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City of Hudsonville Request for Proposal: Café, Bistro, or Coffee Shop

Introduction The City of Hudsonville (the City) is accepting proposals for businesses interested in the opportunity to operate a café, bistro, or coffee shop from a new community venue called Terra Square at 3380 Chicago Drive, Hudsonville, MI.

Terra Square is a city-owned and operated facility that is scheduled to be open to the public in June, 2017. There is a unique opportunity for a new business(es) to launch a café, bistro, coffee shop, juice bar, yogurt shop, or similar (the business) within Terra Square, which will also feature several unique traffic-generating components including the weekly farmer’s market (which will be expanded both in size and days), venue space available for rent, and a co-work area open to local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The space that will be available to the business is approximately 1,300 square feet, and could include either a single or multiple operations. An opportunity also exists for the business to serve as a preferred vendor for the work space and event rental spaces. A locally-owned business is preferred.

The City is seeking to enter into a multi-year lease agreement with the business that best fits the objectives of Terra Square. The terms of such agreement will be subject to negotiation between both parties.

Submission: Respondents must submit a proposal to Michelle Fare at mfare@hudsonville.org or to 3275 Central Blvd, Hudsonville, MI 49426. Proposals are due by July 15, 2016, by 5:00 p.m.

Background: Terra Square will be a gathering space for the Hudsonville community and will host a variety of events including the farmer’s market, community events, craft shows, fitness programs, and private events such as birthday parties and graduation parties. These events are anticipated to draw a large number of visitors, directly benefiting the business.

A full description of the proposed project can be found on the City’s website, www.hudsonville.org, under the Imagine Hudsonville 2030 tab.

The business will reside within Terra Square and will have both an interior and exterior entry point. This will allow the business to operate in collaboration with other building programs, as well as to be open independently during other times. The business will be provided with an indoor seating area and will also have access to Terra Square’s Courtyard space for outdoor seating (whenever not rented out for private use). The business will also have access to common area restrooms for their patrons.

The business entrance will be located at the front (south end) of the building with adjacent parking available. (Note: Parking adjacent to the building will not be available during farmer’s markets or

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community festivals that utilize the parking lot.) The farmer’s market layout has been carefully planned to encourage the integration of the business into the farmer’s market experience.

Priorities: The City is able to offer the opportunity for a business or investor to launch a café, bistro, or coffee shop to occupy a designated area within Terra Square. The City is seeking a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with a business who seeks to be a community partner, rooted in and committed to Hudsonville.

The business will be responsible for the build out of the business space; however, there is an opportunity to build the space to suit the needs of the business during upcoming building renovations, which will occur this winter.

The ideal business will:

- Be open to the public during the farmer’s market (Saturday and Wednesday). - Be open to the public additional hours throughout the week. - Provide a unique and high quality product line that is compatible with a farmer’s market. - Provide excellent customer service and meet all quality standards established by the City. - Be willing to commit to a minimum of a three-year lease.

Space & Operational Details: - The rental rate will be competitive in the marketplace. The business should propose their

preferred rent structure and rental rate in their application. - The leasee will be responsible for their own utility and cleaning fees. Cleaning services may be

contracted in conjunction with the remainder of the facility to achieve cost efficiencies. - At least a three-year lease preferred - The City will be responsible for the maintenance of the courtyard space, restrooms, and parking

areas. - The business will be part of the Terra Square building and the décor should be consistent with the

Terra Square atmosphere and branding. - Building signage must be approved by the City. - The business must secure appropriate licenses through the Ottawa County Health Department. - The business may not sell alcohol for consumption on site.

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Renderings:

View of building from south, facing north. Available suite is located on the far left.

This is a conceptual rendering of the interior of the available suite, though the business selected will have freedom to build out the space to their specific vision.

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This is a view of the available suite from under the canopy.

This is a view of the courtyard, which will be able to be accessed through the available suite.

This is a view of the property from Chicago Drive.

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Floor Plan:

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Content of Proposal: Proposals will be considered for a business occupying the entire space, a portion of the space, or for multiple tenants that would combined occupy the entire space.

Proposals shall be limited to 15 pages in length, including attachments. Either hard copies or electronic copies may be submitted. All proposals must be received by July 15, 2016 at 5pm. Please address proposal to Michelle Fare at mfare@hudsonville.org or 3275 Central Blvd, Hudsonville, MI 49426.

Business plans may be requested from applicants during evaluation period.

Proposals must include, but are not limited to the following:

Project Vision:

- What is your vision for this project? Give us a summary of your business opportunity. - Describe why you feel your business model would fit well within Terra Square. - Please describe whether you propose being a single tenant occupying the full space, a vendor

within the space, or a collaboration of multiple vendors utilizing the full space. If a single vendor, please note square foot requirements.

- What is your preferred rent structure and rental rate? (Examples available upon request) - What amenities do you require the City to provide? - What amenities do you intend to provide? - Please identify any names you are proposing for the café, bistro, or coffee shop. - What is your proposed menu and pricing? - What are your proposed hours of operation? - What will distinguish your café, bistro, or coffee shop from other similar products? - What will be the ‘vibe’ or feeling people get when they enter your café, bistro or coffee shop? - Please describe how your brand will complement the Terra Square image and branding. - How do you see the relationship between your café, bistro or coffee shop and the other

components of Terra Square being mutually beneficial?

Management:

- What uniquely qualifies you to succeed in this endeavor and be an asset to Terra Square? - What is your management philosophy and how does it ensure that your business will be staffed

with qualified employees? - Explain what standards you use to ensure a quality run operation. - Do your financial assets allow you to undertake this project? Please provide a financial plan

indicating the source of funding to be used for the operation of this business. - Two business references including names and phone numbers.

Proposals lacking required information will not be considered.

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Selection Criteria: Proposals will be reviewed by a work group including city staff, a representative from the Downtown Development Authority, and a representative from the City Commission. This group will make a recommendation to the City Commission for final approval.

The Criteria to be used in evaluating proposals will include, but is not necessarily limited to:

- Compatibility with Terra Square and other building uses. - Ability to be a vibrant and unique part of Terra Square. - Leadership’s successful experience in the food industry. - Financial stability. - Menu options and pricing. - Connection with local food systems and promotion of environmentally friendly practices. - Familiarity with the Hudsonville community. - A business in good standing (financial and code compliance) with the City.

Note: Interviews with applicants may be requested.

Important Dates: 1. Proposals Due: July 15, 2016 2. Review & Selection: July-August, 2016 3. City Commission Review: August, 2016 4. Notification of Applicants: August, 2016 5. Deadline for signing contract: September 15, 2016 6. Build out review meetings: September 2016 -December 2016 7. Construction: December 2016 -May 2017 8. Vendor(s) move in: May 2017 9. Opening Day: June 1, 2017

The City reserves the right to change any dates or deadlines. It reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals. Award of contract is subject to approval by the Hudsonville City Commission. All submittals shall be public records in accordance with government regulations.