Posted on 06/15/2014 11:14:03 AM PDT by abb
The operator of the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway who defied the federal government shutdown last year now must fight to keep his contract.
Bruce O'Connell has operated the inn for 40 years, the Asheville Citizen-Times (http://avlne.ws/1xNysyN) reported.
O'Connell kept the inn open last year, even though the federal government shutdown brought an order to close during the funding dispute in Washington.
The park concession contract is open for bid.
O'Connell says he's not worried about fallout from his high-profile fight last year. He's more worried that a number of similar contracts recently have gone to big companies with lots of resources.
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts last year won a 10-year contract for management of Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Virginia, as well as its retail stores and shuttle service. The company is a leader in hospitality operations with park concessions in Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
"There seems to be a trend, or a movement, which is encouraging the little guys to go away and the big guys to come in," he said.
O'Connell is hoping to win the contract for another 10 years.
i've been to Yellowstone, the Tetons and the Canyon, always wanted to do the Mississippi
enjoy
Count on it.
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