Concession Program

NEW CONCESSION PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES 

Applications are available for food and beverage, retail, arts and other businesses with the qualifications and expertise to operate a concession on the Chicago Riverwalk Community Marketplace for the 2022 Season, beginning next May. This procurement is specifically looking to provide opportunities to businesses offering concession services reflective of the cultural diversity and neighborhoods of the City of Chicago on the Chicago Riverwalk.  The City currently intends to establish a pool of qualified operators offering a variety of concessions showcasing the best of the City on the Chicago Riverwalk.  The Riverwalk Community Marketplace is located on the south bank of the Chicago River between Michigan Avenue and Wabash.
 
Applications are due November 8, 2021 at 4PM. 

Request for Qualifications

Watch the BACP Webinar for Information

Community Marketplace Application Process Overview 

Responses to Questions Received 

Future opportunities will be posted publicly on the City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement Services - DPS Alerts.  Registering to receive DPS Alerts will put you on the e-mailing list for all active procurement opportunities with the City of Chicago, including concession opportunities on the Chicago Riverwalk. 

To register, follow the instructions at DPS Alerts

As a reference, current and past Riverwalk Concession Operations Request for Proposals and Notice of Availabilities are posted.  These procurements are no longer active, however they provide examples of the submittal requirements from past RFP’s or NOA’s.  Future procurements are subject to change for the scope of services and submittal requirements.

Also available for reference are active license agreements to operate concessions on the Chicago Riverwalk.

Expired license agreements are available for review under 2016-2017 Vendor License Agreements.

Thank you for your interest in the Chicago Riverwalk!

Riverwalk Vendor License Agreement

2018 Vendor License Agreements

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• Chicago Brewhouse

• City Winery

• Frost Gelato

• Island Party Hut

• O'Briens

• The Northman

• Tiny Lounge

• Urban Kayaks

• Venture dba Downtown Docks

• Wendella Chicago Water Taxi

2016-2017 Vendor License Agreements

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• City Winery

• Downtown Docks

• Island Party Hut

• La Cuissine de Canard_Cyrano's

• Lillie's Park Grill and Cafe

  • 2017 Amendment

• Lyra's Fine Deserts dba Dulce in Horto

• Mercury Sightseeing Boats, Inc. & Mercury Skyline Yacht Charters, Inc. dba Chicago's First Lady Cruises

• PJ Wells dba O'Briens

• Tiny Lounge on the Riverwalk

  • License Agreement Amendment Letter

• Urban Kayaks

  • 2017 Amendment

• Wendella_Chicago Water Taxi

• Wheel Fun Rentals

  • 2017 Amendment

Riverwalk Proposals Received

• ​BBQ Pontoons

• Chicago Zen

• City Winery

• Cork and Kerry

• Dolce Vita

• Island Party Hut

• Lillie's Park Grill and Cafe​

• Mercury

• Mista Pizza

• The Northman

• O'Briens

• Reality Bytes

• Sea Dog​

• Shoreline

• Tiny Lounge

• Urban Kayaks

• Vaughan - Brewhouse

• Ventures - Downtown Docks

• Wingstop

Riverwalk Concession Operations RFPs & NOAs

2018 Notice of Availability​

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• RFP Spec 329656

• Addendum 1

• Addendum 2

• Addendum 3

2016 Notice of Availability

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• Spec 135525

• Addendum 1

• Addendum 2

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2015 Notice of Availability

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• Spec 130132

• Spec 130132 Clarification 1

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Concession Program Handbook