An RFP was issued last week for a new concessionaire at the restaurant located at the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, otherwise known as “The Griff,” the town-owned 18-hole golf course.
For three years the concession was run by Caren Vizzo as Cobber North, with Mike Bocchino as manager.
Cobber North was outpost of Vizzo’s popular restaurant, The Cos Cobber, at 31 East Putnam Ave.
In an email on Saturday, Ms Vizzo said, “What I’d like to express at this time is that we opened Cobber North at the beginning of the Pandemic and as a result we were not only able to save the jobs of all of my great staff at the Cos Cobber, but to employ even more people during a very challenging time for everyone. I will always regard Cobber North as an incredible blessing for that reason.”
During his Friday morning radio show First Selectman Fred Camillo thanked Vizzo, Bocchino and the other staff of Cobber North.
“Hopefully they laid the groundwork and made it a difference there for the next successful business to come in,” Camillo said. “Caren has a couple other businesses here in town, and if you’re putting so much into the businesses and you’re pulled in different directions, sometimes it can wear you down. But she loves being up there and had a great experience.”
Prior to the Cobber North, a Texas-style barbecue restaurant called Back Country Bar & Grill opened in the restaurant space in 2019. Their menu featured Texas slow barbecue ribs, brisket and pulled pork.
Prior to the Back Country Bar & Grill, the concession was run as Fairways at the Griff by concessionaire Mary Ann Calabro with her husband John as chef.
The restaurant location has always been popular among golfers, but in nice weather it is a fun destination for dining al fresco with golf course views.
And now there is an opportunity for a new concessionaire to win a contract with the town for the golf course restaurant.
The RFP notes there are approximately 2,500 golf course members, and 35,000-40,000 rounds of golf are played annually.
Major golf outings at the golf course take place on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The concessionaire will be responsible for providing all necessary equipment, supplies, and staff to successfully operate the concession during the term of the License Agreement.
According to the RFP there will be a pre-proposal site visit at the golf course on January 4 at 10:00am. Prospective bidders will be able to view the course’s concession area and discuss the requirements of submitting a proposal. The RFP deadline is Jan 12, 2024.
Contract term: The License Agreement will have an initial term of three years beginning on April 1, 2024. License fees will be paid to the Town annually by the concessionaire during the three-year term. In addition, there will be two optional years that may be engaged through the mutual consent of both parties on an annual basis.
Note: This article has been updated to include a quote from Caren Vizzo.
