Cashless sales, Chilton Bar, Rave On, more to come at Lubbock's Buddy Holly Hall

Cashless concessions, branded burgers, a Chilton bar and more are coming to Lubbock's Buddy Holly Hall.

The new partnership between the Lubbock Entertainment / Performing Arts Association and SAVOR, the new food and beverage vendor, began on April 1. Since then, SAVOR has started making changes at Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, 1300 Mac Davis Lane, with more plans in the works.

Yvette Davidson, SAVOR director of food and beverage, and Ashpen Sanchez, food and beverage manager, detailed what those changes would be.

Cashless concessions, new menus and more catering spaces in the works for Buddy Holly Hall

The concessions will have new menu screens, 30 point-of-sale systems, and eventually, become cashless.

"Our main focus is to make sure that we can service more guests at one time by bringing in additional points-of-sale, and making sure it's cashless to go through the lines quicker," Davidson said. "I think people are hesitant when it comes to change, but the changes that we have made are going to be efficient, fast-paced, which is what it's been coming in since April 1st."

Davidson assured that the change to cashless would not be done overnight, and they would post about the change ahead of time.

More: New food, beverage vendor announces plans for Lubbock's Buddy Holly Hall, Rave On

Concessions will have more hot food options, including hot dogs, nachos, burgers and pretzel bites. Drinks will feature mocktails and cocktails, in addition to the usual offerings.

"And later on, we have some bigger ideas of doing more food items that are curated around the show," Sanchez said. "Say it's a kid show, so let's do something that's kid-friendly; or it it's a country concert, something that you can quickly eat and still enjoy the show."

SAVOR is working on getting a branding iron, so the Buddy Holly logo could be featured on some of the food.

"The biggest thing for us is just to see the wow factor for the guests," Sanchez said. "This is what we've been wanting, to be able to provide a service that they'll enjoy, to remember and share and spread along to their friends."

Catering plans will have new areas of the venue open, including the Founders’ Lounge, which has not typically been open to the public. A VIP bar is in the works, which will be across the large window on the second floor as well.

Another showcase will highlight Lubbock's drink, the Chilton. SAVOR plans to create a Chilton bar on the first floor, which will have a rotating menu of flavors and names.

“(We’re) definitely showcasing different areas of the venue that we haven’t had events in before,” Davidson said. "You'll see how we are welcoming everything local about Lubbock."

Community recognition, nonprofits and student hospitality programs to come to Buddy Holly Hall

"There's lots of new things coming, and lots of change coming, and we're excited to be able to be a part of that change," Sanchez said. "We have the support from the Lubbock community, and to be able to give back to them is definitely one of the things that we're excited for."

One of the ways SAVOR will give back at Buddy Holly Hall will be bringing in area nonprofits behind the concession counters. The nonprofits will receive a part of the night’s net sales. Interested nonprofits can contact Buddy Holly Hall and ask for Davidson or Sanchez to get involved, as well as follow the venue’s social media for more information later.

Another way SAVOR will honor the community will be to highlight local small businesses. The digital menu monitors will have items named after participating businesses.

Partnerships for students are in progress, and will be announced when ready on the company's social media. These partnerships will become programs where students studying the hospitality industry can gain an internship lasting 1.5-2 years. Students could work with the chef or the food and beverage manager to gain real-world experience.

"I believe it has been a struggle for graduates coming out of college with a degree, but not that experience," Davidson said. "Being able to partner with the programs here, locally, and have them come in and do their internships with us, it will give them the experience and see it live."

Chef events, cooking classes and Rave On plans for the future

"We do know what a success Rave On brought; it fit right in with the venue," Davidson said. "We're going to make sure it is showcased and continued on with that name and the expectation that Lubbock locals have for that place. We're definitely still in the works. There's nothing finalized, but I can assure you it's going to fit still with the Buddy Holly Hall and the vision that the United Family started there."

In the meantime, the restaurant will not stay empty. SAVOR plans to use the space for chef events. These could include cooking classes, wine dinners, whiskey dinners and group experiences. Longtime fans may see a familiar face, or taste familiar flavors at these events, as the original Rave On Executive Chef, Hector Hernandez, has returned as the venue's executive chef.

"We're excited to see the guests and to make sure we are meeting or exceeded their expectations," Davidson said.

People can keep up with the group's announcements on the Buddy Holly Hall Facebook and Instagram pages.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock Buddy Holly Hall reveals plans, cashless concessions, more