For true creative artists.

OPEN CALL FOR THE Flatbush Central Bar ManagEment RFP(Request for PRoposal)
Apply by January 12, 2024! (DeadLINE EXTENDED)

Are you an aspiring bar owner or a veteran in the hospitality industry looking to operate your own bar? We are seeking highly motivated bar operator(s) to join our team to develop, manage and operate the bars  at Flatbush Central Caribbean marketplace in the heart of Flatbush. 

FCCM (Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace) is seeking highly motivated adult beverage entrepreneurs to develop, operate and manage two unique bar concepts in our brand-new Caribbean Market in Flatbush, Brooklyn. This a great opportunity to develop a something from the ground up and build something within a reimagined historic market place in the heart of the Flatbush Ave business corridor, with exceptional footfall within walking distance of Prospect Park and the Q, 2 and 5 train. Set on the ground floor of the newly constructed Caton Flats (268-unit 100% affordable apartment building).  

 

This opportunity has major growth potential and a long-term partnership with a cornerstone of the Flatbush Caribbean Community. Our facility includes a 5-vendor food hall hosting top tier food concepts from NYC, a 25+ vendor Caribbean marketplace, a test/demo kitchen for cooking classes, tastings and intimate events, a professional sound system with a DJ booth and the Mangrove FC incubator space a 5,000 sqft of business development and cultural resource center which includes a commercial kitchen, cosmetics workshop, and a design + media studio which provides classes, service and workspace related to design and creative industries.  

About FLATBUSH CENTRAL Caribbean Marketplace:

Located at the bustling intersection of Flatbush and Caton Avenues in the heart of a community with a rich Caribbean tradition, Flatbush Central Market (Formerly Flatbush Caton Market) (FCM) was established in 2000 as an open-air market through the pioneering advocacy of Hon. S.T. Dr. Clarke. Dr. Clarke entered public service in 1991, and her mission as the first Caribbean-born woman elected to the City’s legislature was to advocate for her constituents and empower the community to thrive. As a community member and elected official, she witnessed the day-to-day struggles of street merchants in her district. Realizing the need and opportunity, Dr. Clarke’s office partnered with the City of New York to dedicate a permanent space in a municipal parking lot for merchants to set up tents, and the market was born. Unsatisfied with vendors merely transitioning from the street to tents in a parking lot, Dr. Clarke’s office raised $100,000 for the construction of a permanent building to house the merchants by galvanizing the support of vendors, community members, and other local officials. 

fLATBUSH cENTRAL X mANRGOVE aMENITIES:

The facility at Flatbush Central Market offers an array of amenities to enhance the bar operation. These include: 

A 5-vendor food hall hosting top-tier food concepts from NYC with 2 available booths 

 

  • A 30-vendor Caribbean marketplace. 
  • A test/demo kitchen for cooking classes, tastings, and intimate events. 
  • A professional sound system with a DJ booth. 
  • Mangrove FC a 5,000 square feet of business development infrastructure, which includes a commercial kitchen, and a design + media studio which provides classes, service and workspace related to design and creative industries.  

Flatbush Central x Mangrove’s aim is to support a grow business and creative ventures led by Flatbush natives. The entire facility is designed as a space of learning and development new skills, and we would like to make the bar stand out in the same way. Celebrating local BIPOC purveyors, brewers, producers and other forms of talent/creativity through a robust public program.  

This is opportunity is  open to individuals, teams and contractors who will act as a collaborative roll between Flatbush Central and the applicant(s).   

 

About Lakay Lounge:

Lakay Lounge (Lakay translates to “home” in Haitian Creole) we will hold a full liquor tavern license. The bar has been designed for a Caribbean themed cocktail concept. We would like to highlight local Black and Brown alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage entrepreneurs in this space and feature a range of authentic Caribbean beverages and snacks. Lakay Lounge seats approximately 30 to 40 guests with additional standing space for 20 to 30+.  We will have access to the outdoor patio space and seating, weather permitting, accommodating approximately 40 guests. The theme for this bar is “grown & sexy”, seeking to host a mature and sophisticated clientele who will appreciate the intricate details of the physical lounge, setting and menu offerings.  

 

The Lakay Lounge will also have a café service during the day, with the intention of using the café as a training space for workforce development in the food service industry for young people and returning citizens.  

 

Pending Full Tavern License which per NYC SLA laws will require some form of food offerings. 

