Vendor Relations Team
The Vendor Relations team manages all external vendors (food, craft, merchandise) and also operates Selassiefest's internal food and beverage services, including the kitchen, bar, and beverage stands. This team ensures quality, safety, and a positive experience for both vendors and festival attendees.
🏪 Vendor Relations Manager: Dwight
In addition to his role as Hospitality Coordinator for talent, Dwight oversees all vendor operations. His extensive experience in catering, logistics, and vendor management ensures that Selassiefest's internal food services run smoothly and that external vendors are well‑supported.
Email contact: selassiefest@gmail.com (please mark attention: Vendor Relations)
đź“‹ Vendor Relations Management
Dwight's Responsibilities:
- Recruits, vets, and contracts all external food, craft, and merchandise vendors.
- Sets vendor fees, booth locations, and enforces festival rules.
- Manages internal kitchen, bar, and beverage stand operations.
- Ensures compliance with health codes and permits.
- Resolves vendor disputes and logistical issues on event days.
Vendor Check‑in Lead: (supports Dwight during event) – responsible for checking in vendors, distributing wristbands, and directing them to booths.
Dwight is currently the primary contact for all vendor matters.
🍳 Kitchen
Operates central kitchen and food booths run by the festival. Serves ital, vegan, and Caribbean cuisine.
- Kitchen Manager (position open)
- Head Cook / Chef (position open)
- Line Cooks (2–5 positions)
- Prep Cooks (1–2 positions)
- Expeditor
- Dishwasher / Porter
- Food Service Cashier
🍺 Bar (Full Alcohol Service)
Operates one or more full bars serving beer, wine, and liquor. Age‑restricted, requires responsible beverage service training.
- Bar Manager (position open)
- Lead Bartender (position open)
- Bartenders (2–5 per bar)
- Barbacks (1–2 per bar)
- ID Checker / Security (shared with festival security)
🥤 Beverage Stands (Non‑alcoholic)
Separate from full bars – serves water, juice, soda, coffee, and cultural drinks like ginger beer, sorrel, and coconut water.
- Beverage Stand Supervisor (position open)
- Beverage Servers (2–4 per stand)
- Stock Runner (replenishes supplies)
🔄 Dwight's Dual Role: Hospitality Coordinator & Vendor Relations Manager
Dwight uniquely bridges talent hospitality and vendor operations. This integration ensures:
- Artist catering (ital, vegan) is prepared by the same kitchen team serving festival‑goers, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Green room beverages (coconut water, herbal teas) are sourced through beverage stands, reducing waste and cost.
- A single point of contact for all food and beverage logistics simplifies communication.
As Selassiefest grows, Dwight may supervise dedicated managers for kitchen, bar, and beverage stands.
đź“ť For External Vendors
Interested in having a booth at Selassiefest? Applications open 6 months before the festival. Contact selassiefest@gmail.com with "Vendor Application" in the subject line. Please include:
- Business name and description
- Product photos or menu
- Required licenses (food handler, seller's permit, etc.)
- Preferred booth size and electrical needs
📢 Internal Openings (Kitchen, Bar, Beverage Stands)
Dwight is currently seeking to fill the following positions. Interested candidates should email selassiefest@gmail.com with the role title in the subject line.
- Kitchen Manager
- Head Cook / Chef
- Line Cooks (multiple)
- Bar Manager
- Lead Bartender
- Beverage Stand Supervisor