CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson 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 Johnson. “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 provide wonderful food, beverage and recreational options along the river front.”

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

To access the RFP, please visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicagoriverwalk/home/concession-program.html. The RFP seeks proposals from vendors to operate at several locations on the Chicago Riverwalk between Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, specifically:   

• Location 1: 65 East Riverwalk South in the Chicago Riverwalk Community Marketplace  

• Location 2: 91-95 East Riverwalk South, immediately west of the DuSable Bridge on Michigan Ave 

“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 Hernandez-Tomlin. “Revenues from the 2023 season were more than $26 million, which was the highest amount of total revenues for the Chicago Riverwalk Concession Program to date.” 

A pre-submittal meeting is being held March 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., pre-registration is required at chicagoriverwalk@cityofchicago.org.  Proposals are due on April 15, 2024. 

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