About Rude Gyal: 

Bar 2 Rude Gyal (Rude Gyal is a Jamaican term that references the 60s Rude Boy.  A Rude Gal is rebellious and strong-willed woman who knows what she wants and does not take back chat.   Rude Gal will hold a beer and wine tavern license. Rude Gal has been fitted with a 4 tap kegerator and will mainly focus on the sale of draft beers, wine and nonalcoholic beverages. Rude Gal is set within our 5-vendor food hall and will serve as the main beverage outlet in that space. The food hall has ample space for events and activities including collaborative programming, musical events, DJs, private events and collaborations with food hall vendors. Rude Gal will need to offer an elaborate and creative non-alcoholic beverage menu that falls in line with the Caribbean theme and complements the food offering.  

What we are looking for: 

We’re in search of operators to craft two distinctive bar concepts that celebrate the heritage of Flatbush Central Market and inspire the next generation of our vibrant, diverse Flatbush community. These bars at Flatbush Central are envisioned as local gathering spots—a place to reconnect with friends after a long day, forge new connections, or commemorate special moments. Our ideal operator would be someone who can champion and expand upon the broader mission of Flatbush Central x Mangrove FC of community wealth generation.  

The Lakay Lounge and Rude Gyal Bar come fully equipped and licensed, offering everything you need to launch a successful bar and café. Positioned at the corner of Flatbush and Caton Avenue, right in the heart of the bustling business corridor, these bars will open as fresh, brand-new establishments under the guidance of the bar operator. This presents an exceptional opportunity to craft an entirely new concept from the ground up, create a unique brand, develop an enticing menu, and explore new ideas or nurture existing ones. 

Both bars have the potential to host various concepts throughout the day, offering unparalleled flexibility. We’re on the lookout for visionary entrepreneurs who not only understand the Brooklyn nightlife scene but also possess the experience and expertise to launch Flatbush’s most exciting nightlife destination. 

 

Unleash your creativity, share your talent and expertise with Flatbush. We’re open to individuals or groups interested in developing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic menus. We embrace alternative management structures, collaborations, and partnerships of all kinds. Feel free to break the mold and join us in shaping the future of Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace!  

The selected bar professionals will be responsible for the conceptual and operational development of the bar(s) space(s) within the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace. The key responsibilities include: 

  • Brand development: Create a unique brand identity for each bar that aligns with the overall marketplace theme and resonates with the target audience. 

  • Hiring and training service staff: Recruit and train a skilled team of waitstaff, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and understanding of Caribbean culture to provide an exceptional guest experience. 

  • Managing partners: Establish and maintain strong relationships with partners, including purveyors, suppliers, and local black and BIPOC-led businesses, to ensure a diverse and high-quality product offering. 

  • Inventory and resource management: Implement efficient inventory management systems, monitor stock levels, and ensure the availability of quality ingredients and supplies. Optimize resource allocation to minimize waste and maximize profitability. 

  • Promotional events: Plan and execute engaging promotional events that showcase the bars’ unique offerings and attract a diverse customer base. Collaborate with other vendors within the marketplace to create synergy and cross-promotion opportunities. 

  • Quality and safety controls: Implement and enforce quality and safety standards to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Regularly review and update processes to maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and guest safety. 

  • Licensing and vendor contracts: Stay informed about current licensing requirements and ensure compliance. Manage vendor contracts and negotiate favorable terms to support the bars’ success. 

  • Scheduling and business objectives: Develop effective staff schedules that align with customer demand. Set clear business objectives, measure performance against key metrics, and implement strategies to increase profits and maximize customer satisfaction. 

  • Conflict resolution and fostering a respectful environment: Handle diverse personalities with professionalism and emotional intelligence. Foster a respectful and inclusive environment for all guests, vendors, and staff members. 

