By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Unit 5 has entered a new seven year contract with Pepsi for vending and concession services, but in doing so has parted ways with a local vendor.
Ra-Jac Distributing is based in Normal. Plant Manager Kevin Goodwin said they had been providing water and juice to the district’s Jr. High and high schools for 20 years.
“It’s a very important part of our business. We’re very small. We have 20 employees,” said Goodwin. “It’s a huge hit to us.”
Coke-a-Cola had also been providing beverages to Unit 5. Goodwin said his company was never offered a seat at the negotiations table. In fact, Ra-Jac did not even know the change was happening until Wednesday afternoon.
“We would have been more than willing to offer extra scholarships or money; whatever it takes,” said Goodwin. “To be notified that afternoon and have it pulled from us that evening without any, you know, they could have come to us and thanked us for our service.
“We’re very disappointed.”
Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel said the negotiations were done through the district’s food services department.
“I think we should have had a conversation with them. At least, they should have been at the table; at least, to present their options,” Daniel said
Goodwin said Unit 5 had represented about a twentieth of their total business.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
