LETTER ON CAFETERIA SERVICE FROM ROBERT D. MARCUS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M00165A002800030129-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 24, 2010
• Sequence Number: 129
• Publication Date: January 1, 2000
• Content Type: LETTER

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/24: CIA-RDP80M00165A002800030129-0
GE?AL SERVICES ADMINISTRATIS
Public Buildings Service
Washington, DC 20405
C hief
Washington, DC 20505.
Logistics Service
Central Intelligence Agency
In recent months General Services Administration (GSA) and Government
Services, Inc. (GSI) have been concertedly working together to improve
the overall services provided in food service contracts in the Washington
metropolitan area. One of the areas where problems have surfaced is the
buffets. GSA and GSI have been striving to eliminate operating losses
in cafeterias, coffee shops, and buffets facilities in numerous locations.
It has become mandatory to eliminate services which are nonessential and
unprofitable in order that essential cafeteria services offering a variety
of high quality food can be offered at reasonable prices.
When the buffets were first initiated, they were successful because of
the relatively low food cost; however, as prices escalated in wholesale
food and the cost of food preparation increased, it was mandatory to
raise the prices in the buffets. It is also apparent that the same
selection of food items is not being served in the buffets as it was in
the past. Mainly because of this, the buffets popularity began to de-
cline to the extent that it has reached a point of no return.
The patronage level required to make buffets viable is not being realized
in any of our buildings in the Washington metropolitan area. This is
especially true in your facility where the daily average patronage is
155 with average daily sales of $314.51. Food, labor, and other costs
on a daily average is $399.12, resulting in an operating deficit of
$84.61. We are convinced that continuing the operation of the buffet
would only add to the deficit that GSI has encountered.
This condition is not unique to the Central Intelligence Agency facility.
GSA is initiating action to close all buffets that are unprofitable and
unsuccessful. Recently we have closed buffets in FOB #9; Department of
Housing and Urban Development; Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia;
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; Department of Defense
(Forrestal Building); Federal Aeronautics Administration; and our own
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GSA Executive Dining Rooms at 18th and F Streets and Regional Office
Building, 7th and D Streets, SW. GSA, by closing its own facilities,
is leading the way in a joint effort with GSI to close all non-viable
food facilities which include buffets and executive dining rooms.
We are aware of the increased inconveniences this may cause your agency
in closing the buffet, but it is not economical to continue this
operation at a loss to GSI. For the aforementioned reasons, we are
requesting your concurrence in alleviating GSI of this unprofitable
situation. We have established a tentative closing date of April 30,
1976, pending your approval.
If there are any further questions on this matter, please do not hesitate
to contact this office.
Sincerely,
ROBERT . MARCUS
Director
Concessions Division-
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/24: CIA-RDP80M00165AO02800030129-0