 

Required Experience: 
  • 7+ years of hospitality industry experience and 4+ years leadership/manager experience 
  • Strong understanding of business management and accounting principles
  • Excellent problem-solving and trouble shooting skills  
  • Excellent customer service skills and conflict resolution skills 
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills both written and verbal. 
  • Willingness to work during peak hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 
  • Effectively delegate responsibilities, maximize resources and productivity. 
  • Ability to walk, stand, and occasionally carry heavy (50+lbs 22+Kilos) items in a fast-paced, and sometimes stressful environment 
  • Required to take the NY Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) course within 120 days of employment
  • Required to obtain a NYC Food Protection Certificate within 90 days of employment  
RFP Submittal instructions: 

Interested parties are invited to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining their approach to operating and managing the bars at Flatbush Central. The proposal should include, but is not limited to, the following information: 

 

  1. Business Overview:  

  • Provide an overview of your experience, including work history, experience in the food and beverage industry, and any unique qualifications that set you apart. 
  • Please provide a detailed description of your bar concept, include details such as music, décor, art, plants, public program etc. please also share your concepts connection to Flatbush Central and it’s relationship to the Caribbean.  

b) Concept and Menu:  

  • Present your bar concept, highlighting the theme, ambiance, and target audience.  
  • Provide a sample menu showcasing the range of beverages and bar food you plan to offer.  
  • Emphasize any unique or specialty offerings that will differentiate your bar from competitors. 

c) Operations and Management:  

  • Outline your proposed operations plan, including bar setup, staffing, and training procedures.  
  • Describe how you plan to ensure exceptional customer service and maintain a high-quality beverage program. Explain your approach to inventory management, including ordering, stock control, and product rotation. 

d) Marketing and Promotion: 

  • Detail your marketing strategy to attract customers to the bar.
  • Highlight any creative promotional ideas or collaborations you plan to implement.
  • Discuss how you will leverage the existing footfall at Flatbush Central Market to increase bar visibility and drive traffic.
  • Put together a sample program of public events for your first 3 months. 

e) Financial Projections: 

  • Provide a comprehensive financial plan, including projected revenue, operating expenses, and anticipated profit margins.
  • Include a breakdown of the required investment, startup costs, and ongoing expenses.
  • Clearly state your proposed revenue-sharing or rental agreement with FCM.
  • Previous sales data from past employers, events and programming
  • Include compensation management fee agreement recommendations, which include timeline to profitability and management fee winddown.  
Propasal Submission: 

Virtual information sessions will be held weekly on Monday evenings, starting on Monday, October 30th, from 6 pm to 7 pm EST. To participate, please register using the link below: 

INFORMATION SESSION SIGN UP

Onsite tours and information sessions will occur twice during the 60-day application cycle, on November 13th and December 11th, from 6 pm to 8 pm EST, at Flatbush Central Marketplace, located at 2123 Caton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226. To attend, please sign up using the link below: 

SITE VISIT + TOUR SIGN UP

Interested parties are required to submit their proposals in the form of a proposal, pitch deck, or pitch document no later than December 28, 2023. Please submit your proposals electronically through the application portal via the link provided below: 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM

Please submit all required documents as individual files using the designated upload links on the application portal (not embedded in the body of the email.) 

Please name all files to reflect their contents and add your first name and last initial or company name at the end of the files name for easy identification.  Ex. “Financial Projection. Abdullah.E” 

Evaluation and Selection: 

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by FCM’s selection committee. The evaluation process will consider factors such as business experience, concept viability, operational plans, marketing strategies, and financial projections. FCM reserves the right to request additional information or conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates. 

Timeline 

RFP Release Date: November 1st 2023 

Proposal Submission Deadline: January 12th 2024

Selection and Notification of Shortlisted Candidates: January 2nd 2024

Interviews: January 5th – January 10th 2024

Final Selection and Contract Negotiation: January 16th 2024

 

Note: FCM reserves the right to modify the timeline as necessary. 

 

Requested Proposed Budget

+ Timeline Structure from Candidates 

Determine 

  • Projected quarterly revenue for 1-2 years 

  • Projected Start-Up cost 

  • Projected Programming & Marketing Budget 

  • Long-term and short-term goals 

  • Projected break-even analysis  

Submit 

  • Speculative timeline for project initiation and launch  

  • Initial management fees/ compensation 

  • Proposed profit-sharing percentage 

Short-Term Pop-Up as part of evaluation process, conducive to obtaining SLA licenses 

The application is a multi-step process, inclusive of two rounds of interviews with the Flatbush Central management team and stakeholders.  

Due to the volume of applications and the small (but mighty!) Team, we may be unable to respond to all inquiries. For more information or questions please attend the information sessions listed above.  

 

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a background check which includes references from previous employers. Urbane Development Group LTD, is an equal opportunity employer which recruits, hires, trains, and promotes personnel for all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws. 

 

 

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