Q: Here's what I want to know about the successful bidders for concessions at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: What percentage of the successful bidders already have stores at the airport; and how many of the successful bidders have no experience running airport stores anywhere?
—Margaret Thomson, Marietta
A: Thirty-six percent of the winners already have food and beverage stores at the airport, spokesman John Kennedy told Q&A on the News in an email. There was no information available for the second part, but every winning bidder has experience running food and beverage stores because that was a minimum RFP (request for proposal), Kennedy said. The minimum qualifications were: (Bidders) had to have a minimum of three years experience within the last five years in the operation and management of no less than five food and beverage locations in an airport, transportation center, mall or other prominent food and beverage setting cumulatively generating a minimum of $10 million in annual gross revenue. A food and beverage location is defined as a location that generates at least 75 percent of its gross revenue from food sales. Also, every bidder had to submit documentation that demonstrated it was authorized to conduct business in Georgia.
Q: What does the “DONE” on the Alabama national championship hats stand for?
—Teresa Stano, Gainesville
A: It means that Alabama accomplished its mission, Bill Hancock, the executive director of the Bowl Championship Series, told Q&A on the News in an email. The BCS designed the hats. He said it's a play on the "ONE" in "DONE" – "as in 'we're No. 1.'"
Andy Johnston wrote this column; Kelly Yamanouchi contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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