DNR - Cave-In-Rock Lodge Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a vendor to operate the Lodge and Restaurant Concession at Cave-In-Rock State Park under IFB B-52606, with proposals due August 11, 2026. Award goes to the highest priced responsive and responsible bidder offering the highest percentage of gross receipts.

The scope encompasses year-round restaurant operations (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with optional extended hours) and seasonal cabin operations (March 1 through November 30) across four duplex cabins and a restaurant building. The vendor may offer authorized ancillary services including alcohol sales, bicycle and equipment rentals, and delivery services. Vendor compensation is structured as a percentage of gross receipts deposited into a Reserve Account, with IDNR anticipating a minimum of 10 percent annually. The contract runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2031, with renewal options available up to twenty-five years total under Illinois statute.

The vendor must maintain a $10,000 performance surety bond and provide proof of required licenses prior to opening, including food service sanitation certification and alcohol licenses where applicable. Operational responsibility includes utilities, maintenance, pest control, janitorial services, and grease trap cleaning. A marketing budget of at least 2 percent of gross revenues is required; food serviceware must be compostable or recyclable only. Monthly reporting of gross receipts and reserve payments is due by the 25th of the following month, with annual CPA-prepared financial statements due by May 1st.

The vendor must have a minimum of five years' hospitality industry experience. IDNR has provided historical P&L statements for 2021–2025 and an equipment list (24 items including walk-in cooler/freezer, commercial dishwasher, pizza oven, and food preparation stations) to support vendor financial feasibility assessment. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Vendors must submit electronically via BidBuy all required documents including Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, Offer to the State, Contract, Work Experience documentation, and Business Enterprise Program or Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plan if applicable. The estimated contract value exceeds $50,000, triggering State Board of Elections registration requirements.