Pullen Park Cafe 1-PullCafe-2026 5.26.26.pdf

Request for Qualifications 274-1-PullCafe-2026

Title: Pullen Park Café Operation

Issue Date: May 28, 2026

Due Date: August 10, 2026, not later than 5:00PM EST

*LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED*

Issuing Department: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:

Kimberly Oliver Administrative Support Specialist Email: Kimberly.Oliver@Raleighnc.gov

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose

1.2. Background

1.3. RFQ Timeline

1.4. Pre-Submittal Conference

1.5. Questions

1.6. Submittal Requirements and Contact Information

1.7. Business Engagement and Opportunities

1.8. Rights to Submitted Material

1.9. Communications

1.10. Lobbying

1.11. Conflicts of Interest

1.12. Proposer Expenses

1.13. Proposer Acceptance

2. Qualifications Package

2.1. Request for Qualifications Required Document Format

2.2. Hourly Rates

2.3. Qualifications Package Documents

3. Proposal Evaluation

3.1. Evaluation Criteria

3.2. Final Selection

3.3. Notice to Proposers Regarding RFQ Terms & Conditions

3.4. Contract Term…………………………………………………………..13

4. Scope of Services

Appendix I – Map of Licensed Building

Appendix II – Proposer Questionnaire

Appendix III – Reference Questionnaire (Instructions)

Appendix III – Reference Questionnaire Form

Appendix IV – Sample Contract

Appendix V – Service Obligations

Appendix VI – Anticipated License Fee Schedule

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

The City of Raleigh is seeking a partner to operate the café space at Pullen Park Amusements. The café includes a 1,988 square foot building with nearly 70 feet of frontage, accompanied by an adjacent 1,950 square foot outdoor seating area. The Operator will be the exclusive “brick and mortar” provider of food and beverage in the park, including beer and wine.

All food concept proposals are welcome!

Utilize in-place amenities and make the Café and outdoor seating your own. On the front end, the building is designed with multiple points for walk-up window service. The back of house consists of a kitchen and office already equipped with a walk-in-cooler, dry storage, fume exhaust hood, grease trap interceptor, and hand, food prep, and dishwashing sinks. Most utilities are covered by the City of Raleigh. The City of Raleigh can assist with additional upfit costs, to be negotiated with the selected operator.

Guests enjoy the scenery of Pullen Park with their meal as part of a fun family day outside. Pullen Amusements welcomes over one million visitors each year with an abundance of historic attractions and activities, including a miniature train, historic carousel, kiddie boats, carnival games, pedal boats, large playground, and more. The outdoor seating, picnic shelters, and a top-notch café encourage guests to extend their visit all day.

Join park events that welcome thousands of visitors throughout the year. Families flock to Holiday Express each December, with last year’s event drawing over 42,000 people over three weeks. Additional events have included a summer concert series, movie nights, egg hunts, and more. The café operator is an important partner during these events, ensuring guests’ comfort and enhancing their experiences.

Pullen Amusements is just one part of the larger Pullen Park campus. Stretching over

66.4 acres, Pullen Park includes an aquatics center, community center, athletic fields, arts center, and the renowned Theatre in the Park. The Café Operator will join this exceptional line-up.

A network of recreational and innovative destinations in the area. On the edge of downtown Raleigh, Pullen Park is just steps away from NC State University, Dix Park, the Capital Area Greenway, and more - destinations with exciting new features drawing visitors to the area.

History plays at Pullen Park! Opened in 1887 as North Carolina’s first public park, Pullen Park is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the country. The Café operator is an important contributor to the park and food concepts that engage the park’s history are encouraged.

The City of Raleigh is seeking one or more qualified firm(s) with which to contract for the following services:

The City of Raleigh, NC is soliciting proposals to identify individuals and/or businesses qualified to operate a café concession space at Pullen Park. This RFQ is designed for those interested in creating a licensor/licensee relationship to operate a food service concession within the City-owned café space located at the park at 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC. The selected operator will operate the café according to the terms and conditions as outlined in this RFQ and the subsequent license agreement signed by the selected operator.

Notwithstanding any reference to a contract or lease in this RFQ, the City intends to execute a license agreement with a selected operator allowing the selected operator to operate a food service concession within the café space in Pullen Park in accordance with the rights and obligations of each party to the license agreement. The City will not convey any property interest in any part of Pullen Park to the selected operator from this RFQ process.

A detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4 of this document.

All information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at https://evp.nc.gov/.

