When it came time for Washington State Ferries to decide what to do with their vending, galley-service and other retail-concession contracts, WSF and its selection committee chose not to renew its current contracts, and instead signed with the out-of-state hospitality and retail company Centerplate Corporation.

“Centerplate brings more than 23 years of experience of providing concessions in a maritime environment for The Steamship Authority in Massachusetts,” according to a WSF press release. “The company also operates concessions at Safeco Field, Tacoma Dome and other public venues in Spokane, Yakima, Portland and Vancouver, B.C.”

Ian Sterling, with WSF’s communications department, said that WSF is required to re-examine those contracts every two years, by law. Sterling said eight companies in total made proposals for the contracts, including the current company, Olympic Cascade Service (or OCSI). But the committee ultimately chose to contract with Centerplate “for its ability to expand service, offer a variety of local food brands and improve reliability across all 10 of WSF’s ferry routes,” according to a WSF press release.

“For our customers, it’ll provide new food choices and more stable service,” Sterling said.

However, OCSI is working to appeal that decision and filed a complaint with Thurston County Superior Court Friday, April 1.

Susan Meyers, director of communications for OCSI, said, “I believe that, as an icon of our beautiful state, the Washington State Ferries should be serviced and stewarded by local companies whenever possible.”

“I believe that public-serving institutions funded by Washingtonians’ tax dollars should prioritize the local economy and the wellbeing of the citizens that fund them,” Meyers said. “These citizens and their interests should be prioritized over the interests of out-of-state corporations.”

As a result of filing the appeal with the court, WSF is unable to award any contracts until the issue is resolved. However, Sterling said the process is “usually a matter of weeks or days, rather than months,” and he hopes the transition will be complete in time for the summer season.

Some of OCSI’s complaints are about the Centerplate itself.

“Centerplate … is currently being sued by 3,000 of its employees for mistreatment and wage theft at this year’s Super Bowl in San Francisco Bay Area,” Nove Meyers, OCSI president, wrote in his proposal. “This suit follows previous recent lawsuits in 2011 and 2013 for similar issues.

“Centerplate has a history of labor troubles … the public record also indicates that on at least one occasion, they have been fined for their failure to meet contract terms when an NHL team accused them of overcharging on catering and underpaying retail sales. … Did the WSF evaluation committee consider these factors? Did they even make the effort to become aware of them?”

OCSI is also arguing that choosing Centerplate over the currently contracted businesses will affect the lives of many local employees and even shut the businesses down.

“OCSI is a small, family owned company based in Bremerton,” Nove Meyers wrote. “Given its positive performance during the past 11 years, it is clearly capable of providing superior service to WSF riders. Because it’s owners are all Puget Sound residents, any profits remain in Washington … WSF’s selection of Centerplate Corporation, if allowed to stand, will force OCSI to go out of business and lay off its entire workforce of nearly 100 employees.”

Susan Meyers said they filed the protest because “WSF is a public entity that has made a decision that may [cost] 100 Washingtonians their jobs and damage the local economy.

“In addition to ending OCSI’s business, WSF’s decision will also close several even smaller women- and minority-owned businesses.”

Sterling, however, said, “Centerplate has said … basically they’ll take a look at the current employees currently employed in the galley and look at hiring them or retaining them wherever possible.”

“The vendor we selected utilizes lots and lots of local products and employs locals,” Sterling added. “I think the question that people need to ask themselves is, are they satisfied with the current state of food on ferries?”

Centerplate’s contract includes “the system-wide galley service; system-wide vending; the Anacortes Ferry Terminal Cafe; and the Seattle and Anacortes Ferry Terminal news, convenience and book stores,” according to the WSF press release. Furthermore, the press release states that Centerplate’s proposal includes:

— Consistent hours of service across the system, with additional service in the San Juan Islands.

— Creative, fresh and healthful product offerings, including local brands such as Hempler’s beef and ham; Uli’s sausage; Beecher’s cheese; and Stimson Estate Cellars wine.

— Creative concepts for existing spaces, such as opening additional coffee and beer kiosks on the Jumbo Mark II class ferries.

— Promotions and incentives, such as commuter-reward programs.

Kristina Arsenault, WSF community services and planning director, said, “Our customers see ferries as more than transit. Our system’s vessels and terminals are valued community gathering places, and the food, drink and spaces should reflect that.

“Centerplate’s proposal offers spaces and products that reflect the unique local character of our region to commuters and tourists alike.”