CSULB - Food Service and Retail Vendors University Student Union

The Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is seeking food service and retail vendors for the newly renovated University Student Union (USU) facility set to open in Summer 2028. The Request for Proposals (RFP) targets two primary spaces: Site A, a 1,200 sq. foot stand-alone coffee house concept with additional seating, and Site B ("The Marketplace"), which comprises eight vendor spaces ranging from 950-1,200 sq. feet each. Proposed vendors must comply with CSU sustainability policies, including eliminating plastic packaging and using compostable materials. The procurement process includes a pre-proposal meeting on November 15, 2024, with proposals due by January 3, 2025, at 5 PM. Vendor presentations are scheduled for the week of January 27, 2025, with final vendor selection anticipated by March 7, 2025. Potential vendors must be prepared to handle their own build-out costs, equipment procurement, and required insurance coverage. The facility serves a substantial population of over 40,000 students and 5,600 faculty and staff, making it a significant commercial opportunity.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Current vendors in the existing facility include The Beach Shops Corner Market, Carl's Jr., Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Elektric Hair Inc., El Pollo Loco, Robek's Juice, Subway, and Cafe Mykonos. The renovation project will add 61,000 gross square feet to the existing 128,300 sq. foot USU facility, with natural gas provided to 50% of food hall concepts within The Marketplace. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, vendors should be prepared to invest substantially in their build-out and operational setup. The solicitation does not commit ASI to a contract and reserves the right to accept or reject any proposals at its sole discretion. Interested vendors must submit ten copies of their proposal either via sealed envelope, email to Iraida.Venegas@csulb.edu, or hand-delivery to the specified address, with all submissions subject to careful review by the selection committee.