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:

Contact Name Email Address Kimberly Oliver Kimberly.Oliver@Raleighnc.gov

1.2 Background

The City of Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and one of the fastest growing areas in the country. A great economy, top educational institutions, and exceptional health care facilities are some of the characteristics that attract people to the triangle area. The mild climate, diverse work force and proximity to Research Triangle Park combine to make Raleigh a great place to live.

Pullen Park is North Carolina’s first public park, and one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Since its opening in 1887, Pullen Park has been the premiere park destination for citizens in the region as well as guests visiting from afar.

In addition to its historical significance, the park is centrally located just minutes from downtown Raleigh and steps away from North Carolina State University and Dix Park. Pullen Park enjoys constant activity throughout the year, including use of our train, historic carousel, pedal boats, picnic shelters, aquatics center, and more. We welcome approximately one million visitors to the park over the course of the year. Pullen Park also hosts Holiday Express for three weeks in the month of December, with over 42,000 people attending the most recognized and sought after holiday event in the region.

In 2011, the City of Raleigh completed a major renovation of Pullen Park that included the renovation of the café facility, as well as significant grounds and overall site improvements.

For the purposes of this RFQ, the café facility to be licensed to the selected operator -https://evp.nc.gov/ including the climate-controlled building (“Licensed Building”) and appurtenant outdoor seating area for the selected operator’s patrons (“Licensed Outdoor Seating Area”) - is referred to collectively as the “Licensed Area.” A map of the layout of the Licensed Area is attached to this RFQ as Appendix V.

The Licensed Building is approximately 1,988 square feet and will be provided in a warm shell condition with the following City-owned fixtures installed for the operator’s use: one (1) walk-in cooler, one (1) fume exhaust hood, two (2) hand sinks, one (1) food prep sink, one (1) dishwashing sink, and one (1) grease trap interceptor. The café does not have interior seating, but covered seating is available on the outdoor plaza and throughout the park. The Licensed Outdoor Seating Area is approximately 1,950 square feet and will contain at least ten covered tables.

1.3 RFQ Timeline

Provided below is a list of the anticipated schedule of events related to this solicitation. The City of Raleigh reserves the right to modify and/or adjust the following schedule to meet the needs of the project. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET):

RFQ Process Date and time

RFQ Date Monday, May 28, 2026

Pre-Submittal Conference (if required)

Monday, June 29, 2026, 9:00 am Pullen Park Ticket Office 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606

Deadline for written questions Thursday, July 16, 2026

City Response to Questions (anticipated)

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Submittal Due Date and Time Monday, August 10, 2026, 5:00 pm EST

Evaluation Meeting (anticipated)

Friday, September 4, 2026

Interviews (if required)

Week of September 21, 2026

Selection Announcement (tentative)

Thursday, October 1, 2026

1.4 Pre-Submittal Conference

In the event that the City of Raleigh elects to conduct a Pre-Submittal Conference or Site Visit, attendance by prospective proposers is strongly encouraged but is not mandatory. Prospective Proposers are encouraged to submit written questions in advance.

1.5 Questions

Requests for clarification and questions to this RFQ must be received by the City not later than the date shown above in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline, for the submittal of written inquiries. The firm’s failure to request clarification and submit questions by the date in the RFQ Timeline above shall be considered to constitute the firm’s acceptance of all City’s terms and conditions and requirements.

The City shall issue addenda reflecting questions and answers to this RFQ, if any, and shall be posted to North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any City personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFQ, shall be considered authoritative or binding.

Respondents shall be entitled to rely only on written material contained in an Addendum to this

RFQ.

It is important that all Respondents submitting to this RFQ periodically check eVP for any Addenda. It is the Respondents’ responsibility to ensure that all addenda have been reviewed and, if required, signed and returned.

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:

Contact Name Email Address

Kimberly Oliver Kimberly.Oliver@Raleighnc.gov

1.6 Submittal Requirements and Contact Information

Submittals must follow the format as defined in Section 2 Qualifications Package and be addressed and submitted as follows:

DELIVERED BY US POSTAL SERVICE

MAIL:

DELIVERED BY OTHER DEIVERY

SERVICES:

City of Raleigh

ATTN: Troy Burton

520 Ashe Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27606

RFQ No. 274-1-PULLCAFE-2026

City of Raleigh

ATTN: Troy Burton

520 Ashe Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27606

RFQ No. 274-1-PULLCAFE-2026

Submittals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope or package and clearly marked with the name of the submitting company, the RFQ number and the RFQ Title, and must include:

A. one (1) signed hard-copy original submittal package;

B. one (1) electronic version of the signed submittal;

C. and three (3) hard copies of the signed submittal.

The electronic version of the Proposal must be submitted as a viewable and printable Adobe Portable Document File (PDF) on a flash drive. Both hard copy and electronic versions must be received by the City on or before the RFQ date and time provided in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline. Proposals received after the RFQ deadline above will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the return address provided on the submission envelope.

