Menu options could change at Westmoreland courthouse as county seeks food service proposals

Lunch options could be expanding at the Westmoreland County courthouse.

The county is seeking proposals from private food providers and restaurants to operate the former cafeteria space that since 2016 has been run by Subway, commissioners said this week.

“We as a county are open to different options, such as one single full eatery or a partnership between eateries bringing in breakfast (and) lunches on specific days,” said Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher. “Restaurants can be in house or may be able to bring in a select number of meal options in daily from their restaurant.”

Laurel Vending for decades operated a full-scale cafeteria on the Upper Park level of the courthouse in Greensburg, with hot and cold breakfast and lunch options available throughout the day. It closed in mid-2016 and was replaced later that year by a Subway restaurant that served the chain’s standard menu options during the lunch hours.

Food services has been a money maker for the county. Laurel Vending paid the county a 14% commission on its sales, revenue that was funneled into the county budget for general operations. Subway pays the county 9% commission on sales.

According to financial reports from the county controller’s office, Subway has generated nearly $110,000 in revenue for the county since 2016. Its current deal with the county expires at the end of July.

All costs of operations are paid by the food provider.

As part of its request for proposals, which are due to the county by May 30, potential providers would be required to operate food service from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rob Holmberg, who owns the Subway franchise at the courthouse, told county leaders his restaurant would be interested in continuing operations.

“I am willing to extend it another year at the current rate but I said if they (commissioners) wanted to open it up to other options, that’s OK,” Holmberg said. “It’s definitely a unique situation because of the limited hours and because we’re closed on weekends and holidays.”