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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Retail Seafood Market Concession Harford Pier - Avila Beach, California

Description: PORT SAN LUIS HARBOR DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Retail Seafood Market Concession Harford Pier - Avila Beach, California Port San Luis Harbor District 3950 Avila Beach Drive Avila Beach, CA 93424 RFP Issue Date: November 2, 2026 Proposal Due Date: November 13, 2026 1. Introduction The Port San Luis Harbor District ("District") invites proposals from qualified businesses to lease and operate a retail seafood market concession in Port San Luis, Avila Beach, California. The District seeks an operator who will provide retail seafood sales that supports the local fishing fleet and enhance the visitor experience at the Port's historic working waterfront. Proposals that include the existing ice facility and potential ice facility operations on Harford Pier are preferred and may receive favorable consideration. Harford Pier supports both commercial fishing operations and visitor-serving activities. Seafood markets on the pier provide the public with direct access to fresh seafood landed by local fishermen and contribute to the economic vitality of the Port and Avila Beach. 2. Facility Description The first premises consist of an existing seafood market space located near the terminus of Harford Pier. The facility is currently configured for seafood retail operations. • Retail seafood display and service counter • Seafood storage and preparation areas • Utility connections including water and electricity • Proximity to commercial fishing vessel operations • Public pedestrian access along Harford Pier Approximate space size of retail space: 1524 square feet. The second premises consists of the Harford Pier Ice Facility. The ice facility shall be used only for the production of ice. Both premises will be leased in current condition. Terms and conditions will be determined in the negotiation process. 2. Desired Use and Operating Concept The District seeks a retail seafood market operation that: • Sells fresh seafood directly to the public • Supports and purchases from local commercial fishermen when feasible • Maintains the working waterfront character of Harford Pier • Provides a welcoming visitor experience • Wholesale seafood sales may be permitted if compatible with harbor operations and the primary retail purpose. • May include a micro or small kitchen offering a limited menu of prepared seafood and complementary items, primarily for takeout. Proposed food preparation, equipment, and service must be compatible with the premises, available utilities, and harbor operations, and are subject to District approval and applicable permitting requirements. • Maintains seafood retail sales as the primary use. Full-service restaurant operations are not permitted unless specifically approved by the District. The District also seeks, as part of the lease, the ability for the lessee to provide ice to District lessees, concessionaires, and recreational and commercial fishermen at prices and under terms mutually agreed upon by the Operator and the District. Specific details will be determined during the lease negotiation process. 3. Concession Goals • Provide seafood retail service • Support the local commercial fishing fleet • Maintain the working waterfront environment • Offer reliable operating hours • Maintain the premises in a clean and safe condition • Provide ice to District patrons 4. Operating Requirements Operating requirements will be confirmed during the negotiation process. Local Seafood Preference The District encourages prioritizing locally caught seafood landed by fishermen operating from Port San Luis and nearby Central Coast ports. Coordination with the Commercial Fishing Fleet • Purchase seafood directly from local fishermen when feasible • Coordinate operations to avoid conflicts with fishing activities • Maintain positive working relationships with the fishing community Parking Parking at Port San Luis is limited. No parking spaces are guaranteed for employees or customers of the seafood market. 6. Environmental Practices Because Port San Luis is a coastal environment, the operator is encouraged to adopt sustainable practices including: • Waste reduction and recycling • Responsible seafood handling • Avoidance of single-use plastics where feasible • Proper disposal of seafood waste 7. Lease Terms (Anticipated) • Lease term: 3-5 years with possible renewal options • Tenant responsible for interior and exterior maintenance and operational costs • Compliance with health department regulations • Insurance and indemnification requirements • Rent/percentage of rent or flat fee or mix of both will be determined during lease negotiations 8. Insurance Requirements The selected operator will be required to maintain insurance including but not limited to: • Commercial General Liability Insurance • Workers' Compensation Insurance • Property Insurance • Automobile Liability Insurance (if applicable) Coverage limits and insurance carriers must be acceptable to the District. The Port San Luis Harbor District shall be named as an additional insured. 9. Permits and Regulatory Compliance The selected operator must obtain and maintain all required permits and licenses including: • San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health permits • California Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements (if applicable) • Coastal Commission requirements • Harbor District regulations and ordinances • Applicable building and fire code • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance 10. Proposal Requirements • Business overview and ownership • Relevant experience operating seafood or food retail businesses • Description of operating concept • Financial capability may include summary financial statements, financing sources, or other documentation demonstrating ability to operate the business and meet rent obligations. • Operations and staffing plan • Description of proposed improvements or equipment • Proposers should demonstrate at least three (3) years of experience operating a seafood market, food retail business, or related operation. • Three (3) References 11. Evaluation Criteria Relevant Experience (25 points) Proposer demonstrates relevant experience operating seafood markets, food retail businesses, or similar operations that reflect the unique environment of a working waterfront. Operating Concept Quality (25 points) Proposed concept clearly outlines the products, services, and overall vision for the seafood market, including how it will enhance the visitor experience and complement activities on Harford Pier. Serving Visitors, Supporting Fisheries (20 points) Proposal demonstrates a commitment to providing a welcoming customer experience while supporting the local fishing fleet and promoting locally caught seafood. Financial Capability / Rent Proposal (20 points) Proposer shows the financial capacity to successfully establish and operate the business and provides a competitive and sustainable rent proposal. Customer Service Experience / References (10 points) Proposer provides evidence of strong customer service experience and positive references demonstrating the ability to deliver a high-quality experience for visitors. Proposals that include the existing ice facility and potential ice facility operations on Harford Pier will receive an extra 5 points. 12. Schedule • RFP Issued - Monday, November 2, 2026 • Questions Due - Friday, November 6, 2026 • Questions posted on website - Monday, November 9, 2026 • Proposals Due - November 13, 2026 @4:30PM • Interviews - Week of November 16th or 30th • Harbor Commission Approval - December 8, 2026 or January 26, 2027 • Lease Execution - Final date determined during negotiations Note: This schedule is subject to change. The District will endeavor to keep proposers apprised of changes as they occur. 13. Site Diagram - See Exhibit A 14. Proposal Submission Mail to: Port San Luis Habor District PO Box 249 Avila Beach, CA 93424 Drop off at: Port San Luis Harbor District 3950 Avila Beach Drive Avila Beach, CA 93424 Email to: jennifers@portsanluis.com 15. Questions Regarding the RFP Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to: Jennifer Szeliga, Business Manager Email: jennifers@portsanluis.com Questions must be received by 11/6/2026 Responses will be shared with all prospective proposers via the District's website. 16. Reservation of Rights & Public Records The District reserves the right to reject any proposals, request additional information, conduct interviews, negotiate lease terms, or cancel this RFP. Selection of a proposal does not constitute a lease agreement. Final lease award is subject to approval by the Port San Luis Harbor Commission. All proposals submitted in response to this RFP become property of the Port San Luis Harbor District and may be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Financial information identified as confidential will be treated accordingly to the extent permitted by law. Exhibit A Harford Pier Fish Market Site Plan of Premises with Non-Exclusive Use Area (Exhibit diagram and site plan dimensions as provided in the RFP)

Buyer
Port San Luis Harbor District

SpecialDistrict · CA, US

Released
Nov 2, 2026
Closes
Nov 13, 2026(9 days left)
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