The Great Outdoors

Fort Greene Park Seeks Vendors: Lobster Rolls Need Not Apply

Photo: Courtesy of Fort Greene Park Conservancy

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy tells us it’s looking for food vendors to replace last year’s crop (Asiadog, HNH BBQ, and Steve’s Ice Cream) at its summer concerts (Antibalas on July 12 and Charles Bradley on July 26), as well as at a new Thursday night jazz and spoken word series. Director of programming Amanda Atlas tells us she’s thinking coffee and ice cream for the jazz night, and something along the lines of pizza and hot dogs for the main stage. She’s looking for something “fairly sophisticated or unusual,” but that doesn’t mean she’ll be jumping on the summer’s big trend: “I think a $14 lobster roll is not going to be looked at very well by people from our community — it would just be too hoity-toity for them.” Take a look at the RFP below; the deadline is June 23.

Fort Greene Park Conservancy, Inc.
Request for Proposal
Food Vendor Operations for June and July 2011
Greene Music on the Main Stage and GreeneLeaf Jazz and The Spoken Word

Fort Greene Park Conservancy, Inc. (The Conservancy) is seeking proposals to provide and operate food services for the Greene Music on the Main Stage (Myrtle Lawn) and GreeneLeaf Jazz and The Spoken Word (The Grove) outdoor venues at Fort Greene Park, located in Fort Greene between Dekalb Avenue/Myrtle Avenue and Ashland/Washington Park, in Brooklyn, NY. Please note proposals are due June 23, 2011 by 5pm.

Background
Fort Greene Park is a historic, architectural and horticultural gem that serves as a core organization for Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Bedford-Stuyvesant. With its close proximity to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Flea and Pratt Institute, Fort Greene is a culturally significant area for food and the arts. The Conservancy provides free (with a $2 suggested donation), high-quality programming in the park to this multicultural audience.

Greene Music on the Main Stage series was first introduced in 2010. Each show had attendance of 2,500-3,000. We anticipate 3,000-4,000 at this year’s shows. GreeneLeaf Jazz and The Spoken Word, a new series in the Conservancy’s programming initiative will leverage the deep history of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill as a stomping ground for renowned musicians and writers to offer a unique outdoor, cultural experience. We anticipate each performance to attract 400-500 attendees.

For more information about Fort Greene Park Conservancy, please visit:
http://www.fortgreenepark.org

PROPOSALS DUE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 23, 2011
Fort Greene Park Conservancy contact: Jessica Kepler (assisted by Kehinde Ellis)
Jessica Kepler Cloutier, Development & Membership, Email. jessica@fortgreenepark.org AND Kehinde.ellis@gmail.com

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Conservancy is seeking unique proposals for food operators for Fort Greene Park Conservancy’s Greene Music on the Main Stage and GreeneLeaf Jazz & The Spoken Word. The operators will make a significant contribution to the overall ambiance of the evening while providing a convenient service to attendees.

We are looking for 1 food vendor for the GreeneLeaf Jazz & The Spoken Word series, and 2-3 food vendors for the Greene Music on the Main Stage series.

Commitment is necessary per series.


Greene Music on the Main Stage
Series length: 2 shows
Attendance Anticipated: 3,000-4,000 per show
Dates: Tuesday, July 12; Tuesday July 26
Time: 6.00-9pm

GreeneLeaf Jazz & The Spoken Word
Series length: 6 shows
Attendance Anticipated: 400-500 per show
Dates: Thursdays June 30- August 10
Time: 6-8pm

2. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit completed proposals to jessica@fortgreenepark.org AND Kehinde.ellis@gmail.com
Subject: RFP Fort Greene Park Conservancy Food Vendor
Proposals are due on or before June 23, 2011 at 5pm.

Please include a cover sheet with RFP title, proposer’s name and signature and the following:
a. Operating Experience & Qualifications
Proposers should submit:
i. A description of the proposer’s business
ii. A detailed description of the proposer’s professional qualifications, demonstrating experience and record of safety in the industry, including any work with City Agencies, or access to individuals and/or firms with such expertise.
iii. A description of the proposer’s relative experience in operating a similar business enterprise
b. Operations Plan
Proposers should submit a detailed operational plan for the Site:
i. The proposed menu should be submitted, including menu items and prices
ii. The proposal should describe the operator’s plan for number and type of staff
iii. The proposal should describe the operator’s equipment plan.
iv. The proposal should describe the operator’s plan to meet all applicable health and food safety regulations.

3.REVIEW OF PROPOSAL RESPONSES
Final notification of the outcome of the review process is expected to occur on a rolling basis, beginning on June 24, 2011 at noon.

2011 Fort Greene Park Conservancy Performance Schedule
Greene Music on the Main Stage
Tuesday, July 12, 6pm-9pm, Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Lawn
Antibalas with The Stepkids and DJ Frank Gossner (VOODOO FUNK)
Tuesday, July 26, 6pm to 9pm, Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Lawn
Charles Bradley & The Menhan Street Band with Beans And DJ Todd-O-Phonic Todd

GreeneLeaf Jazz & The Spoken Word
Thursdays, Fort Greene Park, The Grove, 6-8pm
June 30- Jane Lecroy is Transmitting & Poet Laureate of Brooklyn Tina Chang
July 7- Ben Perowsky, MSO & Poet/Rapper TK Wonder
July 14- Michael Blake Trio & Writer/Poet Bushra Rehman
July 21- The Charlie Burnham Trio & Writer/Poet Tara Betts
July 28- David Fiuczynski Group
August 4- Ben Perowsky Moodswing & Performer/Poet Velez Moore

Fort Greene Park Seeks Vendors: Lobster Rolls Need Not Apply