Project Information

Bid Title

Restaurant Space Lease: Historic Grier House

Issuing Agency

Liberal city

Location

Kansas

Published Date

Jan 28, 2026

Closing Date

Feb 23, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Restaurant Space Lease: Historic Grier House
Category:	Other Postings
Status:	Open

Description: The City is currently seeking a professional partner to operate 2,915 square feet of ground-level floor space at the historic Grier House, located at 2 Rock Island Road. The City is seeking a proposal from external parties to establish a new, financially sustainable restaurant in the designated space. The premises will be leased on a yearly basis at a rate of $3,500 per month. Publication Date/Time: 1/28/2026 11:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 2/23/2026 8:00 AM Submittal Information: Hand-deliver or mail to: Attn: City Manager’s Office, 324 N Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS 67901. Contact Person: Interested applicants may request a tour of the lease facility by contacting Steve Carroll at (620) 626-2222. Qualifications: Format: Submit two (2) original copies, signed in blue ink, on 8.5” x 11” paper. Labeling: Sealed packages must be clearly marked “SEALED PROPOSAL: GRIER HOUSE OFFICE SPACE.” Method: Hand-deliver or mail to: Attn: City Manager’s Office, 324 N Kansas Ave, Liberal, KS 67901. (Email/Fax will not be accepted). Special Requirements: Qualified applicants will provide the sections identified in Part III of the detailed RFP information in the related documents Related Documents: Grier House Restaurant RFP

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: LEASE & OPERATION OF THE HISTORIC GRIER HOUSE

PART I: RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY

1. Introduction & Community Profile

Located in Southwest Kansas, the City of Liberal is a welcoming community of approximately

19,825 residents, built on a legacy of generosity. With a focus on fiscal responsibility, the City is

seeking a professional partner to operate 2,915 square feet of ground-level floor space at the

historic Grier House, located at 2 Rock Island Road.

The City is seeking a proposal from external parties to establish a new, financially sustainable

restaurant in the designated space. The premises will be leased on a yearly basis at a rate of

$3,500 per month. Interested parties can find more information about the property and the

application process on the City of Liberal official website (cityofliberal.org).

Our Values:

• Engagement: Community collaboration in decision-making.

• Integrity: Transparent and fiscally responsible operations.

• Excellence: Professional service and adaptability to community needs.

2. Purpose & Objectives

The City intends to award an operating agreement and long-term lease to a partner who will

achieve:

• Historic Activation: Honors the site’s heritage as a vibrant eating and drinking

establishment.

• Economic Vitality: Serves regional visitors and local residents fueling growth, and

provides stable, local jobs.

• Community Alignment: Integrates with Liberal’s Downtown District to enhance local

quality of life.

3. Property Description & Preservation

The Grier House is a landmark of Liberal’s railroad history, formerly serving the Rock Island

Depot.

• Status: Recognized on the Kansas State Register of Historic Places; lessees must adhere

to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

• Responsibility: The lessee is responsible for cleaning, repairs, and maintaining

equipment and building condition, including hood, exhaust, and grease pit. Lessee must

meet current Kansas Health and Safety, and City Building Codes.

• Utilities: Water, electricity, sewer, trash, natural gas, fire inspections and extinguishers,

and dedicated emergency fire alarm included with lease.

• Occupancy: Banquet/dining rooms for 53 persons (west) and 45 persons (east).

PART II: SUBMISSION RULES

4. Submission Instructions

• Deadline: Proposals are due by February 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM. No extensions.

• Format: Submit two (2) original copies, signed in blue ink, on 8.5” x 11” paper.

• Labeling: Sealed packages must be clearly marked “SEALED PROPOSAL: GRIER HOUSE

RESTAURANT.”

• Method: Hand-deliver or mail to: Attn: City Manager’s Office, 324 N Kansas Ave, Liberal,

KS 67901. (Email/Fax will not be accepted).

• Public Disclosure: Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), proposals are public

records. Clearly mark trade secrets as "Proprietary" to request a privilege against

disclosure.

5. Evaluation & Selection (100-Point Scale)

Criteria

Max

Points

Evaluation Factors

Operating Plan &

35

Innovation, theme quality, and resource allocation

Concept

strategy.

Experience &

Qualifications

30

Proven track record in food service and successful past

partnerships.

Financial Capability

15

Stability, funding, and realistic financial projections.

Marketing & Impact

10

Responsiveness

10

Ability to draw regional visitors and fuel community

growth.

Professionalism, organization, and adherence to RFP

requirements.

PART III: REQUIRED CONTENT TO BE SUBMITTED

SECTION 1: PROPOSER IDENTIFICATION

• Individual/Entity Name: _________________________________________________

• Primary Contact & Title: ________________________________________________

• Business Address: ______________________________________________________

• Phone Number: ____________________ Email: ___________________________

• TIN/SSN & Date of Birth: ________________________________________________

(Required for mandatory background, credit, and criminal history checks)

SECTION 2: EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES

• Years in Industry: _________

• History: Attach a resume for the lessee and all principal personnel. Include a 10-year

summary of employment or business ownership.

• Insolvency: Have you or any business in which you owned >10% ever been subject to

bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings? [ ] Yes [ ] No (If yes, attach details).

• References: List three (3) professional references with direct knowledge of your

experience (Name, Company, Phone Number).

SECTION 3: OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

• Theme & Vision: Attach a detailed description of the theme, customer service theory,

and entertainment plans.

• Menu: Attach a sample menu with proposed pricing and serving hours (Breakfast,

Lunch, Dinner).

• Schedule: List proposed hours for Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays.

• Alcohol Service: Are you willing and able to secure a Kansas Liquor or Cereal Malt

Beverage License? [ ] Yes [ ] No

SECTION 4: STAFFING & BUSINESS PLAN

• Staffing: Provide an organizational chart, expected headcount, position descriptions,

and salary ranges.

• Marketing: Attach a plan for advertising to the public and integrating with City events.

SECTION 5: FINANCIALS & IMPROVEMENTS

• Projections: Attach a 3-year financial projection for the business.

• Funding: Attach a formal financial statement showing resources available for start-up

and sustained operation.

• Improvements: List any planned improvements to the facility, including equipment and

décor.

PART IV: CERTIFICATION & SIGNATURE

I hereby certify that all information provided in this proposal is true and accurate. I

acknowledge that the City of Liberal may independently verify this information and that any

inaccuracies may result in disqualification or contract default.

Proposer

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _______________

PART V: FACILITY TOURS

Respondents are strongly encouraged to tour the facility.

• Appointments: Contact Steve Carroll at 620-626-2222 to schedule.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: THIS RFP IS A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NOT A CONTRACT. THE

CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AND WAIVE INFORMALITIES AT

ITS SOLE DISCRETION.

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 531120Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)

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