Sierra-at-Tahoe ready for concession at Lakeview Commons

The South Lake Tahoe City Council today finalized Sierra-at-Tahoe as the concessionaire at Lakeview Commons for the next three summers.

There were some issues with the RFP (request for proposal) as the ski resort, as well as others who responded, thought alcohol sales were part of the agreement. They did their forecasts based on sales, but since the concession is at a city park and there is no alcohol allowed on city property, there was discussion on how to make it work for all parties.

There was some discussion about making the agreement with alcohol sales like they have at Tahoe Beach Retreat, but that contract is a different scope as their bar is on the beach.

No consumption is allowed on beaches, and that will be prevented as Sierra-at-Tahoe said they won't do anything that would jeopardize their liquor license or three-year contract for the concession.

John Rice, general manager of the resort just west of Lake Tahoe, said they will make a small footprint at the commons to ensure alcohol doesn't leave a certain spot. They don't want to keep families or kids out, they just want to keep alcohol in. How that containment will look has not been decided and much will be up to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) when they issue the permit.

There will be a 30-day comment period once ABC makes a decision, so Police Chief Brian Uhler will work with all parties to see if there are any concerns during that time.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Director of Food and Beverage Scott Justice said they are working on a menu that won't replicate anything else is the area so not to intrude on other niches as much as possible. They are bringing "Shaved Snow," a shaved ice cream concoction with ice, as well as tortas and typical beach food like hot dogs. The exact menu has not been created yet.

Justice also said they will look into catering parties at the Commons next to the concession as well. He said a family or small group could decide to eat outside near the beach and they'd be catering it. Justice said no weddings or rehearsal dinners as they can handle that up at the resort or other Lake Tahoe locations are available. They just want to do the small group.

Opening date is planned for May 15, but hours of operation will depend on needs. Right now they plan on 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but Justice said they will work to accommodate need in case people start wanting breakfast, or later food. They will be opening without the liquor portion of sales as the ABC won't have time for the 30-day comment period.

Rice said he is looking forward to having jobs for his staff in the summer, making year-round employment possible. He said he loses employees at the end of the season as they have to have jobs in the summer, now he'll be able to keep some of them as staff at Lakeview Commons.

- South Tahoe Now Staff report