Emporia service station concessionaire

The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) is seeking proposals for a combined restaurant and fuel facility concessionaire at the Emporia service area (milepost 132). This Request for Proposal (RFP 140-251120) targets qualified operators to lease and manage an integrated service station with a comprehensive scope of work. Proposers must operate a nationally recognized restaurant brand from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, provide a retail fuel establishment, convenience store, and ATM services. The evaluation will use a Best Value methodology, with 80% weighted on scope of work qualifications and 20% on pricing. Key qualifications include U.S.-based operations, Kansas business authorization, project management experience, and financial stability. Critical deadlines include a pre-proposal meeting on December 5, 2025, a question submission deadline of December 12, 2025, and proposal submissions due by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on January 9, 2025. The initial contract term is ten years with potential for four five-year renewal extensions, beginning at the new facility's opening.

The RFP does not specifically mention set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Proposers must provide bid security equal to ten percent of the first year's guaranteed minimum rent and demonstrate insurability across multiple coverage types, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability, professional liability, and cyber liability insurance. The financial structure requires a two-part proposal: a one-time construction contribution toward facility capital development and ongoing annual rent based on a percentage of gross sales plus a minimum annual guarantee. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly identified, the KTA is transitioning from separate restaurant and fuel operators to a single combined facility operator. The KTA reserves the right to conduct interviews with shortlisted proposers and negotiate with finalist candidates. Though specific award values are not detailed, the proposal includes financial components that suggest significant investment potential for the selected concessionaire.