Proposers must respond to the entire Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Any incomplete submittal may be eliminated from competition at the discretion of the City of Raleigh.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all submittals for any reason and to waive any informality it deems in its best interest.

Submittals that arrive after the due date and time will not be accepted or considered for any reason whatsoever. If the Firm elects to mail in its response, the Firm must allow sufficient time to ensure the City’s proper receipt of the package by the time specified in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline. Regardless of the delivery method, it is the responsibility of the Firm to ensure that their response arrives at the designated location specified in this Section 1.6 by the due date and time specified in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline.

1.7 Business Engagement and Opportunities

The City of Raleigh maintains processes to conduct business with all business enterprises, including small, emerging, growing, under-capitalized, and under-resourced firms or organizations.

1.8 Rights to Submitted Material

All qualification packages and supporting materials, as well as correspondences relating to this RFQ, shall become the property of the City. The content of all submittals will be held confidential until the selection of the firm is made. Qualifications will be reviewed by the Evaluation Team, as well as other City staff and members of the general public who submit public record requests. Any proprietary data must be clearly marked. In submitting qualifications, each submitting firm/company agrees that the City may reveal any trade secret materials contained in such submittal to all City staff and City officials involved in the selection process and to any outside consultant or other third party who serves on the Evaluation Team or who is hired by the City to assist in the selection process. Qualification submittals marked entirely as “confidential”, “proprietary”, or “trade secret” will be considered non-responsive and will be removed from the evaluation process.

1.9 Communications

All communications of any nature regarding this RFQ with any City staff, elected City officials, evaluation committee members are strictly forbidden from the time the solicitation is publicly posted until award. Questions must be submitted in writing to the individual designated in Section 1.1 Purpose, prior to the deadline provided in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline. Violation of this provision may result in the firm’s proposal being removed from consideration.

1.10 Lobbying

By responding to this solicitation, the firm certifies that it has not and will not pay any person or firm to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of the City or the State of North Carolina, or any elected official in connection with obtaining a contract as a result of this RFQ.

1.11 Conflicts of Interest

City of Raleigh contracts are controlled by three conflict of interest provisions.

(1) First, federal procurement standards provided in 2 CFR 200.318 (c)(1) state:

No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. The officers, employees, and agents of the non-Federal entity may neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to subcontracts.

(2) Similarly, the North Carolina General Statutes provides a criminal statute for conflicts of interest in public contracting, N.C.G.S. § 14-234(a) states:

(1) No public officer or employee who is involved in making or administering a contract on behalf of a public agency may derive a direct benefit from the contract except as provided in this section, or as otherwise allowed by law.

(2) A public officer or employee who will derive a direct benefit from a contract with the public agency he or she serves, but who is not involved in making or administering the contract, shall not attempt to influence any other person who is involved in making or administering the contract.

(3) No public officer or employee may solicit or receive any gift, favor, reward, service, or promise of reward, including a promise of future employment, in exchange for recommending, influencing, or attempting to influence the award of a contract by the public agency he or she serves.

(3) City of Raleigh Charter Section 3.9 regulates private transactions between the City and its officials and employees, the charter states:

No member of the City Council, official, or employee of the City of Raleigh shall be financially interested, or have any personal beneficial interest, either directly or indirectly, as agent, representative, or otherwise, in the purchase of, or contract for, or in furnishing any materials, equipment or supplies to the City of Raleigh, nor shall any official or employee of the City of Raleigh accept or receive, or agree to accept or receive, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm or corporation to whom any contract may be awarded or from whom any materials, equipment or supplies may be purchased by the City of Raleigh, by rebate, gift, or otherwise, any money or anything of value whatsoever, or any promise, obligation or contract for future reward or compensation, for recommending or procuring the uses of any such materials, equipment or supplies by the City of Raleigh; no member of the City Council, official or employee of the City of Raleigh shall for his own personal benefit operate, directly or indirectly, any concession in any building or on any lands of the City of Raleigh, nor shall any official or employee of the City of Raleigh bid for or be awarded any contract granting concessionary rights of any nature or kind from the City of Raleigh; it shall be unlawful for any member of the City Council, official or employee of the City of Raleigh to bid for or to purchase or to contract to purchase from the City of Raleigh any real estate, equipment, materials, or supplies of any nature or kind whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, at either public or private sale, either singly, or through or jointly with any other person.

