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CRA authorizes negotiations with Vegan Fine Foods for 719 Sapodilla property
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Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously March 3 to begin negotiating terms with Vegan Fine Foods for the conveyance of 719 Sapodilla Avenue; the firm proposes a vegan restaurant, retail and community programming with a lease-to-purchase option.
The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on March 3 authorized staff to begin negotiations with Vegan Fine Foods over the conveyance of the property at 719 Sapodilla Avenue.
Jade Green, deputy director with the CRA, said staff issued a notice of disposition in December following public outreach and surveys indicating demand in the historic Northwest for restaurants, retail and a small grocer. The CRA received one responsive proposal from Vegan Fine Foods. Green said the company proposes a sustainable dining and retail concept including a full-service bar and grill, vegan retail and produce, meal-prep offerings, live music and educational programming such as cooking classes. The proposal also includes online ordering and a stated priority for discounts to seniors and youth and workforce hiring focused on residents; the proposal mentioned creating more than 50 local jobs.
Green said the proposal seeks a lease with an option to purchase within five years; staff recommended authorization to negotiate terms and return to the board with a purchase-and-sale agreement in April. Green told the board that the building on the site is undergoing historic-preservation construction expected to be complete in April, with a target for tenant fit-out and business opening in summer 2025.
The board approved Resolution 25-10 authorizing negotiations. The transcript records the motion and a unanimous vote in favor; individual roll-call vote names were not recorded in the transcript.
Why it matters: CRA staff said the action responds to prior community surveys (Barbecue, Brews and Blues and Winter in Paradise) showing demand for restaurants, retail and a small grocer in the historic Northwest, an area staff described as a food desert where residents travel more than two miles for grocery options.
Next steps: CRA staff will negotiate terms with Vegan Fine Foods and said it expects to return to the board in April with a proposed purchase-and-sale agreement or lease terms.
