Open Forum

We are a historic house and gardens that has about 60,000 annual visitors. We have a food concession that has paid us a fixed amount in rent. Now they want a 5-year lease but I don't know what a standard annual amount of a lease fee should be or how to base it...utility expenses? % of gross sales? And if so is there a standard?

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Paul Hunchak
Director, Visitor Services, Programs, Exhibitions
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury NY
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Hello Paul,

I (personally) have consulted with 400+ U.S. Gardens, Museums, Zoos, Aquariums and other cultural institutions in this area and have helped many with exactly what you describe below.

There is no 'standard' per se, it varies greatly will all institutions and whatever the terms and conditions, it has to be fair and equitable for your Garden and the Garden's operator. 

Please email me via artmanask@gmail.com and I will discuss with you at mutually convenient date/time, no cost or obligation. Happy to do this type of initial pro-bono service for AAM members. After we talk, if you still feel you need consulting work, I can refer you to consultant option(s) in your geographic area or provide you the support to be sure you receive what is fair for your Garden and the operator of your food concession. 

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Art

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Art Manask
Founder/Principal
Art Manask Consulting
artmanask@gmail.com
818 358-3588
www.artmanaskconsulting.com
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Paul

My firms consults with cultural institutions and visitor attractions on food service and retail operations. There are a number of factors to consider when determining an equitable return to the garden. Feel free to reach out and I can share some thoughts. Tracy@jglconsultants.com or 732 274 1694.

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Tracy Lawler
President
JGL Consultants
Princeton NJ
Tracy@jglconsultants.com(732) 274-1694
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