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PORTER, IN – Indiana Dunes NP has awarded two Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) for the West Beach and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk concession stand operations for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
After a competitive bidding process, Smoke on the Water was chosen to operate at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk concession stand. “Smoke on the Water Premium Mexican Barbecue was started locally in Ogden Dunes in 2021. We are a small, minority owned business, with a passion for live fire smoked BBQ,” said owner Mark Bedella, “we look forward to making the National Park Lakefront, a BBQ destination for travelers and local customers alike.”
For the West Beach concession stand, The Big Weiner of Valparaiso was chosen to expand the dining options to include a wide variety of beach fare. “The Big Weiner has been serving Chicagoland favorites since 2016 throughout the Region,” said owner Kristin Sponsel, “this owner operated establishment focuses on high quality fresh ingredients while maintaining a conscious effort to support ecofriendly initiatives.”
For more information about the CUA program visit the Indiana Dunes National Park CUA Webpage.
Indiana Dunes National Park is one of more than 400 units of the National Park System ranging from Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty. Located in Northwest Indiana, the park includes 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 15,000 acres of biodiverse beaches, woods, prairies, and marshes. Up to 3 million visitors come to the Indiana Dunes each year.
Last updated: April 26, 2023