ISSUE DATE: November 4, 2026
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 30, 2026
CONTRACT PERIOD: January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
The Town of Smithfield, North Carolina (hereinafter referred to as the "Town"), is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced concessionaire contractors to provide concession operations and services at the following Town-owned recreational facilities:
1. Smithfield Community Park
2. Smithfield Civitan Field
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to identify a qualified concessionaire to provide quality food and beverage services to patrons, participants, spectators, and visitors attending recreational activities, athletic events, tournaments, and other scheduled activities at these facilities during the 2027 calendar year.
The Town intends to enter into an agreement with a concessionaire whose proposal demonstrates the ability to provide dependable service, competitive pricing, quality products, effective management, and the greatest overall financial return to the Town.
Compensation to the Town shall be based upon a percentage of gross concession sales generated at each facility. Proposers shall identify the percentage of gross sales they are willing to pay the Town as outlined in the attached Proposal Form.
The Town reserves the right to award the contract for both facilities to one contractor or to make separate awards for either facility.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected contractor shall be responsible for the complete operation and management of concession services at the awarded facility or facilities.
Concession Operations
x Provide and sell food, beverages, snacks, and other approved concession items.
x Provide all necessary personnel to operate the concession facilities.
x Maintain adequate inventory to meet anticipated customer demand.
x Ensure concession operations are available during designated athletic events, tournaments, and other approved activities.
x Provide sufficient staffing to minimize customer wait times.
x Maintain consistent and reliable operating hours as established in coordination with the Town.
x Provide professional and courteous customer service.
x Ensure all employees are appropriately trained in food safety and customer service.
x Obtain Town approval before introducing new products or services.
Operating Schedule
Concession operations shall generally coincide with all scheduled athletic events, tournaments, recreational programs, and other activities at the respective facilities. The contractor shall coordinate operating schedules with the Town of Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department. The Town reserves the right to establish minimum operating requirements for designated events and to require concession services during special events as mutually agreed upon. The contractor shall not independently close or discontinue concession operations during scheduled events without prior approval from the Town, except in emergency circumstances.
Food and Beverage Selection
The contractor shall provide a variety of reasonably priced food and beverage options appropriate for the users of the facilities. Proposed menus and pricing shall be submitted to the Town for review and approval prior to the beginning of operations. The Town reserves the right to review and approve menu selections, pricing, and any changes during the contract period. The contractor shall not sell alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or other prohibited items.
Equipment and Supplies
The contractor shall provide, at its own expense, all necessary food products, beverages, paper goods, utensils, cleaning supplies, and other consumable materials required for concession operations unless otherwise specifically agreed to in writing by the Town. Existing concession equipment and facilities may be made available for use by the contractor, subject to inspection and approval by the Town. The contractor shall identify any additional equipment needs in its proposal. No alterations, improvements, installations, or modifications to Town-owned facilities shall be made without prior written approval from the Town.
Maintenance and Cleanliness
x Maintain the concession area in a clean, sanitary, and orderly condition.
x Clean and sanitize food preparation and service areas regularly.
x Properly dispose of trash and food waste.
x Maintain appropriate food storage temperatures.
x Keep concession areas free of pests and other unsanitary conditions.
x Leave concession facilities clean and secured following each operating period.
x Immediately report equipment failures, facility damage, or maintenance concerns to the Town.
The contractor shall be responsible for damage resulting from its negligence, misuse, or actions of its employees.
COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT TO THE TOWN
Percentage of Gross Sales
The contractor shall compensate the Town based upon an agreed-upon percentage of gross concession sales generated at each awarded facility. Proposers shall submit the percentage of gross sales they are willing to remit to the Town using the attached Proposal Form. The proposed percentage shall remain fixed throughout the contract term unless otherwise approved in writing by the Town. For purposes of this agreement, gross sales shall include all revenue generated from concession sales, including food, beverages, snacks, and other approved merchandise or products sold by the contractor at the facility.
Gross sales shall be calculated before deduction of operating expenses, including but not limited to:
x Food and beverage costs.
x Employee wages and benefits.
x Credit card processing fees.
x Supplies and operating expenses.
x Equipment expenses.
x Utilities or other contractor expenses.
Sales tax collected and separately identified on customer receipts, refunds actually issued to customers, and documented chargebacks shall be excluded from gross sales for commission calculation purposes. No other deductions shall be permitted without prior written approval from the Town.
Sales Reporting
The contractor shall maintain accurate and complete records of all concession transactions. The contractor shall provide the Town with a monthly sales report identifying, at a minimum:
x Total gross sales.
x Applicable sales tax collected.
x Authorized deductions.
x Net commissionable gross sales.
x Percentage owed to the Town.
x Total payment due.
Sales shall be reported separately for Smithfield Community Park and Smithfield Civitan Field.
Payment Schedule
Payments to the Town shall be made quarterly (April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15). Payment and the corresponding sales report shall be submitted no later than the fifteenth (15th) calendar day of the month following the month in which sales occurred. Payments shall be made payable to the Town of Smithfield and delivered to the location designated by the Town.
Records and Auditing
The Town shall have the right to request and audit the contractor's sales records, financial statements, point-of-sale reports, receipts, and other documentation related to concession operations. The contractor shall maintain complete sales records throughout the contract period and for a minimum of three (3) years following the expiration or termination of the agreement. The contractor shall provide requested documentation within a reasonable period of time. Any underpayment identified through an audit shall be immediately paid to the Town.
CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Licenses and Permits
The contractor shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, certifications, and approvals necessary to legally operate food and beverage concessions in North Carolina. This includes compliance with applicable Johnston County Environmental Health requirements, North Carolina food service regulations, and other applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Insurance Requirements
The contractor shall maintain, at its own expense, insurance coverage throughout the contract period, including:
x Commercial General Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
x Automobile Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit if vehicles are used in connection with the contract.
x Workers' Compensation: As required by North Carolina law.
x Employers' Liability: Minimum $500,000.
The Town of Smithfield shall be named as an additional insured on the contractor's Commercial General Liability policy. Certificates of insurance and required endorsements shall be submitted prior to the commencement of operations.
Employees
The contractor shall be solely responsible for hiring, supervising, compensating, and managing all employees assigned to concession operations. All employees shall maintain professional conduct and comply with applicable laws, health regulations, and Town facility rules. The contractor shall ensure adequate employee training in food handling, sanitation, customer service, and emergency procedures.
Health and Safety
The contractor shall comply with all applicable food safety, sanitation, fire safety, and occupational safety requirements. The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all food products are properly stored, prepared, handled, and served. The Town reserves the right to inspect concession operations at any time and require immediate corrective action when deficiencies are identified.
TOWN RESPONSIBILITIES
The Town intends to provide access to the existing concession facilities at the awarded locations, subject to availability and the terms of the final agreement. The Town may provide access to existing equipment and utilities, if available and approved for contractor use. The Town shall coordinate scheduled activities and anticipated event requirements with the contractor to the extent reasonably practicable. The Town does not guarantee any minimum number of events, attendance levels, operating hours, or sales volume. The contractor acknowledges that concession revenue may fluctuate based upon weather, attendance, event schedules, cancellations, and other factors beyond the Town's control.
CONTRACT TERM
The initial contract term shall begin January 1, 2027, and end December 31, 2027, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the agreement. The Town may consider renewal options for subsequent years, subject to satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, and approval by the Town. No renewal shall be automatic.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Interested contractors shall submit a proposal containing the following information:
x Company Information: Legal business name, address, telephone number, email address, and primary contact person.
x Experience: Description of the company's experience operating food and beverage concessions, particularly at athletic facilities, parks, tournaments, or other public venues.
x References: At least two (2) business or organizational references for similar concession operations.
x Proposed Menu: Sample menu identifying anticipated food and beverage offerings and proposed customer pricing.
x Financial Proposal: Completed and signed Proposal Form identifying the percentage of gross sales proposed for payment to the Town.
x Licensing and Insurance: Evidence of applicable licenses, permits, and insurance coverage, or confirmation that these requirements will be satisfied before operations begin.
x Additional Information: Any additional information the proposer believes will demonstrate its qualifications and ability to successfully perform the services.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked:
RFP - 2027 CONCESSIONAIRE SERVICES
SMITHFIELD COMMUNITY PARK AND SMITHFIELD CIVITAN FIELD
Proposals must be received no later than: DATE: November 30, 2026 TIME: 5:00 pm
Proposals shall be delivered to:
Smithfield Parks and Recreation
Attn: Gary Johnson
600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkwy
Smithfield, NC 27577
Proposals received after the established deadline may be rejected. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities or minor irregularities, request additional information, conduct interviews, negotiate with proposers, and make an award in the best interest of the Town, subject to applicable law. All costs associated with preparing and submitting a proposal shall be the responsibility of the proposer.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD
Proposals will be evaluated based upon the overall qualifications and value offered to the Town. The Town anticipates considering the following factors:
Evaluation Criteria Weight
Proposed percentage of gross sales payable to the Town 40%
Relevant experience and qualifications 20%
Menu selection and proposed pricing 25%
References and past performance 10%
Overall proposal quality 5%
TOTAL 100%
The Town reserves the right to request clarification, conduct interviews, and negotiate final contract terms with one or more proposers. The Town may award the contract for both facilities to a single contractor or make separate awards by facility. The final award shall be subject to approval by the appropriate Town authority.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
The contractor shall operate as an independent contractor and shall not be considered an employee or agent of the Town. The contractor shall not assign or subcontract any portion of the agreement without prior written approval from the Town. The contractor shall not use Town property or facilities for purposes other than those authorized by the agreement. The Town shall retain ownership and control of all Town-owned concession facilities and equipment. The contractor shall comply with all applicable Town policies, ordinances, and facility rules. The Town reserves the right to inspect concession facilities and operations at reasonable times. The Town may require the contractor to discontinue any product, practice, or activity that is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or inconsistent with Town requirements. The contractor shall be responsible for securing concession facilities and equipment following operations. The contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Smithfield, its officers, employees, and agents from claims and liabilities arising from the contractor's negligent acts or omissions, to the extent permitted by North Carolina law. The Town reserves the right to terminate the agreement for material breach, failure to meet performance requirements, nonpayment, health or safety violations, or other grounds established in the final contract. Either party may terminate the agreement without cause upon thirty (30) days' written notice, subject to the terms of the final agreement. The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
All questions concerning this RFP shall be directed to:
Town of Smithfield - Parks and Recreation Department
Contact Person: Gary Johnson
Telephone: 919.934.2148
Email: gary.johnson@smithfield-nc.com
Questions should be submitted no later than November 23, 2026. The Town reserves the right to issue written addenda to clarify or modify the requirements of this RFP. All addenda shall become part of the RFP.
PROPOSAL AND BID FORM (summary)
The RFP includes a Proposal and Bid Form to be completed by proposers with company information, proposed percentage of gross sales by facility, proposed menu and pricing, experience and references, additional information, and certification and signature. The proposer must sign to certify accuracy of information and authority to bind the proposing company.