Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI)

Operator for restaurant at former Seamaster’s location in Kitamaat Village, B.C.

August 15, 2024:  yáqʷa Development Corporation is seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in leasing and operating a restaurant within the Haisla community, specifically at the newly acquired Sunrise General Merchandise Building in Kitamaat Village, British Columbia.

The building will be divided in two sections, with one half being occupied by Gizuà Market and the other half to be renovated and turned back into a restaurant.

We are seeking a qualified operator to collaborate with yáqʷa Development Corporation to develop a new concept for the restaurant, in consideration of community input, and to successfully operate the restaurant.

1.0 Purpose of Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI)

The purpose of this RFEI is to invite potential lessees who are interested in operating a restaurant within the Haisla community to submit their proposal. yáqʷa Development Corporation will review all expressions of interest against the evaluation criteria and identify a shortlist of potential lessees to submit formal proposals.

Submissions will be reviewed, and a preferred lessee will be selected to finalize the concept for the restaurant and lease agreement. The selected lessee will have the opportunity to serve the local community and contribute to the economic growth of the Haisla Nation.

2.0 Scope of Work

The scope of work includes collaborating with yáqʷa Development Corporation to finalize a concept for the restaurant that supports the Haisla Nation’s economic and community vision, considers community feedback, and operating a restaurant space within the Sunrise General Merchandise Building in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes.

The lessee will be responsible for all aspects of running the restaurant, including but not limited to staffing, menu creation, marketing, and managing day-to-day operations. 

3.0 Submission Requirements

Interested parties should submit a proposal that includes the following information:

• Business background and experience in successful restaurant management
• Proposed concept for the restaurant (cuisine type, target market, etc.), including how the concept considers community interests and values (as summarized in Appendix A below)
• Marketing plan for promoting the restaurant within the Haisla community and beyond
• Proposed timeline for opening and operating the restaurant
• Preliminary financial plan outlining projected revenue and expenses
• Preliminary staffing plan with proposed roles and responsibilities, including how Haisla Nation members will be prioritized for employment
• Any additional information that showcases the potential success of the proposed restaurant

Expressions of Interest must be submitted via email by September 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. PST (late submissions will not be accepted), and addressed to the attention of:  Lisa Grant, Business Development Manager, lgrant@yaqwadevcorp.com

4.0 Questions for Interested Lessees

 In order to better understand your interest and capabilities, in addition to the requirements listed in Section 3.0, please provide answers to the following questions as part of your submission:

• What is your experience in restaurant management? Please provide a brief overview of your background and any relevant accomplishments.
• What concept would you propose to operate? Explain why you feel this will be a compelling and successful business concept?
• What type of cuisine do you plan to offer at the restaurant?
• Who will be your target market for the restaurant?
• How do you plan on promoting and marketing the restaurant within the Haisla community and beyond?
• How many staff members do you anticipate needing and what roles will they fulfill?
• How does your proposed concept align with the values and needs of the Haisla community?
• What contributions do you see your restaurant making to the economic growth of the Haisla Nation.

5.0 Evaluation Criteria

Expressions of interests will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Experience in restaurant management and operations
• Compelling, quality concept that will be an attractive venue for Haisla members, and visitors from the local community and abroad
• Alignment with Haisla community values and needs
• Potential economic contribution to the Haisla Nation, including commitment to training and hiring Haisla members and services
• Financial viability and sustainability of proposed concept
• Other criteria deemed to be relevant by the evaluation team

yáqʷa Development Corporation will review all expressions of interest against the evaluation criteria and identify a shortlist of potential lessees to submit formal proposals. Proposals will be reviewed, and a preferred lessee will be selected to finalize the concept for the restaurant and lease agreement.

yáqʷa Development Corporation reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, and to accept the proposal deemed most favourable to yáqʷa Development Corporation.

6.0 Conclusion

We look forward to receiving your proposal and exploring the potential for a successful partnership in operating a restaurant within our community. Thank you for considering this opportunity and we are excited to see all that your proposal has to offer. We encourage any additional information that showcases the potential of your proposed restaurant. Best of luck!

About yáqʷa

yáqʷa was established in 2024 as the economic development arm of the Haisla Nation. Our mandate is to develop, manage and own the active businesses of the Nation. yáqʷa was established to allow for the separation of business and governance within the Haisla Nation. We are open for business and encourage you to visit our website to learn more and reach out to our team.

APPENDIX A – COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Background
On June 26, 2004, yáqʷa Development Corporation announced the purchase of the Sunrise General Store building. It marked another milestone for the Nation as yáqʷa continues to focus on building opportunities for Haisla-led businesses and members to grow and prosper.

As part of the announcement, yáqʷa launched a survey to identify community needs and interests, as well as to support the rebranding of the former Sunrise General store.

Survey Results
The survey was launched on June 26 and closed on July 25, 2024. The survey received 73 individual responses.Overall, the survey responses reflect a strong community interest in developing a restaurant and general store that cater to both traditional and contemporary preferences, with an emphasis on local culture, convenience, and variety.

The following table provides a high-level summary of the feedback received: