New food, beverage vendor announces plans for Lubbock's Buddy Holly Hall, Rave On
Big changes are coming to Buddy Holly Hall next month, as a new food and beverage vendor hopes to add new features, reopen Rave On, and offer local opportunities and scholarships, the Lubbock Entertainment and Performing Arts Association announced Thursday.
In January, LEPAA and The United Family, which had been the vendor for Buddy Holly Hall since 2020, confirmed rumors that Rave On, 1300 Mac Davis Lane, would close temporarily on March 31. This was due to United shifting focus to their stores. LEPAA revealed that they would seek a new vendor.
On Thursday, March 28, two days before Rave On will close, LEPAA announced SAVOR as its new food and beverage partner. The partnership will begin April 1.
More: Bees, flight school, soda make SBA's West Texas 2024 awards list
“We have had a wonderful partner with the United Family providing food and beverage services at the hall, and we are grateful for their support and service to our patrons over the last three years,” said Jeff Hunsinger, LEPAA CEO. “As we transition these services to SAVOR, we look forward to this new partnership further improving the patron experience at Buddy Holly Hall.”
SAVOR, which operates in 350 venues worldwide, plans to expand food and beverage options with locally-sourced selections, customizable catering options and efficient concession services. Their plans include:
Sourcing from small businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses, allowing them to showcase their offerings through menu features.
Installing a "state-of-the-art" point-of-sales system for self-order and self-pay.
Custom catering and banquet menus fitted to the " unique needs and budgets of events."
Creating training programs, apprenticeships, scholarship initiatives.
Partnering with "national restaurant and hospitality organizations, local universities, and colleges to offer internships, chef events, and educational opportunities."
More: Chicken Salad Chick to open at Lubbock shopping center
"By bringing in SAVOR, the ASM Global team at The Buddy Holly Hall will be stronger and create an elevated guest experience as our combined services team allows for streamlined communication and planning across all departments,” said Tim Lee, General Manager of Buddy Holly Hall. “This increased organizational efficiency will result in smooth, seamless operations."
Once the concession and event catering operations have a successful launch, Rave On will reopen. Hector Hernandez, formerly the executive chef for the Texas Tech Club, will become Buddy Holly Hall's executive chef.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: SAVOR partners with Buddy Holly Hall, Rave On, announces changes
