Port Pantry Operator

The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department is seeking proposals from qualified food service companies to operate the Port Pantry Cafe at the Harbor Administration Building. The selected operator will be responsible for full-service cafe management, non-exclusive catering for meetings and special events, and the provision of coffee and tea services across various facilities. Additionally, the operator must maintain at least nine vending machines available 24/7 at the Harbor Administration Building, Port Police Headquarters, and other department locations. The expected duration of the agreement is three years from the date of execution. Proposals are due by September 24, 2026, and will be evaluated through a two-phase process. Phase one focuses on firm qualifications, marketing plans, compensation and pricing, management operations, and financial capability. Finalists will undergo a second phase consisting of an in-person interview and a menu sample event. To be eligible for payment, operators must provide a Business Tax Registration Certificate and adhere to City of Los Angeles living wage laws and Cal-OSHA safety standards. The contract emphasizes the use of environmentally responsible and compostable disposable products and requires the submission of monthly gross sales statements and quarterly operating and marketing plans.