A quick update from the 2012 concessions orientation

Here’s what I do know,

We vendors signed a new contract last year that gives us a percentage of what we sell rather than a per item amount, which was nice considering we’re groaning every time prices go up just like the customers. Seat vendors earn a larger percentage than us portable vendors, but I’m not sure how much off-hand… I wanna say portables get 7-8% while the seats get 10-11%. Therefore, your regular seat vendors get ~ $0.73 per $7 can beer, while us at the portable (1-2 person stands) get ~$0.52ish for the $6.50 draft beers. There is no hourly rate… it’s strictly commission and tips, so THANK YOU!!! for your tips… they mean a whole lot to us on days when we sell 30 beers in 40 degree weather.

As for products, it’s a combination of seniority and luck on any given day for the seat vendors. Based on weather and expected attendance, the concession company Levy Restaurants tells the union stewards how many of each product they want and where. These assignments usually start getting handed out when gates open. For the most senior vendors, they get the same product (Budweiser), same location every day, and will be the first seat vendors in the park. For those on the cusp, say 1995, they may get Bud a majority of the games but may be left with only Old Style. Going down the line, first to last choices are generally beer/hotdogs/hot chocolate/ peanuts/water/cracker jacks/gatorade, though this is subject to vendor preference. Cotton candy is sold by a different company. Sections are divided into 100 level, 200 level, and upperdeck. NO SWOOPING! When the seat vendors are done selling, they checkout and have to leave the park.

When vendors show up, they get a lottery ticket by union year. For example, let’s say there are 30 vendors for that game that started working in 2003. When each 2003 vendor signs in, they get a number 1-30. When they start handing out assignments and make it to 2003, lucky #1 from that year gets his/her choice of product and location based on what’s left. After almost 10 years, 2003s are likely to get beer 50% of the games, though rarely Budweiser.

For portables, it’s a little different. We’re at the same spot, every game. We show up an hour before the game, and it usually takes until an hour after the game to pack and clean and check out with the bank before we leave. Spots are generally offered by seniority as they become available, which is much less frequent.

learning about the front office relocation was the most interesting part of the orientation for me, the fan. But I gotta represent the vendors, eh?

I got the impression that ALL of the front office (baseball & non-baseball) will be moving out of the ballpark. There was no word about what would be moving into the ballpark offices, though that could be the first step of a major lower bowl renovation. ALso, no word about whether the bike check will stay where it was.

…until my phone crashed. If you really want it that bad, go on the wrigley field tour. They had it laminated and posted in the press box for anyone to see. I thought I would use it all the time but it turns out I’m not on my phone much during a game.

Heck, they don’t even know how much individual items will be.

Last year, most of those promotions weren’t announced until May when everyone was pretty sure it was going to be a long, terrible year.

…pretend you’re a smoker, get your hand stamped in the RF corner, hoof it over to Goose Island, grab a Matilda, Sofie, or any Belgian offering. Stub back in the Capt Morgan club. Done and done.

And, if the Cubs are down by 8, head the other way and stop in Sheffield’s for some Left Hand Nitro Stout or some Stone Double Arrogant Bastard.

no margins in microbrews when you have to douse the masses. I usually pregame with some buds at Sheffield’s and Risque Cafe for some awesome brews, then don’t have to shell out $8 for a macrobrew at the game.

I’ve asked for many things over the years. It certainly behooves me to optimize what I’m selling, and as a person who enjoys lots of beers, I wish we had more too. When they gave us Guinness for the NW football game, even Tom Rickett’s bought one of those from me. I can see the Goose Island Wrigleyville from my stand, but they haven’t carried that in the park since 2003.

I remember last year learning on this site that Old Style may not be back. I think that’s been resolved, but there was also mention at that time from my higher ups of possibly bringing in Goose. They’re owned by Bud now and all.

Larry Bell is a regular at the same stand as mine on the third base side.

From Binny’s Beverage Depot:

Old Style = $19.99/case of 16 oz cans

Half Acre Daisy Cutter = $52.99/case of 16 oz cans

Oops, E-poster, forgot the link.

If you really want to read up on pour rights at even the high school level, here you go:

http://www.hydeparkschools.org/Admin/pouringfaq.shtml

Cheers.