Centerplate, the contracted foodservice manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, sued the facility’s operator last week for terminating the arrangement, alleging its reputation was damaged.
The foodservice vendor seeks an undisclosed amount in damages and attorney fees.
The GCCC’s operator, the Franklin County Conventions Facilities Authority, said it terminated the contract because it suspected collusion between Centerplate and convicted felon John Raphael. The authority discovered that Raphael simultaneously served as an authority board member as well as Centerplate’s lobbyist in Columbus, the state’s capital. According to the Columbus Dispatch, Raphael used his political influence to help secure Centerplate’s selection as a contractor over three other foodservice providers.
The authority board claims Centerplate was complicit in the scheme. The vendor’s lawsuit asserts it was not involved and that the accusations have negatively impacted the company. The suit goes on to accuse the authority board of attempting to shift blame and save face, and suggests the board was complicit by providing Raphael with a seat.
Centerplate did not respond within press time to a request for additional comment.
The situation is the latest wrinkle in the corruption scandal involving Raphael. His misconduct first surfaced during an FBI investigation into charges that he extorted campaign contributions from former client Redflex, a stoplight camera distributor, to Columbus city officials.
Raphael pled guilty in court and currently faces 37 months in prison. His hearing is scheduled for next week.
Centerplate did not return requests for comment.