MIDFLORIDA Event Center Catering Contract

Pursuant to the Port St. Lucie City Code of Ordinance 35.07, this electronic Request for Proposals (RFP) is being issued to establish a contract with a qualified proposer who will provide MIDFLORIDA Event Center Catering Contract to the City of Port St. Lucie (hereinafter, “City”) as further described in this RFP.

The MIDFLORIDA Event Center (hereafter referred to as the MFEC) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced catering service providers to deliver high-quality food and beverage services for a variety of events held at the facility. The MFEC is a premier special event facility owned and operated by the City of Port St. Lucie. Strategically located along Florida’s Treasure Coast—midway between Orlando, Miami, and Tampa—the MFEC serves as a regional hub for a wide array of events and activities that enhance quality of life and stimulate economic development within the community.

With over 400 event days annually, the MFEC welcomes more than 150,000 guests each year, hosting a dynamic schedule of public, private, and corporate events. These include conferences, banquets, weddings, expos, trade shows, concerts, festivals, sporting events, and performing arts productions. This high volume of activity presents significant opportunities for approved caterers to serve a diverse clientele and grow their business within a vibrant, high-traffic venue.

The MFEC encompasses 100,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space. Key features include:

• Two beautifully appointed ballrooms with flexible layouts
• A spacious, light-filled grand lobby ideal for receptions and networking
• A curated art gallery showcasing local and regional talent
• The Village Square, an open-air plaza equipped with a performance stage, is ideal for festivals and large-scale gatherings that can hold 500-5,000 attendees.
• Capacity to host banquet events for 10 to 700 guests (depending on layout) and theater-style seating for up to 1,400 attendees

To support catering operations, the MFEC is equipped with a 1,200+ square-foot commercial-grade catering kitchen designed for finishing, plating, and service preparation. The kitchen features standard commercial appliances and prep areas, and is available to approved caterers in accordance with facility policies and event requirements.

The MFEC is committed to delivering exceptional service in a safe and well-maintained environment while preserving the facility's integrity and financial sustainability. This document outlines the catering requirements and expectations for prospective caterers.

For the MFEC, possessing through a partnership, a highly reliable and professionally managed catering operation out of the City's Event facility is critical in meeting the Center's three primary strategic plan goals of: 1) High Quality Infrastructures & Facilities; 2) Culture, Nature & Fun Activities; and 3) High-Performing Government Organization.

The successful awardee will, by extension, will have a direct impact on this facility's reputation and the overall success of our catered Events throughout the duration of this contract. MFEC Admin staff, along with our partners in Procurement, will thoroughly review all candidates' submissions to assess qualifications and determine the best fit for our organization moving forward, when this contract begins on February 1st, 2026.

All candidates are invited to fully review the overall scope, attached documents, and provide the required information as requested. Applicants are encouraged to err on the side of providing more information than less, where it seems fit. Applicants are encouraged to reach back through this Procurement channel with any questions for answers or details not already covered in the Scope section of this RFP.