BACKGROUND
The Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)/City of Gainesville invite proposals from restaurateurs, entrepreneurs and business owners interested in leasing the new café which is currently under construction as part of an extensive redevelopment/renovation project on the north side of the Bo Diddley Plaza. The CRA is the lead agency for the Bo Diddley Plaza renovation project and is overseeing construction of the cafe as well as tenant selection. A highly motivated tenant is sought to operate a restaurant/café/food service business which will add an amenity to the downtown area, bring new clientele to the Bo Diddley Plaza and contribute to the Downtown culture.
The overarching goals of the Bo Diddley Plaza renovation project are to improve safety, visibility and accessibility on the Plaza and to increase its functionality and flexibility. The concept plan includes three building additions to the north side including a green room addition with a water wall feature addressing University Avenue, a café on the northeast corner and an information kiosk on the northwest corner. All improvements will assist in supporting events, increasing programming and to help activate the Plaza during times when it’s underutilized. The CRA is working to achieve full programming of the Bo Diddley Plaza after it reopens to the public in March 2016, adding a wide variety of additional regularly programmed activities and events to a augment the existing concerts, festivals and farmers market events.
The new café space is located at 185 East University Avenue on the northeast corner of the Bo Diddley Plaza. The building is 972 square feet with an additional 1,150 square feet of designated outdoor seating and takeout window areas. The exterior lease area will be reserved for exclusive use of the selected café tenant.
The Plaza Café space is being constructed as a shell which will provide maximum flexibility to the tenant, and will require additional build out in order to begin operations. While formulating the proposed business plans, respondents should be aware that the building will require additional improvements including the following:
PROPOSAL EVALUATION
Responses to this RFP will be evaluated competitively based on the responses to the answers submitted by respondents related to the following areas:
1. Business Concept/Character
2. Respondent Qualifications/Experience:
3. Financial Analysis
4. Business Terms
TENANT SELECTION AND NEGOTIATIONS
The top ranked respondents will be invited to present an oral presentation of their proposal. Negotiations will begin with the top-ranked prospective tenant following oral presentations. Further references and financial/credit history, criminal background information will be sought during negotiations.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT 9/23/14 by 3:00 P.M.
Responses received after the due date and time will not be accepted by the system.
Thank you for your interest in the Bo Diddley Plaza café opportunity.
The Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)/City of Gainesville invite proposals from restaurateurs, entrepreneurs and business owners interested in leasing the new café which is currently under construction as part of an extensive redevelopment/renovation project on the north side of the Bo Diddley Plaza. The CRA is the lead agency for the Bo Diddley Plaza renovation project and is overseeing construction of the cafe as well as tenant selection. A highly motivated tenant is sought to operate a restaurant/café/food service business which will add an amenity to the downtown area, bring new clientele to the Bo Diddley Plaza and contribute to the Downtown culture.
The overarching goals of the Bo Diddley Plaza renovation project are to improve safety, visibility and accessibility on the Plaza and to increase its functionality and flexibility. The concept plan includes three building additions to the north side including a green room addition with a water wall feature addressing University Avenue, a café on the northeast corner and an information kiosk on the northwest corner. All improvements will assist in supporting events, increasing programming and to help activate the Plaza during times when it’s underutilized. The CRA is working to achieve full programming of the Bo Diddley Plaza after it reopens to the public in March 2016, adding a wide variety of additional regularly programmed activities and events to a augment the existing concerts, festivals and farmers market events.
The new café space is located at 185 East University Avenue on the northeast corner of the Bo Diddley Plaza. The building is 972 square feet with an additional 1,150 square feet of designated outdoor seating and takeout window areas. The exterior lease area will be reserved for exclusive use of the selected café tenant.
The Plaza Café space is being constructed as a shell which will provide maximum flexibility to the tenant, and will require additional build out in order to begin operations. While formulating the proposed business plans, respondents should be aware that the building will require additional improvements including the following:
- Underground for connections
- Concrete slab floor
- Insulation
- Standard ADA restroom
- Drywall for exterior walls and restroom
- Prime and paint drywall
- HVAC unit
- Electrical
- Food storage/refrigeration/freezer
- Food prep/appliances/cabinets/counter/shelving/storage
- Outdoor seating fixtures/furniture
- Security system, if desired
- Garbage removal
- Other
PROPOSAL EVALUATION
Responses to this RFP will be evaluated competitively based on the responses to the answers submitted by respondents related to the following areas:
1. Business Concept/Character
- Character, style and ambiance of the proposed business
- Types of products sold/services offered, estimated price points for said products/services, target clientele
- Proposed utilization of interior space, and proposed utilization/layout of outdoor seating areas
- Ability to add to activities at Downtown Plaza/Gainesville's Downtown and draw in new clientele
- Proposed signage, interior décor, and style of outdoor furniture
2. Respondent Qualifications/Experience:
- Seeking successful business owner with proven track record in the food service industry, with a long term vision and commitment to the site
3. Financial Analysis
- Demonstrate financial capability to provide start-up capital, and funding needed to “ramp up” the business for grand opening and operations
- Financial information and a fiscal plan for the proposed business to demonstrate the feasibility of the venture
- All information relating to rent structure, site improvements, etc. should be reflected in the financial analysis materials
4. Business Terms
- Proposed lease terms that reflect current market lease rates for the area
- Description of build out expenses to be covered by the tenant, and any requests of assistance from the CRA/City
- Schedule for build out and commencement of operations
TENANT SELECTION AND NEGOTIATIONS
The top ranked respondents will be invited to present an oral presentation of their proposal. Negotiations will begin with the top-ranked prospective tenant following oral presentations. Further references and financial/credit history, criminal background information will be sought during negotiations.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT 9/23/14 by 3:00 P.M.
Responses received after the due date and time will not be accepted by the system.
Thank you for your interest in the Bo Diddley Plaza café opportunity.
