Elaine Hamblin, contractor of the concession at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena, appealed to District of Houston council onNov. 1 about the arena vending machines.
Hamblin’s enterprise consists of 60 per cent beverages and snacks, the remaining 40 per cent consisting of hot foods.Because of all year expenses, from insurance, to WCB, and interac, Hamblin would like to see the vending machines’ contract return to the arena concession contractor in order to help ends meet.
“The vending machines always belonged to the concession owner. It was a way for them to help with their expenses. But because of liability issues in the past, those machines came to be a separate contract,” said Hamblin.
Hamblin has become an innovative business owner that listens to the input of the public in order to better her business and become successful.
“With the lack of draw to the arena these days, it is very difficult to make a living. You must be super creative, [and] very willing to work. I’ve bought myself several pieces of commercial grade equipment to become more viable. And have listened to the users as to their wants and needs,” commented Hamblin.
“I respectfully request from the mayor and council return the contract to the concession owner, whether it be myself or others that will follow,” said Hamblin.
The contract for the vending machines are now up for tender, and Hamblin plans on putting in a bid.
Houston Today contacted the people who hold the current bid for the vending machines, they thanked the press for contacting them but declined to comment at this time.