Request for Statement of Interest

FOR A FOOD SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE

Los Alamos County Golf Course Restaurant and Community Building

Proposers must submit proposals electronically to: linda.lindstrom@losalamosnm.gov. Proposals should be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, October 10, 2025. Information required for proposals is outlined within the Statement of Interest.

OVERVIEW.

Los Alamos County intends to enter into a non-assignable lease agreement for the operation of the Los Alamos Golf Course restaurant and is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or businesses to provide restaurant, cafe and/or snack bar services at the County-owned Golf Course and within the Golf Course premises.

The objective of this solicitation is to select a qualified restaurateur, concession service operator, or individual interested in operating the food and beverage facility and beverage cart at Los Alamos County Golf Course. The selected proposer will be expected to enhance the overall experience of Golf Course patrons by delivering high-quality food and beverage service, catering and banquet services for tournaments, special events, and functions— including beverage cart operations on the Golf Course offering a selection of beer, wine, and/or spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, and a limited assortment of food items.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND.

The County is situated at the foot of the Jemez Mountains on the Pajarito Plateau with an elevation ranging from 5,500 feet to 10,400 feet. Two distinct communities, Los Alamos town site and White Rock, combined are home to approximately 19,000 people and a daytime worker population of 25,000+. Both communities are served by a single local government headed by a seven-member County Council, and by a separate unified public school district. The local school district is the top-ranked school system in the State of New Mexico. Los Alamos County serves as its own utility for all utility services, including electric, natural gas, water, sewer, and refuse collection.

The median age in Los Alamos is 41.5 years old. Los Alamos County has an annual average income of $123,677.00 and an unemployment rate of 1.5%. The major employer in the County is the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANL currently employs over 15,000 employees and continues to grow and add workers. By 2025, LANL will employ ~20,000 workers with a total budget of $5 billion/year.

The mild 4-season regional climate and landscape cater to a growing active and outdoor lifestyle-based demographic, suitable for all ages. The County is surrounded by federal, county, and tribal land and contains hundreds of miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. In addition, amenities within the County include Pajarito Ski Area, Los Alamos Public Ice Rink, an indoor Olympic swimming pool, and much more.

Over the past 10 years, the Los Alamos Golf Course Restaurant has primarily operated as a food and beverage concession serving both golfers and the general public, with peak activity during the spring through fall seasons. In addition to daily dining service, the space has been used for private events such as weddings, receptions, retirement parties, and business luncheons, as well as community gatherings and tournament-related functions. The restaurant has hosted special events like brunches and fundraisers, contributing to its role as a valued community venue.

GENERAL INFORMATION.

Built in 2013, the Los Alamos County Golf Course Community Building is a multi-use facility located adjacent to the scenic Los Alamos Golf Course, offering both recreational and community amenities. The building houses a full-service restaurant space which is open to both golfers and the general public. The restaurant features a main dining area with a posted capacity of 76 guests, a bar area, and access to a scenic outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green, providing a unique and welcoming dining experience with mountain and course views.

Also located within the Community Building is a 2,000-square-foot event and meeting room that supports banquets, private rentals, and community use. This flexible space accommodates up to 136 people for seated events or 272 in a reception-style configuration.

The Community Building also includes a commercial kitchen, shared restrooms, and storage and service areas that support both the restaurant and event and meeting room functions.

The Los Alamos Golf Course itself is a popular and well-used municipal amenity, generally open from March through November, weather permitting. The course averages approximately 25,000 rounds of golf during the season and hosts around 30 tournaments annually, as well as the district cross country meet. These events and the course’s regular play contribute to consistent foot traffic and present strong opportunities for the restaurant and catering services.

LIQUOR LICENSE.

The selected proposer may use the County’s New Mexico Government Liquor License (“Liquor License”) to serve beer, wine, and spirits within designated areas, that are shown and designated as the authorized area in the County's Liquor License ("Authorized Area"), these currently include the patio, community room, dining area and Golf Course perimeter. If utilizing the County’s Liquor License, the selected proposer may sell and dispense beer, wine & spirits only (i) by trained alcohol servers; and (ii) during hours consistent with the conditions of the Liquor License. The selected proposer will be responsible for the annual cost of licensure application and renewal and will assist the County in preparing applications and supporting documents for renewal. The selected proposer may choose to provide their own liquor license at their own expense

The selected proposer must agree to provide catering during golf tournaments at the Golf Course and work closely with other organizations on an individual basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF SELECTED PROPOSER:

The selected proposer shall be responsible for all costs associated with the restaurant, including but not limited to:

