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Committee endorses City Hall cafe lease for social-enterprise operator Cafe Melange
Summary
The committee recommended approval of a retroactive five-year lease for Cafe Melange (operated by New Community Leadership Foundation) at City Hall, setting rent at 10% of gross sales (subject to a $200 monthly minimum) and noting tenant improvements were paid by the operator.
The Budget and Finance Committee voted June 26 to forward to the full Board a resolution approving a retroactive lease for Cafe Melange, a social-enterprise concession operated by the New Community Leadership Foundation, to occupy approximately 1,400 square feet in the lower level of City Hall.
Real estate staff said the City resumed a competitive selection process after the prior cafe closed in 2020; NCLF (dba Cafe Melange) was selected from three proposals and signed a permit-to-enter to build out the space. Director of Real Estate Andrico Penick told the committee tenant improvements were paid for by the operator while the city will provide base-building mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure support. The lease sets rent at 10% of gross sales, subject to a minimum flat rate of $200 per month.
Supervisors praised the cafe as a community-based operator and noted hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Chair Chan requested improved signage and wayfinding, and staff said signage plans are in discussion with the operator. Supervisor Shamone Walton and others commended staff (Percy Birch, city administrator's office) and the operator for restoring food service at City Hall.
Action: Chair Chan moved to forward the lease with a positive recommendation; the committee recorded three 'ayes' and the motion passed. The lease will go to the full Board for final approval.
