Press Release
April 15, 1998
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brian Vattimo
518/486-1868
DELAWARE NORTH PARK SERVICES TO PROVIDE FOOD, BEVERAGES AT THREE STATE PARKS ON LONG ISLAND
(April 15, 1998 Albany, New York) New York State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro today announced that Delaware North Parks Services, Inc. (DNPS) has been awarded a 12-year concession license for food and beverage services at Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and Captree State Parks on Long Island.
"We are very fortunate to have such a reputable and experienced company as our new food and beverage concessionaire for our park patrons," said Commissioner Castro.
DNPS manages comprehensive visitor services at such notable tourist attractions as Yosemite National Park, Kennedy Space Center and the Niagara Reservation State Park.
"Delaware North Park Services will bring a new approach and better food values to the food service operations at these premier Long Island State Parks," said Dennis J. Szefel, president of Delaware North Parks Services. "We will combine the expertise we have gained at our other locations with a commitment to reinforce the distinctive identity of these three public treasures."
Commissioner Castro said Delaware North Park Services plans to invest $4 million dollars over the next three years to improve concession facilities at the three state parks.
At Jones Beach State Park, DNPS has proposed to upgrade the Jones Beach Restaurant by extending its operating season and expanding the menu. Plans for substantial improvements to the Captree Cove Restaurant are also being developed.
Commissioner Castro said visitors to the three parks will notice colorful, beach-themed "Dune Diners," an innovative approach for food and beverage services on beaches.
"For decades, these state parks have provided pleasure for millions of visitors annually, and we believe that the quality of food service operations has a direct bearing on the visitor experience," said Szefel. "We are committed to enhancing that experience."