Central Park Concession | Call for Expressions of Interest

Are you interested in operating
the Central Park Concession?

The City of Merritt is inviting expressions of interest to operate the City-owned commercial concession facility for four years (commencing from May 2, 2026) with the possibility of a further 2-year extension in Central Park at 2975 Voght St, Merritt, BC V1K 1G9.

Details of the Concession Service Opportunity

A food and beverage concession has operated from the City-owned space at Central Park for a number of years.  This Request for Expressions of Interest process seeks to select the concession service provider (the “Vendor”) for the next four-year term.  The Vendor will be required to meet the following minimum requirements for the concession service:

• The Vendor Operator will be operating out of the city-owned facility, and will not be the lone food vendor in the park, as other food vendors may be permitted as part of a Special Event or pursuant to City Bylaws.
• The Vendor will sell food and beverage items to the general public, in accordance with all applicable laws and standards.
• Sale or rental of items other than food or beverages will be considered, but must be pre-approved in writing by the City.
• Operating Dates/Hours:  The City requires the Vendor to operate at least some hours during each week of the year, year-round.  The exact schedule of Concession Service operating hours can be proposed by respondents; however, the City has a preference for the service to be open during the following dates/hours:
  • April 1 to October 31: Weekdays 11:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. or dusk.
    • Weekends 10:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. or dusk.
  • November 1 to March 31: hours and dates of respondent’s choice.

Concession Operator Requirements

Respondents to this Expression of Interest should possess the following experience:

• Prior experience conducting a food and beverage business over a minimum period of 6 months, in accordance with Interior Health requirements or equivalent.
• Experience providing good customer service to the general public.

How to submit an Expression of Interest

A Respondent wishing to tender an Expression of Interest submission, should include the details listed below, via paper or email, to:

David Zakall, Director of Community Services
PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8
Phone: 250.378.8618
Email: dzakall@merritt.ca

 DEADLINE

The deadline for submissions is 5:30 pm on February 26, 2026.

The submission should include:

1. Name of Respondent (individual or business name)
2. Contact Details: address, telephone, email.
3. Details of the Respondent’s prior experience which demonstrates how the City’s experience requirements are met.
4. A description of the proposed concessions service, including;
   1. Food and beverage items to be sold
   2. Operating dates and times
   3. How the service will create visually attractive and locally inspired cuisine options for locals and visitors
   4. Key team members and their experience/qualifications

Process Next Steps

The City will pre-qualify Respondents that meet the requirements stated herein.  Pre-Qualified Respondents will be notified via email by March 3, 2026, and invited to view the concessions facility between March 4 and 6, 2026.

Pre-Qualified Respondents will then be invited to submit a full proposal for the concession service, including a sample menu of items for sale, operating details, and the proposed monthly Licence Fee payment (payable by the Vendor to the City) for use of the facility.

The City will select one successful Vendor, based on pre-published evaluation criteria.  The successful Vendor will then be required to enter into a License of Occupation Agreement with the City of Merritt, to operate the Concession Service.