November 2025
SANDBAR PARK Storage container concept
Bid proposal process • The Town has the option to issue a municipal bid for two storage containers to be used for a seasonal food and beverage operation at Sandbar Park (May–October). This bidding process would incur no cost to the Town and would adhere to the Town’s established procurement policy guidelines. The proposed units include: One 40-foot storage container to serve as a restaurant One 20-foot storage container to serve as a bar • Both units would be equipped with the necessary infrastructure (“the bones”) to support a food and beverage operation, including features such as; a stove vent hood, Ansul fire suppression system, grease traps, and power and gas connections. The selected operator would be responsible for outfitting the containers with their own kitchen and bar equipment. • Once bid information is received (anticipated in December 2025), the Town Board will have the opportunity to evaluate whether to proceed with soliciting an operator. For example, if the bid results are approximately $250,000 for both units, the Board may choose to move forward. However, if the bid results are significantly higher (e.g., $800,000), the Board may decide not to continue the process. • A decision regarding acceptance of the low bid would be targeted for early 2026, allowing sufficient time to determine whether a qualified operator is interested and feasible for this seasonal venture. • Assuming the bid results are favorable, the Town will proceed with selecting an operator. The selection process will follow a Request for Proposals (RFP) format like that used for the brick-andmortar restaurant opportunity. This process will consider not only traditional restaurateurs interested in a seasonal operation but also food truck operators with a comparable business model.
Storage container / brick and mortar building There has been considerable discussion regarding the necessity of offering food and beverage service at Sandbar Park. Understanding the costs associated with this option will provide the Town Board with the information needed to make an informed decision on whether to proceed. • The option to construct a smaller restaurant than what was designed and bid in October 2024 is not a viable business model for a potential operator. A consistent message from all interested restauranteurs was that the building must utilize the maximum allowable footprint in order to provide sufficient seating capacity. This is essential for achieving profitability and for enabling repayment of any bond issued by the Town to finance the building. • For example, if the Town were to construct a 1,600 sq. ft. building at an estimated cost of $1 million—which would be challenging based on current construction costs—the bond repayment would be approximately $8,000 per month. A building of that size would not be able to accommodate enough seating to generate the revenue necessary for both profitability and repayment of the bond obligation. • The previous financial model used for the former restaurant is no longer applicable. That facility carried no bond repayment and required minimal leasehold improvements, which allowed for a different financial structure. • If the new project bids allow the Town to purchase the container units outright, without the need for a municipal bond (for example, by using funds from the Parkland Trust Fund), then the resulting financial arrangement with an operator would be significantly more feasible and sustainable.
Possible concept designs of site
The Town partnered with Passero Design to develop a conceptual vision for the site at no cost to the Town. The concept includes a 40-foot restaurant building and a 20-foot bar featuring walk-up and window seating. The restaurant operator would also have the option to provide table service if desired. Additionally, the plan incorporates a small covered stage to accommodate live music or performances. Other potential site features that could be considered include firepits with seating, patio heaters, an outdoor recreation area (such as cornhole), televisions, and kayak rentals.