1.12 Proposer Expenses

The City of Raleigh will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any Firm in the development of a response to this Request for Qualifications or any other activities associated with this procurement including but not limited to any onsite (or otherwise) interviews and/or presentations, and/or supplemental information provided, submitted, or given to City of Raleigh and/or its representatives. Further, the City of Raleigh shall reserve the right to cancel the work described herein prior to issuance and acceptance of any contractual agreement/purchase order by the recommended Firm even if the awarding authority for each entity has formally accepted a recommendation.

1.13 Proposer Acceptance

Submission of any proposal indicates a Proposer’s acceptance of the conditions contained in this RFQ. The City of Raleigh has the sole discretion and reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, and to reject any and all submittals, to waive any and all informalities and/or irregularities, if it is deemed to be in the City’s best interests to do so.

The City of Raleigh reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the items in any proposal, and to award the contract in whole or in part and/or negotiate any or all items with individual firms if it is deemed in the City’s best interest. Moreover, the City reserves the right to make no selection if the submittals are deemed to be outside the fiscal constraint or not in the best interest of the City.

2 QUALIFICATIONS PACKAGE

Submittal responses must follow the format outlined below. The City may reject as non-responsive at its sole discretion any submittal that does not provide complete and/or adequate responses or departs in any substantial way from the required format.

2.1 Request for Qualifications Required Document Format

Responses should be divided using tabs to separate each section, listed sequentially as follows:

Tab 1: Cover Letter Provide an introduction letter summarizing the unique qualifications of your firm to meet the needs of this project. This letter should be presented on the firm’s official letterhead and signed by an authorized representative who has the authority to enter into a contract with the City on behalf of the firm. Include the name, address, telephone and email address of the individual who serves as the point of contact for this solicitation.

Tab 2: Corporate Background and Experience Include background information on the firm and provide detailed information regarding the firm’s experience with similar projects. Provide a list of all similar contracts related experience performed in the past ten (10) number of years, accompanied by at least three (3) references (contact persons, firm, telephone number and email address).

Include the total amount invoiced for each listed project, the length of the project, and list of personnel involved in the project who are also proposed for the subject project named in this solicitation. Failure to provide a list of all similar contracts in the specified period may result in the rejection of the firm’s proposal. The evaluation team reserves the right to contact any or all listed references, and to contact other public entities regarding past performance on similar projects.

Tab 3: Financial Information Review and provide one of the following three (3) financial statement options:

1. Recent audited or reviewed financial statements prepared by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the audited or reviewed financial statements were prepared more than six (6) months prior to the issuance of this RFQ, the Proposer shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and expenditures from the date of the audited or reviewed financial statements to the end of the most recent financial reporting period (i.e., the quarter or month preceding the issuance date of this RFQ).

OR

2. Recent compiled financial statements prepared by an independent CPA that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the compiled financial statements were prepared more than three (3) months prior to the issuance of this RFQ, the Proposer shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and expenditures to date), and other evidence of financial stability such as most recently filed income tax return, evidence of a line of credit/loans/other type of financing with statement of amount in use/outstanding balance (e.g., a complete copy commitment letter, loan agreement, billing statement reflecting the line of credit or statement from lender acknowledging the commitment to fund the Proposer’s stated financing), personal guaranty with copies of personal income tax filing and statement of net worth or such other evidence that is accurate, reliable and trustworthy regarding the Proposer’s financial stability.

OR

3. Include a certified, signed statement from a licensed CPA regularly engaged in the review of the firm’s financial information verifying the financial viability of the firm.

All financial information, statements and/or documents provided in response to this solicitation shall be kept confidential provided that EACH PAGE is marked as follows:

“CONFIDENTIAL – DO NOT DISCLOSE EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF

PROPOSAL EVALUATION.“

“Recent” shall be defined as financial statements that were prepared within the 12 months preceding the issuance date of this RFQ.

Consolidated financial statements of the Proposer’s parent or related corporation/business entity will not be considered, unless: (1) the Proposer’s actual financial performance for the designated period is separately identified in and/or attached to the consolidated statements; (2) the parent or related corporation/business entity provides the State with a document wherein the parent or related corporation/business entity will be financially responsible for the Proposer’s performance of the contract and the consolidated statement demonstrates the parent or related corporation’s/business entity’s financial ability to perform the contract, financial stability and/or such other financial considerations identified in the evaluation criteria;

and/or (3) Proposer provides its own internally prepared financial statements and such other evidence of its own financial stability identified above.

The firm’s failure to provide any of the above-referenced financial statements may result in the proposal being removed from consideration. Proposers are also encouraged to explain any negative financial information, and to provide documentation supporting those explanations and demonstrating the financial strength of the firm.

