CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for concession operations for the Chicago Riverwalk.  The goal of this RFP is to receive proposals from qualified teams who can operate food and beverage, retail, recreational, entertainment, cultural, and educational facilities along Chicago’s beautiful Riverwalk.   

"The Riverwalk is both an economic engine for our city and a cherished gathering and recreational space for residents and visitors alike," said Mayor Lightfoot. "I am thrilled to welcome new vendors who will activate available space for next season and further enhance our Riverwalk. The vendors in our concessions program have made a strong recovery from the pandemic, and I am confident they will continue to do so." 

Examples of possible concessions that would enhance the Riverwalk include but are not limited to sporting and recreational boating amenities, food and beverage, retail, entertainment venues showcasing local talent, or any other type of family-friendly concessions. 

To access the RFP, please visit cityofchicago.org/bids.  The RFP seeks proposals from vendors to operate at several locations on the Chicago Riverwalk between Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, specifically:   

• 45 East Riverwalk South (East Wabash) 
• 35 East Riverwalk South (West Wabash) 
• 11-27 West Riverwalk South (boat docking only- State to Dearborn) 
• 105 East Riverwalk South (boat docking- Clark to LaSalle) 
• 151-155 West Riverwalk South (boat docking only- LaSalle to Wells) 

“The Riverwalk was a bustling hub of activity this year, offering a variety of venues and spaces for residents and visitors to eat, drink, play, and walk through the urban canyon of world-famous architecture,” said Acting Commissioner Blakemore. “Revenues from this season are exceeding the looking to meet or beat the $23 million of 2021, which was the highest amount of total revenues for the Chicago Riverwalk Concession Program to date.” 

A pre-submittal meeting is being held November 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., pre-registration is required at chicagoriverwalk@cityofchicago.org.  Proposals are due on December 2, 2022. 

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