Семья Rizos осталась без павильона на Big E после 19 лет работы из-за перепланировки

Big E vendor says they were not invited back after nearly 20 years SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A viral video is making its rounds on social media, made by the owners of Opa-Opa Brewing Company who said they were unexpectedly not invited back to the Big E after nearly 20 years there. The video was posted over the weekend and has received over 100,000 views and thousands of comments supporting the business. The Rizos family said they received word back in November that their booth would not be renewed for the the Big E’s 2026 season after 19 years at the fair. They were completely shocked and said the fair was their main source of income. The Eastern States Exposition said the had the rights and reason to do what they did. “They called me immediately,” said Frederickie “Rickie” Rizos. “We’re kind of like, ‘what do we do? What can we do?’” According to the Rizos family, there was no appealing the fair’s decision and there was nothing they could do. Rickie and Vissi Rizos took the news hard. The two sisters grew up with their parents’ business. “That’s where I would do my homework. That’s where I would like see friends and hang out for the night,” said Vissi. “We would make like beds out of the boxes of cups and like fall asleep there and then go home when they close and then do it all over for the whole month.” “The Big E actually sought him out and was like, this is really cool what you’re doing. We would love to have you at our fair,” said Rickie. It’s been a difficult journey since the Rizos family was given their notice. However, their video and the outpouring of love and support it brought from the community made things a little bit easier. “The amount of people on social media that have been supportive,” said Rickie. “They’re asking where they can get the beer and have that experience again. So that has been really nice. We didn’t think anything else was going to come of it and then social media did what social media does.” In a statement by the Eastern States Exposition, they explained that concessionaries who vend at the Big E operate under year-to-year contracts and that they evaluate each vendor annually. They also explained that they are working on a multi-year comprehensive plan to reimagine the facility and identify opportunities for improvements. You can see the whole statement below: Concessionaires who vend at The Big E operate under year-to-year contracts. Eastern States Exposition (ESE) continually evaluates its concession and vendor offerings and makes strategic changes based on the best interests of the organization and its goals, as would any business that works with independent contractors. As part of that evaluation process, concessions and vendors that do not meet ESE’s standards in areas such as product offerings, presentation, operational performance, sales and cooperation may not be invited to return. Contracts may also not be renewed as a result of changes to the layout, infrastructure or operational needs of the Fairgrounds. ESE is engaged in a multi-year comprehensive master planning process and feasibility study to reimagine the facility and identify opportunities for improvements to layout and operations. A current area of focus is the west end of the grounds surrounding The Big E Arena. Changes are underway in that area to accommodate a new venue entrance slated for 2027, which impacts the former location of Opa Opa. When notified of the non-renewal on November 5, 2025, via phone call, the operators were informed of ESE’s planned changes to the layout of that area and were advised that the decision not to renew Opa Opa’s contract for 2026 did not preclude them from applying for space at The Big E in future years. ESE recognizes the commitment and support Opa Opa’s operators invested in their presence at The Big E over the years. We appreciate their contributions to the fair and the memories they helped create for many fairgoers. - Eastern States Exposition Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.