Tab 4: Project Understanding, Approach and Schedule Provide a comprehensive narrative, outline, and/or graph demonstrating the firm's understanding and approach to accomplishing the tasks outlined in the Scope of Work section of this RFQ. A description of each task and deliverable and the schedule for accomplishing each shall be included.

Tab 5: Team Firm, Experience and Certifications/Qualifications This section must include the proposed staffing, deployment and firm of personnel to be assigned to this project. The Proposer shall provide information as to the qualifications and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person. A project-specific firm chart which clearly illustrates the roles, responsibilities, and the reporting relationships of each team member should be included.

2.2 Hourly Rates

This solicitation is being issued in accordance with NC G.S. Chapter 143 Article 3D (Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Surveying Services), otherwise known as the Mini-Brooks Act, and therefore price cannot and will not be a determining factor in the selection of the successful service provider. One copy of the Hourly Rate Schedule (see Appendix I) for all proposed project personnel should be enclosed in a separate, sealed envelope.

2.3 Qualifications Package Documents

This RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award. All attachments and addenda released for this RFQ in advance of any Contract award are incorporated herein by reference.

3 SUBMITTAL EVALUATION

3.1 Evaluation Criteria

This is not a bid. There will not be a public opening. A selection panel will review all proposals comprehensively to identify the most qualified proposal. Submittals will be evaluated based on criteria including the firm’s experience, proposed concept and/or menu, proposed product selection and/or pricing, and proposed operations plan. Specific consideration will be given to proposals that show an understanding of food service needs in similar park settings. Specific consideration will also be given to proposals that indicate an appreciation for the history of Pullen Park.

3.2 Final Selection

Qualifications will be reviewed after opening and will be ranked in order of choice, at which point contract negotiations will begin with the most qualified firm. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the City will then pursue negotiations with the next most qualified firm. The City shall not be bound or in any way obligated until both parties have signed a contract. The City also reserves the right to delay the award of a contract or to not award a contract.

https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_143/Article_3D.html

3.3 Contract Term

The contract issued by the City to the selected firm will state and define a completion date by which the services are to be finished and completed.

4 SCOPE OF SERVICES

Awarded firm shall provide services, all as set forth in this RFQ and more particularly described in this Section 4.

The Café operation is a key component to the overall character of the park. The selected proposer will be required to satisfy the following conditions as a part of the concession operations:

1) Personnel

The operator will be responsible for hiring the necessary personnel to conduct the daily operation of the café as a family- and child-friendly environment. The selected operator will be required to complete background checks on all operator employees and make the results of those background checks available to the City upon request. The Firm will comply with all federal, state, and local laws related to the employment of persons and the operation of a food service establishment, including but not limited to laws concerning: minimum wage, social security, nondiscrimination, ADA, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation. Operator employees shall wear a uniform and/or identification badge and deliver the highest level of customer service to all patrons.

State and local regulations regarding food preparation and food handling will also be followed by all employees without fail. Any deficiencies or health code violations as noted by health inspectors may, at the discretion of the City, serve as grounds for immediate termination of the concession License Agreement.

2) Operating Hours

Pullen Park is open to the public daily from 7am-9pm (“Park Operating Hours”). The park amusements’ “Staffed Hours” vary seasonally.

The operator should propose a regular schedule that at a minimum meets the Staffed Hours.

A sample schedule of past amusement hours of operation is included below:

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Mon. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm

Tue. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm

Wed. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm

Thu. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm

Fri. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-6pm

Sat. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-6pm

Sun. 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-8pm 10am-6pm

The operator will be expected to be open for patrons during the hours agreed upon with the City. The City will make every effort to negotiate a schedule of hours that is reasonable for both parties.

For approximately three weeks during the month of December, Pullen Park traditionally hosts the Holiday Express event. The amusements will be closed during the day during this time, but the café will be offered an opportunity to provide food service during the evening event.

Should the operator fail to operate the café during the hours agreed to in the resulting license agreement, the City reserves the right to revoke the agreement at any time and enter into negotiations with another operator.

City staff opens/closes and cleans the restrooms during the park’s Staffed Hours. Should the selected operator wish to open before or close after Staffed Hours, the operator would be responsible for opening and/or closing the restrooms. The operator would also be responsible for maintaining the restrooms during these times. This includes ensuring that the restrooms are cleaned in a manner agreed upon by PRCR staff.

3) Menu Items

Proposals should include your food concept with a sample menu, products, and proposed price list. The selected operator will be expected to serve quality food and drinks to meet the needs of the visiting public. Menu items should be offered at prices which are competitive compared to other food service options in the area. Proposals are strongly encouraged to include menus that offer a variety of healthy choice options for food and beverages. This includes the availability of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables (locally-grown encouraged), bottled water, 100% juice, etc.

