They’ve been serving up food for more than two years at their Bridgeport location, but there’s an outside chance that they could be leaving. However, there’s also a good chance that they could be staying.

 

Sound confusing?

 

At last week’s meeting of the Benedum Airport Authority, which is the governing body of the North Central West Virginia Airport, the group was told by Director Rick Rock that the space that currently houses Parker’s on the Runway will be put out to bid soon. Parker’s is the airport’s restaurant and opened in August of 2015.

 

Rock said the lease expired August 17, but Parker’s is still in business. The fact that the space is being put out to bid isn’t a reflection on anything bad that the restaurant is doing, Rock said.

 

“I think as we move forward it’s a good practice to see what’s available and it also gives (Parker’s) a chance to self-evaluate,” said Rock. “One thing we’ve made a point of is always trying to improve so if there’s something that can be improved that’s the direction we’ll go in because it’s about airport services.”

 

Rock said Parker’s is aware that the property they currently occupy on the second floor of the Benedum Terminal at the NCWV Airport will be put out for bid. Rock also said that he anticipates Parker’s will bid to remain in place.

 

“I would certainly believe they will and we want them to,” said Rock.

 

The airport, since 9/11, has struggled to keep a restaurant not only in place, but to have one that’s been reliable and able to make a profit. The two-year run by Parker’s on the Runway is one of the longest of several that have tried – and failed – to make a go of it.

 

“I think it’s important that, and maybe it can be listed in the RFP (request for proposal) we send out, there needs to be service available before and after flights that come in here,” said Authority member Mike Romano.

 

Romano suggested that prior to Rock sending the RFP for the space for publication and advertisement that members of the Authority have a chance to review it. Rock said that would take place.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Authority member Mike Romano, while some of the food being cooked up at Parker's is shown below.