"We have felt privileged to operate facilities at Mount Rushmore, and we are gratified the National Park Service has selected us to continue to offer services to the millions of people who come each year to see the sculptures of four of our country's most important leaders," said Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of Xanterra Parks & Resorts. "Our renovation plans to the foodservice facility and gift shop will better meet evolving guest appetites and interests, and at the same time we will continue to implement new environmental initiatives."

Xanterra was one of four companies competing for the NPS contract. The contract award was made based on selection criteria that place heavy emphasis on the quality of customer service and environmental performance. Known for its successful and award-winning Ecologix environmental programs, Xanterra has launched numerous innovative programs at Mount Rushmore. In 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected Xanterra and its Mount Rushmore operations for its prestigious "Performance Track Program." EPA's Performance Track Program recognizes operations that voluntarily go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and publicly commit to specific environmental improvements over a three-year period. Also in 2003, Mount Rushmore received ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard Certification. Xanterra was one of the first hospitality companies in the U.S. to achieve this certification.

In 1993, Xanterra funded the construction of the Mount Rushmore foodservice facility, gift shop and employee housing facility at a cost of $14 million. The construction was part of a $60 million reconstruction program at the national memorial and was touted as a prime example of a public/private partnership.

The proposed renovations are scheduled to start in early 2005 pending final contract negotiations. At that time, Xanterra will begin an extensive renovation to update the existing cafeteria-style foodservice area, transforming it into a food court-style casual facility. The renovated operation will offer separate stations that will make it easier for visitors to navigate the restaurant and select menu items.  The foodservice facility serves nearly 170,000 meals and 160,000 ice cream cones every year. 

Xanterra also will make minor renovations to the gift shop and expand its interpretive direction. All renovations will be performed with minimal disruption to operations.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts (consisting of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc.  and Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.) operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country's largest national park concessioner.  Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National Park, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Death Valley National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and eight Ohio State Parks. Its affiliate Xanterra South Rim, L.L. C. operates concessions at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.