Cafeteria Food Service Space Available in Secure & Populated State Building in Jamestown

The California Department of General Services, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, is seeking a professional cafeteria operator to lease and manage food service space at the Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown, California. The selected operator will provide high-quality, nutritious, and reasonably priced breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for approximately 1,068 employees, guests, and visitors. Key requirements include offering made-to-order live food service, gluten-free and low-sodium options, and the use of free-range eggs. The operator must support both cash and cashless payments and is encouraged to provide phone, internet, and app-based ordering. While catering services are optional, the state prioritizes a commitment to healthy menu selections and excellent customer service. The lease term is for five years, beginning in 2026, and includes a 30-day rent-free set-up period. Desired hours of operation are 24/7, with a minimum requirement of Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The operator must employ a full-time on-site manager, preferably with five years of experience, and adhere to strict sustainability and safety standards, including LEED standards, Serve Safe principles, and the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law. All consumable supplies must be biodegradable or recyclable, and styrofoam is strictly prohibited. Proposals are evaluated on a 1,000-point scale, focusing on the operating plan and menu selections. To be considered, bidders must provide a cover letter, legal business documentation, references, and proof of liquid assets of at least 10,000 dollars. Mandatory requirements include a site walk-through on August 20, 2026, and the submission of security clearance forms by August 7, 2026. The final award will be made based on the best interest of the State.