All liability, property, and any other insurance associated with the operation of the restaurant, which includes naming the County as an additional insured and as documented on their certificates of liability insurance. These insurances must include a General Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and Automobile Liability Insurance for the selected proposer and its employees in an amount at least equal to the minimum required by state law on any owned, and/or non-owned motor vehicles used in performing services under the lease agreement.
Utilities charges, as further outlined below.
Workers' Compensation in an amount as may be required by law. County may immediately terminate the lease agreement if the selected proposer fails to comply with the Worker's Compensation Act and applicable rules when required to do so.
Financial record maintenance for the operations within this facility, all of which shall be subject to inspection upon request by County.
The selected proposer must develop and maintain contingency plans for emergencies like public health crises, utility disruptions, or facilities and/or Golf Course closures. These plans must include adherence to health protocols, temporary operational changes, and collaboration with the County. Restaurant service must resume promptly after safe conditions are restored.
The selected proposer will be responsible for lease payments to the County as negotiated at the time of the lease agreement.

ROLE OF THE COUNTY.

The County owns the Community Building and Golf Course. The role of the County as it relates to the lease of the facility will be to act as a facilitator for a successful partnership between the County and the selected proposer by providing oversight, support, and coordination to ensure the Selected proposer’s provision of services and food and beverage operation meets community expectations and complements the overall Golf Course experience. The County will:

o Promote collaboration between the selected proposer and County’s Golf Course Management staff to maintain consistent and high-quality patron experience.

o Coordinate with the selected proposer on scheduling, logistics, and operational needs related to Golf Course events, tournaments, and special outings.

o Support marketing and promotional efforts, where appropriate, to increase awareness of the food and beverage services offered.

o Monitor compliance with local health, safety, and business regulations, as well as with the terms of the lease agreement.

o Serve as the main point of contact for operational concerns, performance issues, or facility maintenance matters as it pertains to the restaurant.

o Maintain responsibility for promoting, marketing, scheduling and booking the meeting/event room for public and private events and parties.

o Maintain the structural integrity of the property, ensuring that the roof, walls, floors, and foundation remain safe and sound, and that all stairs, balconies, and railings are secure.

o Maintain essential utilities and building systems, including plumbing, heating, electricity, hot water, and gas, and will make timely repairs to HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical wiring. Common areas—such as hallways, lobbies, storage rooms, and stairwells—will be kept clean, well-lit, and safe.

o Maintain exterior areas (County’s parking lots, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fences, and signage).

o Ensure that County’s security systems and emergency exits are fully operational.

o Annual kitchen hood inspections. The selected proposer will handle the regular cleaning of the hood system.

The County’s goal is to support the selected proposer’s success while ensuring the highest standards of service and hospitality are upheld for residents and visitors alike.

PERTINENT DOCUMENTS.

The following documents should be reviewed by all proposers when completing their proposals, which can be accessed or downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/LAC-Golf-Course-Restaurant

• County’s New Mexico Government Liquor License

• Shared Common Areas of Golf Course Community Building

• Rent Appraisal

• List of Inventory Items (furniture, equipment, etc.). The inventory list may be updated after the current tenant

vacates and a formal walkthrough is completed.

• Sample Lease Agreement

SITE ACCESS FOR PROPOSERS.

Two (2) non-mandatory pre-proposal site walkthroughs will be conducted for potential proposers on September 22 at 9:00 AM and September 26 at 2:00 PM at the Golf Course Community Building, located at 4544 Diamond Drive. Anyone interested in proposing may attend the walkthrough and can also ask clarifying questions with County staff prior to the submittal deadline by submitting them to LAC Community Services Sr. Management Analyst, Linda Lindstrom, at linda.lindstrom@losalamosnm.gov. The County will provide written comments or responses to questions asked at the site visit or via the above email address, and such comments will be distributed to all interested parties.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.

Proposers must submit proposals electronically to linda.lindstrom@losalamosnm.gov. Proposals should be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, October 10, 2025. All materials will become the property of the County and are public records. Submissions should contain the following information:

COVER LETTER.
Proposers shall provide a cover letter with introductory information, including, point of contact, address, phone number, and email address. This letter should provide a concise summary of the proposal, identify the key individuals and their relevant experience who would be providing the services described herein, and generally introduce the County to the capabilities of the proposer’s team. The letter should be signed by an authorized individual or owner submitting the proposal.

