Riverfront Plaza Beer Garden Operator

The City of Jacksonville, Florida is requesting proposals for operation of a beer garden at Riverfront Plaza, an informal RFP with proposals due August 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and a mandatory pre-bid conference on July 27 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. A local preference of up to five points applies to Duval County-based businesses.

The scope requires the contractor to complete interior construction build-out, obtain all permits, and operate a beer garden pub with outdoor patio seating at a 5,171-square-foot facility including restrooms and adjacent garden spaces. The operator must maintain a minimum of six days per week of operation, coordinating with park hours and special events including the Light Boat Parade, Jazz Fest, and Fireworks. The contractor bears responsibility for all startup funding, interior finishes, equipment, furnishings, and daily maintenance; the City provides utilities and maintains structural components.

The contractor must pay the City a monthly fee of no less than $20 per square foot annually, due by the tenth of the following month based on prior month sales, payable by check or money order to the Tax Collector. No monthly fees are collected during the first four months of operation. The contractor is responsible for all state and local sales and use taxes and must maintain liability insurance as specified by the City.

Minimum qualifications include two years of verifiable experience operating a similar beer garden concept, current proof of all required business licenses, proper Florida business licensure, and at least three business references including a principal food supplier. The contractor must demonstrate either five of the most recent seven years as principal owner of a standalone restaurant or resort, or seven years of successful food and beverage experience within the most recent ten years. Submission requires financial statements for the past two years, details on startup funding and current assets, and a comprehensive marketing and event plan. The City will rank sealed responses using multiattribute scoring. Questions are due August 3 at 1:00 p.m.