CT-based concessionaire Fine Host Corp. has spent much
of '98 "contending with financial adversity amid allegations
it misstated millions of dollars in losses as profits for
more than three years," according to Kevin McQuaid of the
Baltimore SUN. Fine Host's "troubles" have led to
investigations by the SEC and the National Association of
Securities Dealers. Fine Host's provides concessions for
four NFL teams, including the Ravens, Dolphins, Bucs and
Cardinals. Fine Host signed 25-year agreement with the
Ravens last August to sell food and novelties at Ravens
Stadium, with sales of more than $8M a year expected this
year. Ravens Exec VP Jim Bailey: "We're happy with them.
They've kept us fully informed and assured us that those
matters involved corporate finance and won't have any
negative impact on their local operations" (Baltimore SUN,
8/11). In Tampa, Janis Froelich reports that despite Fine
Host's problems, the Bucs "haven't lost faith" in the
company, which will be the concessionaire for the team's new
Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Sports Authority Exec Dir
Henry Saavedra: "They're as good an operation as I've ever
worked with" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 8/11).
