Rochester Parks and Recreation announced today that it is recommending the city’s Park Board authorize staff to negotiate a concession agreement with Uni Uni and Old Abe for the Soldiers Field Memorial Park clubhouse. The recommendation follows a request for proposals issued in August to identify the best concession option for the clubhouse.
What the Recommendation Means
The city’s press release states that the two firms – Uni Uni and Old Abe – have submitted a joint proposal and are the leading candidates. While the release does not name the competing proposal, it makes clear that the Park Board’s next step would be to negotiate a contract with the Uni Uni/Old Abe partnership.
Townies’ Current Situation
Townies, a popular local eatery, currently operates the concession stand inside the Soldiers Field clubhouse. The city’s announcement did not mention Townies at all, leading many residents to wonder whether the restaurant will be forced to vacate the space if the new operators are approved.
Owner‑operator of Townies was contacted for comment but has not yet responded. The outlet’s staff indicated they will update the story as soon as a statement is received.
Community Reaction
Long‑time patrons expressed mixed feelings. Many love the prospect of Uni Uni and Old Abe joining forces, noting both businesses have strong local followings. Others fear losing Townies, a staple of the Soldiers Field experience that many families have come to rely on for casual meals after a round of golf.
“Townies has been a part of our family outings for years,” said one regular. “If they have to leave, we’ll miss that familiar spot, but we’re also excited to see what Uni Uni and Old Abe bring to the clubhouse.”
Why the Change Matters
The decision reflects Rochester’s broader effort to ensure that park concessions align with the city’s vision for quality service and financial sustainability. By selecting operators with proven track records, the Parks and Recreation department hopes to enhance the visitor experience at Soldiers Field while supporting local entrepreneurship.
Both Uni Uni and Old Abe are well‑known in the Rochester area for their food concepts. Uni Uni is celebrated for its Asian‑inspired menu, while Old Abe offers classic American fare. Their combined expertise could provide a broader range of options for park guests.
Next Steps
The Park Board is expected to vote on the recommendation at its upcoming meeting. If approved, staff will move forward with contract negotiations, which could take several weeks. Townies’ future will become clearer once the board’s decision is made and any potential lease terms are disclosed.
Residents who wish to voice support for Townies or share thoughts on the new concession proposal are encouraged to attend the public hearing or submit comments to Rochester Parks and Recreation.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the outcome, the situation underscores the importance of community input in city decisions that affect local businesses. As Rochester continues to grow, balancing new opportunities with the preservation of beloved neighborhood establishments remains a key challenge for city leaders.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
