CP, Franchises & Outside Operators

Interesting how the pendulum swings with time.

Does anyone remember times past when almost all food service in the park was done by independent operators? Games were this way, too. Rides, too for that matter. But, I digress. After the modernization of the park in the late 1960's, there were no more independent games or rides, but most of the food service was operated either by independent operators like the Berardi family, or by a large concessions company, the name of which escapes me at this time. Then, as time went by, the park forced all the external operations out, and internalized all of their food service operations. Now it seems they are swinging back the other way, but this time they are partnering with large corporate entities to do the job.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Speaking of those famous Berardi french fries ...

For those within reasonable driving distance, may I suggest a trip to Berardi's in Huron. For about $2 you can enjoy a generous portion of those wonderful hand cut french fries. My wife and I had dinner there just a week or so ago. Dare I say they were better than those available at Mr. Potato? Must be the off-season getting to me :)

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VirtualMidway
http://www.virtualmidway.com

*** This post was edited by Gemini on 3/8/2001. ***

Happens at ALOT of parks. When I was at Disneyland in Jan, getting off Thunder Mountain Railroad, there is a little fry shop, only sell fries and soda... the chain??

McDonalds...

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MF 2000 - 269 laps

MF 2001 - ???????

Right Rob

Unfortunately, the way that I see this going is a Burger King replacing the Chuck Wagon, a Steak and Shake where Macaroni's sits, the Silver Dollar becoming a Western Sizzlin', and Red Lobster taking the place of Bay Harbor Inn.

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Duane Cahill
This space for rent

Well, outside operators or not, God am I thankful for Dippin' Dots :).

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"Sorry, gotta go, my damn wiener kids are listening."

~From the brilliant mind of Homer J. Simp

I'm afraid of Dippin' Dots. I got a really weird feeling after eating those my first and last time (which wasn't even at CP, maybe that was the problem).

I think that only the craftsmen along the Frontier Trail are the only remaining people that are really independent of Cedar Point. Kaman's Arts Shoppes and TGI Friday employees for example are all full Cedar Point employees.

Berardi's french fries are great, but my favorite thing there is the potato knoepole soup!

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CP Schroeder
CP Resorts Reservations '00, '01

I think Northcoast Parasail is separate as well.

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VirtualMidway
http://www.virtualmidway.com

Berardi's has great fries. They also have great burgers. For $5.50, you can get a 1/3 lb. bacon cheeseburger and fries. You can also get it to go (on your way home from CP if you leave early).

I've actually spent half a day sitting there watching the woodcarver (his name is drawing a blank right now).

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MF 2000 - 269 laps

MF 2001 - ???????

Well yeah Rob -- but what you're neglecting to mention is that you were standing at the doorway of the Red Garter watching him while you should have been inside! :)

(Sorry, couldn't resist)

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Duane Cahill
This space for rent