Operate a Café Space at Ives Memorial Library

Project ID: 2026-RFP-CNH-337 State|LocalOpportunities

Overview

Agency	City of New Haven [CT]
Deadline	05/26/26
Posted	04/26/26
Estimated Value	$50,000 - $200,000 (AI estimate)
Set Aside	Not Provided
NAICS	Not Provided
PSC	Not Provided
Location	Connecticut

Description

Primary Latest Change

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 caf 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 caf 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 caf .

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 caf 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

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL), a municipal department of the City of New Haven, is seeking proposals from both for-profit and not-for-profit entities to operate a café space on the first floor of the Ives Memorial Library. This café is intended to serve as an amenity for library users and attract new visitors, contributing to the library's transformation into a modern hub for entrepreneurship and civic engagement. The selected vendor will be responsible for providing high-quality coffee, food, and catering services. Work Details The café operator will provide a variety of light fare including breakfast items (bagels, pastries, breakfast sandwiches), lunch options (salads, paninis, lunch sandwiches), snacks, and beverages (espresso, cappuccino, smoothies). The café must operate during library hours: Monday-Thursday from 10am to 8pm and Friday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm. All food and beverages must be of high quality with good variety and value. Proposals should emphasize local, seasonal products and may include workforce development initiatives or social impact attributes. Period of Performance The project is expected to commence following the selection of a vendor after the proposal submission deadline on May 26, 2026. Place of Performance The café will be located at the Ives Memorial Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT. Bidder Requirements Proposers must comply with City of New Haven Board of Health code requirements. They should demonstrate experience in food service operations and may need to provide proof of local business status to receive preference in bidding. Additionally, vendors are encouraged to adopt fair hiring practices consistent with the City’s Ban The Box Agreement.

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