Broome Seeks Operator for Bus Station Eatery

Broome County government is preparing to get out of the diner business.

County Executive Debra Preston today announced proposals are being sought from people interested in opening a food service establishment in place of The Twilight Diner.

The diner at the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center on Chenango Street opened in late May.

The facility has seven counter seats and four booths. It's open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program shortly after the diner opened, Preston said it was "doing very well."

She said the restaurant would be operated as a "six-month project" to determine whether it could be launched and then taken over by a private operator.

Preston had said it would be shut down if it wasn't working after the trial period because "we're not going to be in the restaurant business."

In today's announcement announcing a Request for Proposal for the bus station food concession, the diner manager indicated the restaurant "has been consistently busy and profitable with many loyal patrons."

Earlier this month, the county provided information about the diner operation to a Binghamton man who sought it using a Freedom of Information Law request.

The information released by the county was provided to WNBF News.

A profit and loss statement indicated the operation posted a net loss of $19,629.48 for the period between May 22 and December 31.

A county official had noted the numbers could be revised because the books for 2012 would not be closed until the end of February.

People interested in submitting a proposal to operate an establishment at the diner site may obtain bidding documents from the county purchasing department. The office may be contacted at 607.778.2188.

A county representative is scheduled to conduct a guided tour of the diner facility February 4 at 3 p.m. for those interested.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 2 p.m. February 13.