RFQ Downtown Full-Service Restaurant

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
October 6, 2026
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
City of Bennettsville, SC
Downtown Full-Service Restaurant
HOSPITALITY SERVICES
City of Bennettsville, SC RFQ #26-10-001
DUE DATE:
October 30, 2026
RECEIPT LOCATION:
501 East Main Street
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, SC 29512
OFFICIAL CONTACT:
Tasha Townsend, Procurement Director, (843) 479-9001 Ext. 331,
tasha.townsend@bennettsvillesc.com
The City of Bennettsville reserves the right to reject any and all submissions or any parts thereof and to waive any
irregularities or minor informalities in any submission or in the procurement process and to make a contract award in
the best interest of The City of Bennettsville.
"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
1. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT OVERVIEW
The City of Bennettsville invites qualified restaurateurs, hospitality companies, restaurant
development groups, and experienced restaurant operators to submit Statements of
Qualifications (SOQs) for the development and operation of a full-service restaurant at 100 West
Main Street, a recently acquired City-owned property located in the heart of downtown
Bennettsville.
The City envisions a distinctive, professionally operated dine-in restaurant capable of offering
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The selected operator should demonstrate the experience, financial
capacity, and operational expertise necessary to establish a sustainable dining destination that
serves residents, visitors, and the surrounding region.
The City anticipates entering into a long-term lease agreement with an option to purchase the
property. The specific lease provisions, purchase terms, and financial arrangements will be
negotiated with the preferred respondent at a later date.
The City is also pursuing funding to assist with building improvements necessary to
accommodate restaurant operations. The availability, application, and potential recovery of these
funds will be addressed through negotiations and supplemental agreements.
1.1. Method of Procurement
This is a qualifications-based selection. Award of the contract will be given to the most
responsible, responsive, and most highly qualified company based on the factors outlined in
Section 4, SELECTION CRITERIA.
Companies are advised that this evaluation and selection process is a competition and not
simply a prequalification. It is the intent of the City of Bennettsville to award the contract to a
single company.
1.2. Project Description
The redevelopment of 100 West Main Street represents an important component of
Bennettsville's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and its vision of becoming "A City on the
Move."
Through participation in the South Carolina Department of Commerce's strategic planning
initiative, the City is working to strengthen its economic competitiveness, attract private
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and position downtown Bennettsville as a destination
for commerce, dining, entertainment, and community activity.
City Administrator William Simon Jr., and his team, is supporting and advancing this restaurant
development initiative as part of the City's broader downtown master planning and economic
development efforts.
The City's objective is to establish a successful restaurant that serves as an anchor business,
increases pedestrian activity, encourages complementary investment, and contributes to the
long-term economic vitality of downtown Bennettsville.
The selected restaurant operator will have an opportunity to participate in this larger revitalization
effort while establishing a business in a strategically located, City-owned property.
1.3. Desired Restaurant Concept
The City seeks an experienced operator capable of developing and managing a full-service
dining establishment with the following characteristics:
* Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, with operating hours to be negotiated.
* Professional table service and a welcoming dining environment.
* A diverse, high-quality menu that appeals to residents, visitors, business professionals,
and families.
* The operational capacity to accommodate regular dining, business meetings, community
gatherings, and special occasions.
* A sustainable business model supported by experienced restaurant management,
qualified personnel, and sound financial planning.
The City welcomes innovative restaurant concepts, including independently owned restaurants,
established regional restaurant groups, and experienced hospitality operators.
Although the City has identified its preferred operating characteristics, respondents are
encouraged to present creative concepts that enhance the property's commercial potential and
complement the character of downtown Bennettsville.
1.4. Property Development and Conceptual Layout
A conceptual layout (Appendix B) is provided for illustrative and planning purposes only. It is
not intended to establish mandatory architectural requirements, prescribe a final restaurant
configuration, or represent approved construction documents.
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
Respondents may propose modifications to the conceptual layout based on their restaurant
concept, operational requirements, and professional experience.
Any proposed building modifications will be subject to City approval, applicable building and fire
codes, accessibility requirements, and other regulatory approvals.
1.5. Proposed Business Arrangement
The City intends to negotiate a public-private arrangement that supports the establishment of a
successful restaurant while protecting the City's investment in the property.
The anticipated arrangement includes the following components.
A. Long-Term Lease
The City anticipates entering into a long-term commercial lease with the selected operator.
Lease duration, rental payments, maintenance responsibilities, insurance requirements,
improvements, and other provisions will be negotiated.
