The City Tavern’s concession deal is about to expire, and the National Park Service, which owns the replica of the watering hole preferred by our nation’s founding fathers, is preparing to open the bidding process on a 10 year lease for the property. Why? Well, according to KYW Newsradio, the original concession deal was drawn up when Old City was still a barren expanse of urban decay, and visitors to the Independence National Historical Park needed a place to eat and drink. Now, for better or worse, Old City has plenty of dining options and the park feels a concession is no longer needed.
So what becomes of Walter Staib, the chef who’s been holding down the Colonial-era haunt since 1994? Probably nothing. Though the lease on the tavern is open to competitive bidding until September 16, Staib expects to sign a lease on the property and doesn’t have any plans of vacating it.
National Park Service Puts City Tavern Lease Up For Bids [KYW Newsradio]
