Riverfront Plaza Beer Garden Operator

The City of Jacksonville, Florida is requesting proposals for a beer garden operator at Riverfront Plaza under an informal RFP, with responses due September 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. This is a revenue-generating contract requiring the operator to pay the City a minimum monthly fee of $20 per square foot, with the first four months fee-free.

The scope encompasses interior construction build-out, permitting, and operation of a approximately 5,171-square-foot beer garden pub with outdoor patio space within Phase 2 of Riverfront Plaza. The facility includes restrooms and features an extensive green roof with adjacent patio for movable seating. The operator must provide family-friendly food and beverage service in a brew-pub concept (sandwiches, sides, pretzels, and snacks), operating a minimum of six days per week during park hours coordinated with park-related activities. Service operations must commence within 60 days of park opening, contingent on permit acquisition. The operator funds all startup improvements, equipment, and furnishings; the City provides utilities (water, power, electricity).

Mandatory qualifications include possession of all required local, state, and federal business licenses; minimum two years of documented experience with similar beer garden operations; proof of liability insurance capability; Florida business licensure; and three client references, one of which must be a principal food supplier. The operator must demonstrate minimum ownership qualifications: principal ownership of a standalone restaurant or resort for five of the most recent seven years, or seven years of successful food and beverage experience within the most recent ten years.

Evaluation criteria are business description (25 points), competence (35 points), financial responsibility (15 points), build-out and maintenance approach (10 points), and local business status (5 points), for a maximum score of 95 points. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Questions are due August 3, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.