Operation of a Food, Beverage and Camp Store Concession

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is soliciting proposals to operate a Food, Beverage, and Camp Store Concession at Southwick Beach State Park in Henderson, with proposals due November 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The concession facility comprises a fully equipped kitchen (approximately 1,170 square feet), a camp store (approximately 110 square feet), indoor dining for 24 people, and outdoor seating for 40 people. The licensee must operate a minimum of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until Columbus Day, with hours subject to adjustment by park management. The licensee bears all costs of operation and pays an annual License Fee to State Parks; the minimum annual fee is $2,000, though respondents may offer enhanced or escalating fees. State Parks provides electric and propane service at no cost, along with trash removal and recycling services. The licensee is responsible for all routine repairs, maintenance, operational costs, and compliance with state and local tax requirements including sales tax. Commercial liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage are mandatory; a financial payment bond equal to the projected annual License Fee and other first-year financial obligations may be required.

The license term runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029, with potential extension up to two additional years upon mutual written agreement and Office of the State Comptroller approval. Reported concession gross receipts averaged $63,696 to $92,286 annually from 2021 through August 2026, with 2026 year-to-date receipts of $74,251. The park achieved record attendance in 2025 with 164,686 visitors and 50,525 camping attendees.

Evaluation consists of technical criteria (90 points maximum) assessing background, experience, personnel qualifications, financial capacity, and response quality, plus financial return to the state (30 points maximum) based on comparative License Fee offers, for a total of 120 points per panelist. Oral presentations are scheduled for December 2026. Site tours are recommended and can be scheduled through the Park Manager.