WARWICK, RI — The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has invited Rhode Island-based food and beverage proposals for 10 T.F. Green restaurant spaces showcasing a “Taste of Rhode Island” at the Airport.
The invitation is part of the RIAC’s effort to offer travelers a Rhode Island dining experience while allowing restauranteurs to promote their local eateries, wineries, coffee houses and breweries, according to a statement announcing the effort.
According to the Notice of Intent to Negotiate (NOI), RIAC is making ten T.F. Green restaurant spaces available, ranging from 300 to 2,300 square feet, including five locations in the airport concourses, four spaces in the airport food court, and one location in the airport baggage claim area.
Interested business owners will be invited to tour available airport facilities at two pre-proposal open houses Feb. 24, and March 3. During the tour, they’ll be given a comprehensive overview of expected passenger volume. Bidders must attend one of the two pre-proposal open houses in order to submit proposals. Responses to the procurement are due April 7, 2023. The RIAC Board of Directors will review the T.F. Green restaurant space submission as the Selection Committee for this NOI and expects new restaurants and concessions to commence operations in the second half of 2023
“RIAC expects this effort will result in more jobs at the airport while showcasing Rhode Island’s vibrant restaurant community, creating a win-win opportunity for local food and beverage purveyors to become airport partners, providing improved options for the traveling public, while promoting the wealth of distinctive food and beverages for which Rhode Island has become known,” the agency announced.
Lower rent, capital requirements
The new airport food and beverage procurement has been restructured to be more attractive for local restauranteurs to submit proposals for individual spaces, including lower rent, reduced requirements for proprietor capital investments, as well as a five-year agreement term rather than the ten year terms in previous concession solicitations. Interested businesses may also bid for more than one location.
Helpful guidance for proposals
While the new procurement allows for Master Concessionaires to submit comprehensive proposals to manage all airport food and beverage space, RIAC is encouraging local businesses to consider submitting proposals for individual or multiple restaurant and concession space to offer diverse comfort foods to anyone visiting the airport. Proposers are encouraged to retain qualified personnel previously employed by the existing airport concessionaires. The RIAC Board of Directors will serve as the selection committee.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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