If a proposer is partnering with another entity, all information pertaining to all participants must be included in the proposal.
PROPOSED MODEL OF SERVICES
Proposers should outline their vision for the restaurant, including but not limited to:
1. Concept Overview:
  - What type of restaurant is being proposed (e.g., casual, fine dining, fast casual)?
  - Identify the core idea or unique selling point of the business concept.
2. Menu & Culinary Vision:
  - Proposed menu with sample dishes or types of cuisine.
  - Plan of service for the beverage cart and services associated therein.
3. Target Audience & Market Positioning:
  - How does the proposed business concept fit into or differentiate from the local market?
  - Identify the proposed atmosphere (casual, upscale, family-friendly, etc.) for the restaurant.
4. Branding & Aesthetic:
  - Identify the proposed visual identity
  - What is the proposed marketing and internet presence for the restaurant and services?
5. Alcohol Program (if applicable):
  - Do you currently hold and plan to use, or do you plan to obtain, your own liquor license?
  - Identify what type of beverage program is proposed (wine bar, craft cocktails, local beer focus, etc.).
6. Hours of Operation
  The selected proposer will be expected to operate a full-service food and beverage establishment on a daily basis, providing service to both regular patrons and Golf Course users. The selected proposer may choose to have alternate hours of operation for the golf and non-golf season. During the golf season, it is expected that the restaurant is open similar hours as the Golf Course as approved in advance by the County. Changes to operating hours must be proposed in writing and are subject to prior written approval by the County. As part of the proposal, please provide the following:
  - Proposed weekday and weekend hours of operation for both the on and off season of the Golf Course
  - Whether you intend to offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or late-night service
  - Plans for takeout, delivery, and catering services, including any special offerings for tournaments or events.
7. Background and past experience in the food and beverage service industry.
8. Financial Proforma and Business Plan for the first year of operation. Provide a financial proforma and business plan describing, at minimum the first year of operation, how it will be financed, the management structure, whether a supply chain for food and beverage has been established, how the restaurant will be marketed, and who will control the day-to-day operation and decision making.
9. Community Benefit. Please describe the programs, services, and/ or initiatives you propose that will provide benefit to the County and/or the community.
10. Exceptions. Identify any exceptions or deviations from, or other requirements to Sample Lease Agreement along with proposed alternative language addressing the exception along with justification for such proposal(s). County may, but is not required to, negotiate changes in lease terms and provisions. The lease agreement, as finally agreed upon, must be in form and content acceptable to County.
TERMS.
The term of this Agreement is anticipated to commence on April 1,, 2026 and shall continue through March 31, 2031, unless extended or sooner terminated, as provided herein. This Agreement does not automatically renew; it automatically terminates on the Lease expiration or termination date, unless otherwise extended as provided herein.

Mutually Agreed-Upon Renewal Option. In accordance with the procedures outlined below, this Agreement may be renewed for up to two (2) additional five (5) year terms and shall be renegotiated based upon a new appraisal, paid for by County, at the then current market rate. Should either party request to renew this Agreement, as provided above, such party shall do so by providing written notice of the request to the other party no sooner than one (1) year and no later than six (6) months prior to the expiration of the current term. If notice is not given in the manner provided herein within the time specified, or if the Parties do not mutually agree upon the request to renew, then this option to renew shall lapse and expire.
RENT AND PAYMENTS.

Lease payments to the County will be based upon the current market rate, as identified in the Rent Appraisal and as negotiated with the selected proposer.

Water and sewer utilities will be included in the rent amount.

The Lessee shall pay for all gas, electric, telephone, internet service, cable television, other telecommunications, and other utilities supplied to the Premises together with any fees, surcharges and taxes thereon. If any such utility is not separately metered to Lessee, Lessee shall pay a reasonable proportion (to be determined by County) of all charges of such utility jointly metered or, in the alternative, County may, at its option, monitor the usage of such utilities by Lessee and charge Lessee with the cost of purchasing, installing and monitoring such metering equipment, which cost shall be paid by Lessee as Additional Rent.

All other terms for rent and other financial responsibilities of the selected proposer are identified in the Sample Lease Agreement.

APPLICANT/DEVELOPER FINANCIAL AND CONTRACTOR CAPACITY.

The County retains the right to view selected proposer’s financials, including prior and current financials, during selection process and throughout the term of lease.

EVALUATION.

The County will evaluate all complete and responsive proposals based on the information provided in the Submission Requirements and any related information that the County may discover in analyzing or verifying the information submitted in the proposal or subsequently requested.

This solicitation is expected to result in the selection of a suitable respondent for an exclusive negotiating period. However, the County of Los Alamos reserves the right to modify or cancel this solicitation. The selection process may include interviews with proposers at the County’s discretion.