Alcoholic beverage sales of non-fortified spirits (beer and wine) may be offered in responding to this RFQ. The operator will be responsible for obtaining their own ABC permitting and for full compliance with the terms of the permit and North Carolina law regarding the sales of alcohol for on-premises consumption.

The operator will be required to carry all applicable insurance and liability for food and beverage service, including sales of beer and/or wine if the operator chooses to serve beer or wine.

The vendor shall provide a discounted staff meal option (Entrée/Drink/Side) each day.

4) Operations

The operator should provide a description of the proposed plan for the daily operation of the concession, including the roles of employees, opening and closing procedures, how employees interact with patrons, and how food products are ultimately provided to customers.

The selected operator shall be required to have the ability to accept cash, Visa™, Mastercard™, American Express™, and debit card payments from patrons (customers) including use of point of sale (“POS”) terminals.

The selected operator understands that during a limited number of special events and programs, the City may provide advance notice that they require the use of the patio outside the café. During this time, the City will relocate café tables within reasonable distance of the café. The City will be responsible for this space during these times.

The selected operator will be responsible for maintaining the Licensed Building, including daily janitorial services, garbage removal, pest control, and other related cleaning responsibilities, including cooking surfaces, hoods, and suppression equipment necessary for operations. The operator will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the Licensed Outdoor Seating Area, including tables and patio area. A list of Service Obligations is attached to this RFQ as Appendix VI.

All proposed operational plans should include a detailed description of environmentally friendly practices planned for the café. Welcomed practices may include, but are not limited to, the installation of ENERGY STAR appliances, the employment of energy efficient and water conservation measures, the use of low-toxicity chemicals, the use of “Green Seal” eco-friendly products, and use of biodegradable/compostable or recyclable disposable food service ware.

Operators should define the market for the services proposed and describe how they intend to serve them satisfactorily. This should include identifying relevant and exemplary models at similarly situated parks and children’s museums.

5) Regulations and Code Compliance

The selected operator shall comply with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations regarding food handling, operation of a concession business, and any other laws that would apply to operating a similar type of business. Special attention should be paid to the regulations outlined by the State of North Carolina, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Health.

The selected operator will also ensure that all facilities meet or exceed public health standards, and cleanliness standards approved by the PRCR Director or designated representative. The Firm should include a description of its understanding of the importance and method of complying with laws, rules, and regulations applicable to food service, including the provision of beer/wine if the operator so chooses.

6) Site History

Pullen Park dates to 1887 and is the oldest public park in North Carolina and one of the oldest public parks in the world. Café concepts that speak to the park’s history and/or our mission are encouraged.

7) Equipment

It will be the responsibility of the selected operator to provide any equipment necessary to prepare and operate the café space. The City will provide one (1) walk-in cooler, one (1) fume exhaust hood, two (2) hand sinks, one (1) food prep sink, one (1) dishwashing sink, and one (1) grease trap interceptor. The City will provide ample outlets for equipment and will cover some utilities associated with the operation of the café, including sewer/septic, water, electric, and gas. The selected operator will be responsible for telephone/data/network/cable TV. See list of Service Obligations attached to this RFQ as Appendix VI.

The City will make reasonable repairs to the infrastructure of the Licensed Area and any equipment provided by the City. Equipment purchased by the City will remain the property of the City at the conclusion of the license agreement. Any additional improvements to the Licensed Area by the selected operator, to include appliances, shelving attached to the walls, painting, bulletin boards, light fixtures, or any other permanent or semi-permanent additions, will need to be approved by the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department prior to installation. The City will provide a reasonable upfit allowance to the selected operator.

8) Signage

Operator shall not erect, construct, install, or place any signs, banners, ads, or displays (hereinafter collectively, "Signage") of any kind whatsoever upon any exterior portion of the Building or Licensed Space without prior written approval from City. Any such Signage shall comply with all local ordinances, restrictive covenants, and/or any governmental laws, rules, and regulations affecting the Licensed Space. All costs associated with the maintenance or removal of such Signage shall be at the Operator's sole cost and expense.

9) Terms

The City will award this license agreement to the operator with the selected proposal for five years with the option for two renewals: to renew for a sixth and seventh year, and an eighth and ninth year.

The operator that is awarded the license agreement will need to pay a monthly license fee as determined by the City for the right to exercise the license. The license fee for a month is due by the 5th of that month.

