Restaurant Operator for McCollum Hall

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency is requesting proposals from qualified restaurant operators, hospitality groups, and eligible joint ventures to operate a full-service restaurant at McCollum Hall, a historic landmark in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. redevelopment area, with proposals due October 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Selection criteria emphasize best overall value—operating experience, concept quality, financial feasibility, cultural alignment, and community benefit—rather than highest rent or lowest cost.

Minimum qualifications require five consecutive years of business operations under the current company name with no material defaults or litigation involving the CRA, plus demonstrated restaurant, hospitality, or food service experience. Respondents must propose a complete financial structure including base rent, percentage rent, revenue share, or alternative compensation models, with evidence of capital investment capacity and working capital availability. The RFP does not mandate a single financial model; commercially feasible structures demonstrating realistic startup budgets, pro forma projections, and sustainable operations are encouraged.

The initial contract term is five years from restaurant opening, with up to two optional five-year renewal periods subject to performance and CRA approval. Core service scope encompasses restaurant concept development, menu planning, staffing and payroll administration, inventory management, permit and license acquisition, facility maintenance, and coordination with the CRA on facility activation and community events.

The Selection Committee convenes October 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM, with presentations scheduled for October 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM if requested. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. Written questions are due September 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Proposals must include all required certifications, forms, and attachments and be submitted electronically through the OpenGov portal.

Evaluation is weighted across ten criteria totaling 100 points: operating experience (15%), concept and market fit (15%), business plan and financial capacity (15%), operational plan and service quality (10%), historic and cultural alignment (10%), community benefit (10%), facility activation and collaboration (8%), financial proposal terms (8%), marketing strategy (5%), and completeness and responsiveness (4%). The CRA reserves the right to reject any submissions and conduct negotiations with the highest-ranked responsive and responsible respondent.