Hartford Public Library's Open Request for Proposals (RFP)
 

Hartford Public Library Request for Proposals: Café/Restaurant Operator

Hartford Public Library invites qualified entities to submit proposals to operate a restaurant/café at its Downtown location, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103.

Opportunity Highlights:

- Available Space:

• 1,904 sq. ft. café (1st floor)
• 750 sq. ft. commercial kitchen (2nd floor)
• Outdoor patio seating

Picture of Interior Space: 

- Requirements:

• Finance, design, construct, and operate the café
• Obtain all necessary City and State permits/licenses
• Demonstrated experience in restaurant operations, including marketing, management, and financial planning

Goals:

1. Create a destination café with a unique menu and atmosphere that appeals to Library patrons, UConn Hartford students, faculty, and downtown visitors.

2. Collaborate with HPL to expand its award-winning workforce development program, with a focus on training and employment in the food and hospitality industry.

Proposal Submission

Interested applicants must submit their complete proposal and all required deliverables in PDF format via email to caferfp@hplct.org, with the subject line: “CAFERFP Consultant.”

In addition to the electronic submission, four hard copies must be delivered to:
Hartford Public Library
Administrative Offices, 3rd Floor
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103

Deadline: All submissions must be received by 4:00 PM EST on October 10, 2025.

HPL reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and waive minor irregularities.

CLICK HERE for the Request for Proposal

Timeline:

NOTE: All responses to questions will be posted on September 10, 2025 on the Harford Public Library website at hplct.org in the About section under request for proposals.

Consultant:

Hartford Public Library is seeking proposals from qualified firms or consultants (“Consultant”) to conduct and facilitate a comprehensive strategic planning process for the Hartford Public Library. This process will include working with the HPL Strategic Planning Committee, Senior Leadership, Library staff, Library supporters and community stakeholders to create a strategic plan for the next 3 years that will inform and offer an evaluation component of our program offerings. The new strategic plan will address the current and future library service needs of the Hartford community and will enable the Library to make thoughtful service and resource allocation decisions.  

Library issues RFP: June 30, 2025 

If you are interested in applying, please email your proposal and all requirements/deliverables in PDF format, with “RFP Consultant" in the subject line, by August 1st, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST. to the following:

Leticia Cotto, Chief Administrative Officer
Hartford Public Library
HPLStrategicPlan@hplct.org

LINKS

RFP - Document 
 

RFP - Responses to Questions - UPDATED: 07/14/2025