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Citing low sales, food management firm Spectra asked for its release from a contract with the Cleveland Heights Country Club restaurant in Lakeland. About a year remains on the two-year agreement and officials with the city of Lakeland, which owns the club, hope to have a new operator by the end of September.

On a larger scale, the situation is another example of the challenges some cities face in owning golf courses and connected businesses. Officials in Sarasota are also currently struggling to find a long-term strategy for the course it owns, Bobby Jones Golf Course.

As required, Lakeland advertised for proposals to replace Spectra, formerly Ovation Food Services. Only two interested parties attended the mandatory meeting held several weeks ago. On Aug. 12 city officials reviewed the one proposal they received and returned it to the bidder with questions.

Bob Donahay, the city's parks and recreation director, says the city is “looking for someone to take ownership in the business — someone who knows how to handle breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as banquets and catering.”

Under the current agreement, Spectra received 7% of the revenues and 20% of the profits. Spectra representatives declined to comment, but Donahay says the city hasn't “made a dime in a year.” The city chose Spectra to take over management duties in June 2014 after the restaurant could no longer afford the liquor liability insurance.

Spectra has agreed to stay on until a new operator is in place. Donahay says if an agreement cannot be reached with the bidder, the opportunity will be re-advertised. The contract with the new operator will be for five years.