The operator that is awarded the café concession license agreement will have exclusive use of the Licensed Building and will be the exclusive “brick and mortar” provider of food and beverage service in the park, except as provided by vendors participating in special events that occur within the park. The City reserves the right to operate concession operations with city staff, volunteers, and/or additional vendors including food trucks for certain events, as deemed appropriate by City staff.

APPENDIX I

MAP OF LICENSED BUILDING

APPENDIX V

MAP OF LICENSED AREA

Ticket Office

Event Lawn

Park Entrance

APPENDIX V

MAP OF PULLEN PARK

APPENDIX II

PROPOSER QUESTIONNAIRE

The following questions must be answered, and data given must be clear and comprehensive. If necessary, questions may be answered on separate sheets. The Proposer may submit any additional information desired.

Company Name: d/b/a (if applicable)

Street / PO Box:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Website (if applicable):

Sole Proprietor Partnership Corporation Other

Number of years in business under company’s present name:

Fed Tax ID #: DUNS #

Are you registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State to conduct business (if required)? (Check One) YES: NO: Not Applicable:

Are you properly licensed/certified by the Federal and/or State of North Carolina to perform the specified work?

YES: NO: Not Applicable: ATTACH COPY OF ALL APPLICABLE LICENSING/CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Are/will you be properly insured to perform the work? YES: NO:

Contact for this Contract: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Have you ever defaulted or failed on a contract? (If yes, attach details) YES: NO:

List at least three (3) references for which you have provided these services (same scope/size) in the past three years - preferably government agencies. Do not include City of Raleigh as a reference to meet the requirement of listing at least (3) references.

PROPOSERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE (APPENDIX III) TO THEIR

REFERENCES.

1. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

2. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

3. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

4. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

5. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

The undersigned swears to the truth and accuracy of all statements and answers contained herein:

Authorized Signature: Date:

APPENDIX III

REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

(Instructions)

1-PULLCAFE-2026

Pullen Park Café Operation

The City of Raleigh, as a part of the RFQ, requires proposing companies to submit a minimum of three (3) business references as required within this document. The purpose of the references is to document the experience of the proposer relevant to the scope of services and assist in the evaluation process.

• The Proposer is required to send the reference form (the following two pages) to each business reference listed on Proposer Questionnaire.

• The business reference, in turn, is requested to submit the Reference Form directly to the City of Raleigh Point of Contact identified on the Reference Questionnaire form for inclusion in the evaluation process.

• The form and information provided will become a part of the submitted proposal. The business reference may be contacted for validation of the response.

• It is the Proposer’s responsibility to verify their references have been received by the

City of Raleigh Point of Contact by the date indicated on the reference form.

APPENDIX III

REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE FORM

1-PULLCAFE-2026

Pullen Park Café Operation

(Name of Business Requesting Reference)

This form is being submitted to your company for completion as a business reference for the company listed above.

This form is to be returned to the City of Raleigh, Kimberly Oliver, via email to Kimberly.oliver@raleighnc.gov no later than 5 p.m. ET, August 10, 2026 and MUST NOT be returned to the company requesting the reference.

For questions or concerns regarding this form, please contact the City of Raleigh, Point of Contact above.

Company Providing Reference

Contact Name and Title/Position

Contact Telephone Number

Contact Email Address

Questions:

1. In what capacity have you worked with this company in the past? If the company was under a contract, please acknowledge and explain briefly whether or not the contract was successful.

Comments:

2. How would you rate this company’s knowledge and expertise?

3= Excellent 2= Satisfactory 1= Unsatisfactory 0= Unacceptable

3. How would you rate the company’s flexibility relative to changes in the scope and timelines?

4. What is your level of satisfaction with hard-copy materials, e.g. reports, logs, etc. produced by the company?

mailto:Kimberly.oliver@raleighnc.gov

5. How would you rate the dynamics/interaction between the company and your staff?

6. Who were the company’s principle representatives involved in providing your service and how would you rate them individually? Would you comment on the skills, knowledge, behaviors or other factors on which you based the rating?

