PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The landmark City Tavern Concession contract will be expiring soon and as KYW’s Michelle Durham reports, the property is owned by the National Park Service and officials there have opened the bidding process on a 10 year lease on the property.

Independence National Historical Park Public Affairs officer Jane Cowley says the concession contract was designed to provide services to visitors in a situation where there are not many other options.

“But now, Old City and historic Philadelphia is such a vibrant, thriving community. It’s really no longer appropriate for a concession so we are transitioning it to a lease agreement.”

City Tavern Proprietor, Chef Walter Staib knew this process would occur eventually and he’s thrilled about the agreement change because he would not be subject to closing in the event of a government shut down, as has happened in the past.

“I have no intention of leaving. But I also need to make sure the requirements they have are manageable.”

In the meantime, City Tavern is open for business.

Those interested in submitting a proposal for the property must do so by September 16th.

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Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio