Cafe Partner

Tender summary

The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL), a municipal department of the City of New Haven, is pleased to invite for-profit and not-for-profit proposers to submit proposals to operate a café space located on the first floor of the iconic Ives Memorial Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT on the historic New Haven Green. Adjacent to the Ives Squared Makerspace, this coffee and food service is intended as an amenity to library users and an attraction to new visitors. This property offers great potential and an exciting opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to contribute to the library's transformation of a 5,500 sq. ft. area on the main floor into a state-of-the-art 21st-century hub for entrepreneurship, makerspace activities, and civic engagement. The Library requests a detailed proposal (requirements outlined below) from vendors with experience in providing outstanding coffee/beverage, food/snack service and catering. The RFP contains information regarding the property; the elements sought by the Library for café operation; submission requirements; and selection procedures. Proposals must address with all submission requirements to be eligible for consideration. All information and materials submitted will be thoroughly analyzed and independently verified. The selected Proposer must be qualified to execute the Project in its entirety, which will include leasing, marketing, financial reporting and operations management. Ives Squared is an exciting re-imagination of space in the library that will attract new users and delight current clientele, inviting them to explore, create, innovate and connect in new ways with access to state-of-the-art technology and amenities, including the café. Basic Health and Safety Code Requirements Proposers must meet the City of New Haven Board of Health code requirements. Utilities All utilities and related costs would be included within the lease agreement. Structure All designs and work to be performed on the structure will require prior approval and the appropriate permitting and/or zoning from the City and its respective departments. Operations and Maintenance Custodial maintenance of the café and customer area including trash removal and cleaning is the responsibility of the Lessee. Operating Terms and Conditions The Proposer (the "Lessee") should be aware that this Project will be developed and operated pursuant to a Lease Agreement (the "Lease") between the City (NHFPL) and the selected

What to check before bidding

• Issued by City of New Haven, CT.
• Located in United States.
• Deadline listed as 26 May 2026.
• Source documents portal identified.
• Create a free tender alert to catch similar opportunities before the deadline pressure starts.