East Brunswick Awards Ice Arena Food Concession Contract After Top Bidder Withdraws

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick has selected FAVM Pizza Corp. to run the food and beverage operation at its ice arena after a competitive bidding process that saw the original top-ranked vendor back out on the day the contract was to be awarded.

The township began the process on Dec. 22, 2025, when it authorized a search for a vendor to operate the concession stand at the East Brunswick Ice Arena. A formal request for bids was issued Dec. 26, 2025. The township had previously scrapped an earlier bid process due to a paperwork error, according to officials.

Five businesses submitted bids by the Jan. 16 deadline - Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC; Ryders Lane Wines and Spirits Inc.; FAVM Pizza Corp.; Los Bandoleros; and The Sports Facilities Companies.

Township attorneys reviewed all five submissions. Four met the required standards and moved forward for scoring. The Sports Facilities Companies was disqualified for failing to submit required documents, the township said.

A six-member review panel that included the ice arena manager, an arena consultant, two members from the Recreation Advisory Board, a township attorney and the chief financial officer scored each bid across seven categories: proposed menu (20 percent); overall business plan (20 percent); alcohol proposal (15 percent); percentage of revenue offered to the township (15 percent); food service experience (10 percent); reputation and references (10 percent); and financial stability (10 percent).

Each reviewer scored proposals independently and conducted background checks, credit checks and reference calls on each bidder.

On Feb. 6, Chief Financial Officer and Purchasing Agent Angel Albanese released a public report — as required by state law at least 48 hours before a contract can be awarded — recommending Ryders Lane Wines and Spirits Inc., which had received the highest overall score.

Three days later, on Feb. 9, Ryders Lane Wines and Spirits Inc. withdrew its bid in writing. Albanese issued a revised report the same day recommending the next highest scorer, FAVM Pizza Corp, officials said.

FAVM Pizza Corp. received a score of 25.785 out of a possible 100. Reviewers noted the company's hockey-themed menu, mobile ordering option and more than 30 years of restaurant experience. The company offered to pay the township 25 percent of its gross sales. Reviewers flagged limited experience with alcohol sales and a higher credit risk rating as areas of concern.

Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC finished second with a score of 24.180. The company offered a wide menu with reasonable prices and manages several similar operations elsewhere. Reviewers noted that most of its business references did not respond and that it carried the lowest credit rating among the bidders. The company offered 37 percent of gross sales.

Los Bandoleros, run by David Herrera, finished third with a score of 19.820. Reviewers cited a limited menu, no vendor references and an incomplete tax filing that made it impossible to verify the company's financial standing. The company offered 15 percent of gross sales.

The township governing body awarded FAVM Pizza Corp. a two-year contract. The deal is contingent on the company securing the required insurance, licenses and health department approvals, officials said.

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