B.Option to Purchase
The City is willing to negotiate an option to purchase the property as part of the long-term
lease arrangement.
The timing, purchase price or valuation method, eligibility requirements, treatment of building
improvements, and other conditions will be established through subsequent negotiations and
appropriate City approvals.
C.Building Improvements
The City is actively seeking funding to support improvements necessary to convert the
property into a functional restaurant.
Potential improvements may include building renovations, utility infrastructure, commercial
kitchen accommodation, accessibility improvements, and other work necessary to prepare
the property for its intended use.
Funding is not guaranteed. The scope and timing of improvements will depend on available
resources, funding requirements, regulatory approvals, and negotiated agreements.
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
D.Recovery of Public Investment
The City anticipates negotiating supplemental agreements addressing the use and potential
recovery of public funds invested in the property.
Such agreements may address rental payments, improvement reimbursements, purchase-
price adjustments, performance obligations, or other mutually acceptable arrangements,
subject to applicable law and funding restrictions.
E.Business Startup Incentives
The City recognizes the financial challenges associated with establishing a new restaurant
and is willing to consider a tailored incentive package for the selected operator.
Potential incentives may include negotiated rental arrangements, phased lease payments,
eligible building improvements, or other appropriate forms of startup assistance.
The availability and structure of any incentives will depend on the proposed business
concept, demonstrated financial need, anticipated economic benefits, applicable legal
requirements, and approval by the appropriate City authorities.
No incentive, financial commitment, or property conveyance is guaranteed through this
solicitation.
2. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) PROCESS AND POLICIES
2.1. Submittal of Statements of Qualifications
The City of Bennettsville is hereby issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to companies
that have the capability and interest in undertaking and performing the scope of work
described in Section 1.3.
The OFFICIAL CONTACT for this solicitation is:
Tasha Townsend
Director of Procurement
The City of Bennettsville
(843)479-9001 Ext. 331
tasha.townsend@bennettsvillesc.com
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
Each firm responding to this solicitation is officially a RESPONDENT. Each respondent must
submit a sealed package containing five (5) hard copies of the package and one (1) digital
copy of the package to Tasha Townsend at the address above no later than November 6,
2026. Complete packages may be submitted in person or by regular mail. All submissions will
be logged in and date and time stamped. Any qualifications package that is received after
the date and time specified will be logged and date and time stamped as "late" and
returned unopened to the respondent.
2.2. Procurement Timeline
Release date for RFQ October 6, 2026
Final Date to Receive Written Questions/Clarifications October 19, 2026
RFQ Closing Date October 30, 2026
Completion of Selection Committee Review and Recommendation
November 2, 2026
No later than 60
Execution of Contract (both parties can request additional time)
days after the
official award
2.3. Questions/Requests for Clarification
All questions and/or requests for clarification regarding this RFQ should be provided in writing
to Tasha Townsend no later than November 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm. All questions submitted and
their answers will be posted on the City of Bennettsville website as an addendum to this RFQ
prior to the RFQ deadline. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.
2.4. Addenda
If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQ, a written addendum will be issued. All
addenda issued by The City of Bennettsville will become part of the official RFQ and will be
posted on the City of Bennettsville website, www.bennettsvillesc.com. Receipt of all addenda
must be acknowledged in the response to this RFQ.
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
2.5. Contact Policy
No direct or indirect contact regarding this solicitation may be made with any representatives
of the City of Bennettsville other than the official contact identified in this RFQ. If such contact
is made, the City of Bennettsville reserves the right to reject a submission by that respondent.
All questions and/or requests for clarification must be provided in accordance with Section 2.5
of the RFQ. This contact policy applies to site visits and requests for technical information. Any
technical information needed from the City of Bennettsville to prepare a submission should be
coordinated through the Questions/Requests for Clarification process outlined in Section 2.3.
2.6. Acceptance and Rejection of Submissions
Any submissions that do not conform to the essential requirements of the RFQ shall be
rejected. The City of Bennettsville reserves the right to waive informalities and minor
irregularities in submittals and reserves the sole right to determine what constitutes
informalities and minor irregularities. The City of Bennettsville also reserves the right to accept
or reject any or all submissions received in response to this RFQ. The City of Bennettsville is
not obligated to enter into any contract on the basis of any submittal in response to this RFQ.
The City of Bennettsville reserves the right to request additional information from any firm
submitting under this RFQ if such information is necessary to clarify the submission.
