KPC looks for new food vendor

  • By Kelly Sullivan
  • Tuesday, March 1, 2016 11:43pm
  • News

Kenai Peninsula College is opening a statewide search for a new food vendor at the Kenai River Campus.

Jose’s Café, owned and operated by Jose Pons-Vives and contracted with the college for five years, will stop operations at the end of spring quarter. The request for proposals will be available April 4.

“Jose has been very supportive of the campus and has on occasion donated food for a variety of student functions,” said Gary Turner, KPC Director. “He has hired students to assist him in taking orders and with cash register duties.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Pons-Vives has been completing two degrees, instrumentation and process technology, while running the café, and said he wants to focus on his final few courses next year.

“I just need to finish my degree and be on the market for a job,” Pons-Vives said. “I just don’t want to commit for a full year.”

Pons-Vives said he let the college know in advance so there would be enough time to look for a new vendor.

Originally, Pons-Vives had a one-year contract with an option to renew for another three years, said Jennifer Anderson, KPC director of administrative services. The University of Alaska Anchorage Procurement Services approved extending his contract for a fourth year, and then in 2015 he was the only applicant when requests for proposals were sent out and so he was awarded the contract, she said.

The next contract will be the same as Pons-Vives’s original, Anderson said.

Potential contractors will be asked what prices they can offer for their services, including what their menu items will cost, Anderson said. Currently, food items are priced similarly to those of other dining options in the Kalifornsky Beach Road area, she said.

“(The) menu must meet USDA nutritional requirements and be based upon a standard recipe system,” Anderson said.

A committee of Kenai River Campus staff will select the next vendor.

“Picking the correct variety of options, maintaining a price range that is affordable for students and staff, and dealing with an influx of students during class breaks,” are some challenges she said will come with the job.

Reach Kelly Sullivan at kelly.sullivan@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Protesters gather for a protest against Medicaid cuts at the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaskans across the state rally to save Medicaid: their ‘lifeline’

Caregivers raise their voices to protect their jobs and the thousands of lives impacted if Medicaid is cut.

Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (I-Sitka) offers an overview of House Bill 69 during Wednesday’s floor session. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
House passes education bill with $1,000 BSA increase as state’s fiscal situation grows bleaker

Senate majority likely to trim hike to $680 while legislators also seek policy deal with governor.

U.S. Coast Guard officer Alexander Curran shows Homer visitors the bow of the USCG cutter Naushon on Aug. 4, 2023, in Homer, Alaska. (Emilie Springer/ Homer News.)
USCG cutter Naushon to be decommissioned  

A ceremony honoring the soon-to-be retired ship will be held on Friday, March 21 on the Homer Spit.

Chris Keithley, 2024 Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament champion, poses with his prize fish after the awards ceremony at the Deep Water Dock on the Spit in Homer, Alaska on Saturday, March 23, 2024. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Winter King Tournament scheduled for March 22

This year’s event will be held at the Deep Water Dock at 4667 Freight Dock Road.

A group of volunteers during the 2024 K-Bay Sea Duck Survey. Two boats duplicate the same survey in the same area at the same time to help ensure accuracy. (Photo courtesy of Bjorn Larson)
Homer bird enthusiasts prepare for annual sea duck count

The count aims to ensure a proper and consistent population estimate before the ducks begin their April migration.

Community members hold up protest signs during the Stand for Democracy Rally on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
‘We haven’t lost our democracy yet’

Homer community protests amid sweeping federal changes.

tease
Homer man sentenced for illegally transporting black bears

Travis Larson pleaded guilty to four counts of violating the Lacey Act in October 2024.

Girl Scout Troop 210, which includes Caitlyn Eskelin, Emma Hindman, Kadie Newkirk and Lyberty Stockman, present their “Bucket Trees” to a panel of judges in the 34th Annual Caring for the Kenai Competition at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Caring for the Kenai announces 12 finalists

The final presentations will take place on April 17 in Kenai.

Daaljíni Mary Cruise, left, offers encouragement to participants in a Unity for the Queer Community rally at the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday afternoon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Hundreds participate in Juneau LGBTQ+ rally as Trump administration seeks to erase letters and rights

President’s actions to stop “woke” are putting people’s safety and health at risk, participants say.

Most Read