The City of Kitchener is officially accepting applications to see which restaurant will soon call the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium its home.
It’s some good news for those K-W Titans fans, Kitchener Rangers season ticket holders, and concert-goers with an empty stomach, looking for options other than their regular hot dogs, nachos and popcorn.
The city has now filed a request for proposal (RFP), officially seeking a partner to operate a full-service restaurant in the newly developed space.
It comes as Kitchener council approved the $2 million project to transform the Subscriber’s Lounge into a 2,300 square foot restaurant back in May. It said in a release that the new addition will be able to fit and feed upwards of 120 guests at a time.
It stated that the Kitchener Aud hosts at least 110 event days each year, looking for proposals that must “complement The Aud’s high-energy, sports-centric atmosphere while meeting the demands of a fast-paced entertainment hub.”
It comes as the Kitchener Aud hosted the 2025 Call of Duty World Championships earlier this summer, welcoming in upwards of 20,000 fans as well as millions of livestream viewers.
“Whether you’re there to cheer on the Rangers or Titans, watching your child’s sporting activity, catching a concert, or coming for an e-Sports tournament, we want every guest to feel like they’re getting a VIP experience,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.
While the development, location set-up and construction are the city’s responsibility, the selected restaurant will take care of areas such as staffing, training, as well as the full day-to-day operation of the restaurant.
“This exciting renovation will further maintain The Aud as this area’s premiere multi-purpose venue and create opportunities for even bigger, bolder events in the future.”
The RFP submission deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 1:00 p.m., with the city saying any interested parties can reach out to them through its Bids and Tenders website.
