Evanston and North Shore Favorites FAQs

Question 1

What is the Evanston & North Shore Favorites program?

Accepted Answer

The new Ryan Field invites neighborhood restaurants to operate pop-up stands throughout the stadium, offering fans the local dishes they already know and love alongside the big-game experience. For fans, it means enjoying a hometown favorite in the stadium. For local businesses, it means direct access to tens of thousands of guests.

Question 2

How are vendors selected?

Accepted Answer

Through a rigorous selection process, the program brings a diverse group of local purveyors into the building, curating a rotating lineup of standout concepts. Levy evaluation and selection criteria include Menu & Production (core menu items, equipment requirements, cooking time, distinctiveness), Sourcing & Food Safety (product sources, food-safety measures, compliance processes, temperature management), and Team & Business Strength (staffing plans, ownership involvement, financial sustainability, established reputation).

Question 3

What are the contract terms?

Accepted Answer

Contract terms are an 80% split of net sales for the vendor and a 20% split for the building. This is a credit-card-only property; no cash will be accepted.

Question 4

What is expected of vendors?

Accepted Answer

Vendors must be available for every new Ryan Field home football game and concert (rotation likely). Vendors must independently manage staffing, transportation, storage, and production. Products, packaging, and pricing must be mutually agreed upon. All sales must be processed through Levy-provided POS systems. Vendors are responsible for all applicable health and safety regulations, maintaining cleanliness within their assigned area, and are subject to Levy and State or Municipal Department of Health inspections.

Question 5

What are the logistics?

Accepted Answer

Local partners will be provided with a portable cart for service. All equipment, plumbing and electrical needs must work with the existing setup. Partners need to bring and prepare enough food for a high-volume, 3-4 hour event. All labor needed to execute food service to be provided by restaurant partner. All partners must currently hold required Evanston/County/IL health permits. All beverages must be prepackaged, and alcohol is not permitted. Vendors must provide all smallwares and service utensils. All product should be prepared offsite in a licensed kitchen or commissary. Ideal menu would offer no more than 3-4 items in total with suggested pricing of $10-15 per entrée and $5-8 for sides.

Question 6

What is provided to the restaurant partner?

Accepted Answer

Handheld POS for each location, collection and payment of sales tax and credit card fees, basic paper goods (gloves, hand towels, sanitizer), trash removal, hand sink, and menus/signage.

Question 7

Is participation subject to a separate agreement?

Accepted Answer

Participation in the Program is subject to the execution of a separate written agreement between Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership or its affiliate and the selected vendor. All rights, obligations, operational requirements, commercial terms, and participation conditions will be set forth in such agreement. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this overview and the executed agreement, the executed agreement shall control.

Question 8

What is the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Week of 7/20: Press announcement and applications open. August 10th: Application deadline. August 17th: Selected vendors notified. August 18th – September 1st: Vendor onboarding. Month of September: Coordination Phase. October 2nd: First Football Game. November 28th: Last Football Game.

Question 9

How do I apply or learn more?

Accepted Answer

Contact EvanstonandNorthShoreFavorites@newryanfield.com

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