Hampden Township Commissioners and the Caddy Shack Approve Lease Extension
Following a series of discussions and negotiations regarding the future of restaurant operations at Armitage Golf Club, Hampden Township Commissioners officially approved a lease agreement with Nick Dunphy, owner of the Caddy Shack, to extend the lease for the restaurant for ten years. The current lease for the Caddy Shack restaurant, which operates within the Armitage Golf Club, is set to expire on December 31, 2024.
“I believe this is a fair deal for the Caddy Shack ownership as well as for the Township and its residents,” said Nate Silcox, President of the Board of Commissioners. “I’d like to thank the Caddy Shack ownership, as well as my fellow Commissioners for helping us get to this point. We’re looking forward to the continuation of a successful partnership.”
In response to the impending expiration of the lease and after careful consideration of various options, including the possibility of issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) and bid process for the lease, the Township Commissioners engaged in extensive dialogue with Hampden residents and stakeholders over the last month and during two special workshops, the most recent having been held on March 5. The overwhelming support and feedback from residents, not only from Hampden but also from neighboring townships, played a significant role in motivating the Commissioners to return to the negotiating table to seek a resolution.
Subsequently, a negotiation committee was formed by the Board to conduct the intensive negotiations with Nick Dunphy, the owner of the Caddy Shack. This committee met with the owner and management team of the restaurant to address the terms and conditions of a new lease agreement.
“This process has been a careful navigation through the responsibilities of the Township to ensure the safety and longevity of the facility, and the desires of the people who came out strong in support of this Township icon,” said Commissioner Sherri Chippo. “The tentative agreement assures me that the interests of both are protected. I am grateful to the Caddy Shack team for their willingness to work together on this common goal and look forward to an ongoing partnership in service to our residents and guests.”
After productive deliberations, the Township and Nick Dunphy have reached a tentative agreement over the terms of a new lease. The tremendous support by the customers of the Caddy Shack was heartwarming and drove home the success of the current style of operation by the Township 's tenant. Nick Dunphy's commitment to remain as a principal during the term of the lease has been confirmed. The members of the Board are pleased to report that the faces of the Caddy Shack will remain and that the facilities will be upgraded. The new lease is set to commence on January 1, 2025.
“After extensive due diligence, public outreach, resident input, and negotiations, I am happy to see a plan forward for the future,” said Commissioner John Gaspich. ”I look forward to working collaboratively with the Caddyshack management team as they continue to serve our Armitage and Hampden patrons.”
This tentative agreement marks a significant step forward in securing the future operations of the Caddy Shack restaurant at repeat award-winning Township owned and operated Armitage Golf Club which hosted over 44,000 golfers in 2023.