The West Virginia Dept. of Administration has inked a contract with the Pitman Group, a local catering/contract foodservice firm, to manage the onsite dining operation at the State Capital Building in Charleston, reports the Charleston Gazette. Pitman, which had helped operate a temporary foodservice in a nearby building three years ago while the Capital cafeteria was getting a $3.7 million renovation, plans to open up in early January.
Pitman takes over for previous contractor Guest Services, which shut down operations at the end of July and asked to be let out of its contract after losing nearly $200,000. The cafeteria traditionally loses money because it only draws significant business during the annual 60-day legislative session while competing with nearby commercial restaurants year round.