2.7. Cancellation/Rejection
The City of Bennettsville may cancel this RFQ in whole or in part at any time if it is determined
to be in the best interest of the City of Bennettsville. The City of Bennettsville may reject any or
all submissions in whole or in part if it is determined to be in the best interest of the City of
Bennettsville.
2.8. Conflict of Interest
Respondents shall promptly notify the City of Bennettsville in writing of all potential conflicts of
interest for any prospective business association, interest, or other circumstance, which may
influence or appear to influence the respondent's judgment or quality of services being
provided hereunder. Such written notification shall identify the prospective business
association, interest, or circumstance, the nature of work that such a person may undertake
and request an opinion of the City of Bennettsville as to whether the association, interest, or
circumstance would, in the opinion of the City of Bennettsville, constitute a conflict of interest.
By responding to this RFQ, the respondent certifies that there is no conflict of interest with any
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
employee, agent, elected official or officer of the City of Bennettsville or any other conflict as
may be set forth herein.
3. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS CONTENTS
The submission must include the following, in the order listed:
3.1. Company Profile
Provide the legal business name, ownership structure, principal business address, primary
contact information, and a brief organizational history.
3.2. Relevant Experience
Describe previous restaurant ownership, development, management, or hospitality experience.
Identify existing or previously operated establishments, including their locations, general
concepts, and operating history.
3.3. Proposed Restaurant Concept
Provide a narrative describing the proposed restaurant, anticipated cuisine, target customer
base, intended operating hours, and approach to breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
3.4. Operational and Management Capacity
Describe the proposed management structure, relevant professional experience, staffing
approach, and anticipated involvement of the business owners or principals.
3.5. Financial Qualifications
Provide evidence of financial capacity or a credible strategy for securing the resources
necessary to establish and operate the restaurant.
Respondents may submit a general financing plan, evidence of available capital, lender
relationships, or other relevant financial information.
Detailed financial statements may be requested during subsequent negotiations.
3.6. Preliminary Development Approach
Describe the respondent's general approach to adapting the property for restaurant operations.
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
Identify any significant modifications to the conceptual layout and major building or equipment
requirements anticipated by the respondent.
3.7. Proposed Partnership and Incentive Needs
Identify the general type of assistance, lease structure, building improvements, or startup
incentives the respondent believes would support a successful project.
Detailed financial negotiations are not required at this stage.
3.8. References
Provide at least three professional or business references familiar with the respondents' relevant
experience, where available.
4. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The City will review submissions to identify qualified respondents with experience and capacity
to successfully develop and operate the proposed restaurant.
The City anticipates considering the following evaluation criteria:
Evaluation Criteria Weight
Relevant restaurant and hospitality experience 25%
Proposed restaurant concept and alignment with the City's vision 25%
Financial qualifications and business sustainability 20%
Operational and management capacity 15%
Proposed development approach and potential economic contribution 15%
Total 100%
The City may invite one or more respondents to participate in interviews, provide additional
information, tour the property, or engage in preliminary discussions.
Following its review, the City may identify a preferred respondent with whom to negotiate a
development and operating arrangement.
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"

City of Bennettsville, SC
OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
P.O. Box 1036
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
CITY ADMINI STRATOR
WILLIAM C. SIMON, JR.
Selection as a preferred respondent does not constitute an award of a lease, purchase
option, financial incentive, or development agreement.
Any final agreement will be subject to required approvals and applicable procurement,
property disposition, and other legal requirements.
5. ANTICIPATED PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
Activity Date
RFQ advertisement October 6, 2026
Solicitation period October 6 - October 30, 2026
Submission deadline October 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
Evaluation of qualifications Following submission deadline
Interviews, if necessary To be determined
Selection and negotiations November 2, 2026
***The City reserves the right to modify the schedule, as necessary.
6. GENERAL CONDITIONS
The City reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, request additional information,
conduct interviews, negotiate with qualified respondents, or discontinue this solicitation when
determined to be in the City's interest and consistent with applicable law.
The City is not responsible for costs incurred by respondents in preparing or submitting
qualifications or participating in subsequent discussions.
The issuance of this RFQ does not obligate the City to enter into an agreement, provide funding,
complete improvements, or convey any interest in the property.
All proposed financial arrangements, incentives, and property transactions will be subject to
applicable legal requirements and necessary City approvals.
Information submitted in response to this solicitation may be subject to disclosure under the
South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
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"BENNETTSVILLE, A CITY ON THE MOVE"