(3= Excellent; 2= Satisfactory; 1= Unsatisfactory; 0= Unacceptable)

Name: Rating:

7. With which aspect(s) of this company’s services are you most satisfied?

8. With which aspect(s) of this company’s services are you least satisfied?

9. Would you recommend this company’s services to your organization again?

APPENDIX IV

SAMPLE CONTRACT

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF WAKE

CONCESSIONAIRE LICENSE AGREEMENT

This CONCESSIONAIRE LICENSE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into this ______ day of ___________, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between the City of Raleigh, a North Carolina municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as the “City” and ., a North Carolina incorporated company, hereinafter referred to as “Licensee.” The City and Licensee are hereinafter referred to individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina (“State”) owns that certain parcel or tract of land situated in the City of Raleigh, Raleigh Township, Wake County, North Carolina, consisting of approximately four acres bounded on the north by E. Hargett Street, on the east by S. Person Street, on the south by E. Martin Street, on the west by S. Blount Street, and being all of the lots identified as 110, 111, 126 and 127 on the plan of the City of Raleigh adopted in 1792 and commonly being known as “Moore Square Site”; and

WHEREAS, in May 2011, City adopted the Moore Square Master Plan, which provides for the reconstruction and redevelopment of Moore Square as a modern urban park (“Moore Square”) and contemplates the creation of an area for food and beverage service for patrons of the park; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-345.4, and in furtherance of City’s use of Moore Square for the beneficial use and enjoyment of the public, the State and the City entered into an Easement Agreement dated August 1, 2016, and recorded on September 15, 2016, in Book 16532, Page 504, Wake County Registry, (“Easement Agreement”) which allows the City to construct and maintain certain buildings, structures, amenities, and facilities (“Improvements”) including food vendor kiosks, public lavatories, and public amenities as shown on design plans prepared by the City and approved by the State Construction Office;

and

WHEREAS, the City desires to engage Licensee to provide food and beverage services pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals, the mutual terms and conditions of this License Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the Parties, the City and Licensee hereby agree to the following:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS / EXHIBITS

1.0 Definitions. In addition to the defined terms set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms used in this Agreement as indicated by their initial capitalization shall be defined as follows:

a) “Moore Square Site” means that certain parcel or tract of land situated in the City of

Raleigh, Raleigh Township, Wake County, North Carolina, consisting of approximately four acres bounded on the north by E. Hargett Street, on the east by S. Person Street, on the south by E. Martin Street, on the west by S. Blount Street, and being all of the lots identified as 110, 111, 126 and 127 on the plan of the City of Raleigh adopted in 1792, and as described on the map attached hereto as “Exhibit A,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

b) “Master License” means the statutory license granted by the State to the City for use of Moore Square at set forth under N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-345.4.

c) “Moore Square” means the proposed development of Moore Square as adopted in the City’s Moore Square Master Plan.

d) “Moore Square Easement” means the easement area described in the Easement

Agreement between the State and the City dated August 1, 2016, and recorded on September 15, 2016, in Book 16532, Page 504, Wake County Registry, and as described as the “Easement” on the map attached hereto as “Exhibit A”.

e) “Moore Square Director” means the person authorized by the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources to manage the operations of Moore Square, including the administration of this Agreement.

f) “Improvements” means those buildings, structures, amenities, and facilities permitted within the Moore Square Easement area pursuant to Easement Agreement.

g) “Building” shall mean the Moore Square Pavilion Building located at 200 South Blount

Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, as described on the map attached hereto as “Exhibit B”.

h) “Common Areas” shall mean those portions of the Building comprising the bathrooms, trash room, and recycling area.

i) “Outdoor Seating Area” shall mean the outdoor seating area space as described on the map attached hereto as “Exhibit B”.

j) “Licensed Building Space” means that portion of the Building that is to be licensed to

Licensee pursuant to this Agreement, as described on the map and floor plan attached hereto as “Exhibit C”.

k) “Licensed Outdoor Seating Area Space” means that portion of the Outdoor Seating

Area that is to be licensed to Licensee pursuant to this Agreement, as described on the map attached hereto as “Exhibit D”.

l) “Licensed Space” means the area encompassing the Licensed Building Space and the Licensed Outdoor Seating Area Space.

m) “Café” means the food and beverages concessions to be operated by Licensee on or within the Licensed Space.

n) “Café License” means the license granted herein by the City to the Licensee for purposes set forth in this Agreement.

o) “Park Operating Hours” means the hours of the day when Moore Square will be open to the public for regular park operations. Unless modified at the sole discretion of the Raleigh City Council, the Park Operating Hours are posted as 6am to 11pm, Monday through Sunday.

p) “Park Staffed Hours” means the hours of the day when Moore Square staff are on duty and present in the park. City-provided private security and restroom custodial services occur during Park Staffed Hours. Park Staffed Hours are seasonal, 10am to 8pm (“summer hours”) and 10am to 6pm (“winter hours”).

q) “Café Operating Hours” means the hours of the day when the Café will be open for regular Café operations as determined by Licensee, subject to approval by the Moore Square Director, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Café Operating Hours shall not exceed Park Operating Hours.

1.1 Incorporation of Recitals and Exhibits.

a) Incorporation of Recitals.