Request for Proposals: Central Park’s New Davis Center at the Harlem Meer
Opportunity for Restaurants, Eateries, and Cafés!
The Central Park Conservancy is pleased to announce the opening of the new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer—featuring a rink, pool, and greenspace—that replaces the former Lasker Rink and Pool. The Conservancy is seeking proposals from NYC’s culinary community to manage a small concession space within the new facility. We invite local restaurants, eateries, and cafés to submit proposals for food and beverage services at this state-of-the-art facility.
The Davis Center is located just south of the Central Park entrance at 110th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. The snack bar space includes two points of sale (one indoor, one outdoor), a front-of-house display area, and a prep area designed to keep food that has been previously prepared offsite warm and ready for serving.
What We Are Looking For:
- Highly Qualified Local Partner: A concessionaire to build out, operate, and maintain a brand-new concession space, open seven days a week (early morning to early evening), at the highest standards.
- Experience: A partner with experience managing high-volume concessions.
- Authentic Specialty Goods: A vendor who can showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Harlem, offering visitors a taste of the community's food heritage.
- Quality and Innovation: A demonstrated commitment to quality, healthy ingredients, innovative menus, and exceptional service.
- Sustainability: A vendor with sustainable practices, including locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
- Inclusive and Accessible Options: A commitment to offering a variety of food options that cater to diverse dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions.
Why Partner with Us?
- Prime Location: The Davis Center is located in a scenic and well-traveled area of Central Park, within a brand-new facility anticipated to be highly visible in the press and in the community.
- Community Engagement: Join us in celebrating Harlem's culinary traditions while supporting local businesses and contributing to the community.
- Visibility and Reach: Benefit from increased exposure to both locals and tourists visiting this new facility for the first time, as well as Central Park, one of the world's most famous public spaces. The concessionaire will also have opportunities to participate in special onsite events.
Information Sessions:
Information sessions will be held via Zoom on Monday, March 31, 2025, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about this exciting opportunity and the facility and ask questions. Sign up for the March 31 session. Sign up for the April 1 session.
Submission
Submit your contact information below to receive a copy of the RFP and accompanying documents via email. All subsequent submissions will be due May 5, 2025.