Kenai airport cafe closes; city seeks new operator by June 25

Debbie's Bistro closed at Kenai Municipal Airport on May 26 after a year of declining sales. The operator's gross receipts totaled $68,000 over the past year, compared to $400,000 to $500,000 in years when previous restaurants were successful, according to airport manager Mary.

The City of Kenai issued a request for proposals for a new restaurant operator with bids due June 25. No one attended the pre-bid meeting held this week, though people have downloaded the bid package.

The lease rate was negotiated at $1,000 a month plus 12 percent of gross receipts. The airport pays for heating, lighting, and other utilities except gas, which the operator pays.

Mary said the city met with the operator multiple times during the first year. "They were just real comfortable with their menu," Mary said. "And then they started shortening their hours because they couldn't pay for the help."

The Fishing Grounds has expanded its morning offerings with coffee and items from local vendors for travelers.

The airport is considering interim food truck permits for July and August if no qualified bidder emerges. "If we don't get anybody to bid on this, I would hate to have nothing available for people in July and August at that terminal building," Mary said.