Food and Beverage Operating Agreement

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority is seeking a comprehensive food and beverage management services provider through a Request for Proposal (RFP #102225EC) for the Savannah Convention Center. The procurement targets a professional operator to manage catering, retail food and beverage operations, and event support services within the 660,000 sq. ft. waterfront complex. The contract term is three years with a potential two-year extension option, with proposals due by 3:00 PM EST on November 21, 2025. Respondents must submit detailed proposals covering operational strategies, marketing approaches, menu and pricing plans, leadership team qualifications, and financial proposals with an emphasis on innovation and community engagement. Key evaluation criteria will likely include operational expertise, financial structuring, service quality proposals, and the ability to enhance guest experiences across diverse event types. Proposing firms are subject to strict communication restrictions, with no direct contact permitted with Authority staff from the advertisement date until final award, except through specified question submission channels.

The solicitation includes specific compliance requirements for potential vendors, including mandatory non-discrimination commitments, immigration compliance verification, and encouragement of minority and disadvantaged business enterprise participation. Contractors must complete an Immigration Compliance Form verifying use of the E-Verify federal work authorization program and attest to no prior contract defaults or legal violations. While no specific set-aside percentages are detailed, the Authority demonstrates a commitment to inclusive procurement practices. The financial model involves a hybrid approach, potentially including a fixed percentage of gross receipts returning to GWCCA, a profit-sharing structure, and performance incentives. Recent financial data indicates the facility generates between $5.2 million to $9.9 million in catering revenues, with annual event attendance ranging from 195,817 to 202,831, suggesting a substantial and attractive business opportunity. The Authority is not seeking an initial capital investment but remains open to proposed improvements that could enhance operational efficiency or guest experiences.