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Sayreville agency to issue riverfront restaurant RFP after removing 'tiki bar' label
Summary
The redevelopment agency approved an RFP for a waterfront restaurant/bar site near Buchanan Park and agreed to remove recurrent references to a "tiki bar" to encourage a broader range of proposals; staff will advertise and seek outreach to regional builder and restaurant associations.
Agency staff described a proposed RFP to attract a restaurant operator for a borough‑owned parcel on River Road near Buchanan Park. The RFP will consider design, fit with the waterfront, and proposed rent or revenue sharing rather than evaluating only the highest bidder.
Commissioner Donna urged removing repeated references to "tiki bar" from the RFP language so the solicitation would not deter applicants with alternative waterfront concepts. "That would make me feel better," Commissioner Donna said, arguing that broader wording would encourage more creative proposals. Other commissioners and staff supported the change and suggested language that preserves indoor/outdoor design flexibility while allowing references to waterfront themes without prescribing a single concept.
Staff said the RFP will be publicly advertised and that social‑media outreach and targeted invitations to New Jersey restaurant and builder associations will be used to attract applicants. Kevin from Riverton (communications) told the board he will help promote the RFP through short video spots and social posts once an advertising mechanism is in place; staff noted a current limitation in the ability to boost posts because the agency has not yet provisioned a P‑card for paid social media advertising.
The board voted by roll call to approve the RFP authorization with an edit to remove or diminish the tiki‑bar wording and to proceed with outreach. The action authorizes staff to publish the RFP and begin evaluation and workshop sessions when responses are received.
What happens next: the agency will advertise the RFP, accept proposals, convene workshops to review design and financial offers, and may designate a conditional redeveloper for the parcel if a preferred proposal is identified. Any designation and redevelopment agreement would return to the agency and council for separate approvals.
