Description
The City of Charleston is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to operate a convenience/grocery “corner store” on city‑owned space at 91 Hanover St. (the ERC within the James Lewis Apartments). The municipality will provide the building, major equipment, and a lease‑free space; the operator must stock pre‑packaged foods (no on‑site preparation), fresh produce, grab‑and‑go meals, medical supplies, and household items, with ≤10 % of space for beer/wine and no tobacco or lottery sales. The contract term is five years with two optional one‑year extensions. Vendors must demonstrate 3‑5 years of similar retail experience, financial capacity, and a plan for serving a diverse customer base, including possible discounts for apartment residents.
• Location: 91 Hanover St., Charleston, SC (ERC/James Lewis Apartments)
• Scope: Operate a full‑service convenience/grocery store (≥51 % of floor area for grocery items)
• Term: 5‑year base contract, renewable up to two additional 1‑year periods
• Submission deadline: 11/19/2026 12:00 PM (mail/hand‑deliver)
• Pre‑bid/site visit: Non‑mandatory on 11/5/2026 9:00 AM (optional)
• Required qualifications: 3‑5 years operating similar stores, financial statements, references, management plan, SBE participation (20 % target)
• Evaluation factors: Store concept, management philosophy, experience, financial capacity, ability to serve diverse customers.