a.m., and the food concession complex must stay open at least 70 hours a week.
Attorney Katie Cole, representing the Chandlers and their companies, said the couple has been the city’s partner on the beach since 1996.
“As the beach has grown more popular, they’ve reinvested in the city,” she said, citing the Sugar Sand Festival, Sunsets at Pier 60 and other entertainment and tourism events. “Obviously all of that generates more dollars for the city, which is the reason to make this partnership continue to work.”