Wheeler Opera House Bar Operations Services

The City of Aspen is soliciting proposals for a turn-key concessionaire to provide bar and concessions services at the historic Wheeler Opera House, a performing arts venue hosting approximately 150-200 events annually. The selected vendor will be responsible for operating the bar during public and private events, maintaining a beverage menu with alcoholic drinks priced between $6 and $18, and complying with all state and local liquor regulations. Evaluation criteria will include Experience & Qualifications (25%), Business & Operational Plan (25%), Sustainability & Community Engagement (25%), Financial Proposal (15%), and Compliance, Licensing, References & Past Performance (10%). The procurement is for a two-year initial contract term beginning around July 1, 2025, with a potential two-year renewal option. A mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for May 22, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 pm, and proposals are due by June 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm through the Bidnet Direct website. Qualified bidders must be licensed within the City of Aspen and possess the necessary credentials to operate a bar in compliance with local and state regulations.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types, suggesting open competition for qualified vendors. Based on historical financial data, the bar operation has generated gross receipts of $70,000 in 2024 and $84,991 from January through April 2025, indicating potential revenue opportunities for the selected concessionaire. The vendor will retain all bar revenues while assuming operational costs, including inventory and licensing expenses. There are no mentions of incumbent vendors or specific technology integration requirements. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and select the most advantageous bid based on the outlined evaluation criteria. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the financial performance suggests a viable business opportunity with potential for growth under new leadership and increased event frequency.