Request for Proposal – Full-Service Coffee Shop Lease Opportunity at Tamarack Marketplace

Dear Coffee Business Owner,

Tamarack Marketplace is excited to invite qualified and passionate coffee shop purveyors to submit proposals for a unique lease opportunity within our facility. We are seeking a partner to operate a full-service coffee shop that offers high-quality café classics, signature beverages, smoothies, and iced drinks—all while complementing the vibrant, Appalachian-inspired experience our guests know and love.

Located between our gallery and restaurant of our building, this 625 square foot café-ready space is ideally suited for a seamless and efficient start-up. The space is already equipped with:

• Plumbing infrastructure including a three-compartment sink and hand sink
• 220V power to support espresso machines, blenders, and refrigeration
• Existing counter space and carpeting
• All utilities included in the monthly lease

We are looking for a committed operator to activate this space in time for the upcoming peak travel season beginning June 1, 2026. The selected business will enter into a minimum three-year lease, with a proposed monthly base rent of $2,000, inclusive of utilities and common area maintenance. The shop must operate during all regular business hours of Tamarack Marketplace and always maintain full staffing.

To maintain product balance within our Marketplace, we do require that leased operations exclude the sale of certain items such as bottled/fountain beverages, ice cream, packaged snacks (chips, candy bars, etc.), and novelty market products already offered by Tamarack. A product list is required (with the lease) and may be updated with approval from Tamarack Marketplace management.

We welcome proposals from experienced and enthusiastic coffee entrepreneurs who share our commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction. Please review the enclosed RFP for full details and submission guidelines.

We look forward to the possibility of working together to bring a vibrant and flavorful addition to Tamarack Marketplace.

Warm regards,
Tammy Coffman
Executive Director
Tamarack Marketplace

Full-Service Coffee Shop Lease Opportunity

RFP Issued: January 5, 2026 Letter of Intent to Submit: January 12,2026 before Noon via email Proposal Deadline: January 29, 2026, before Noon Target Opening Date: June 1, 2026 Contact: Tammy Coffman, Executive Director 304.256.6843 tcoffman@tamarackwv.com

I. Opportunity Overview

Tamarack Marketplace, a division of WV Parkways Authority, is inviting proposals from qualified West Virginia coffee shop business owners to lease a fully outfitted café space in Beckley, West Virginia. We are seeking a full-service coffee shop partner to provide high-quality beverages and classic café offerings to serve our year-round visitors and local and travel traffic.

The ideal tenant will deliver exceptional customer service, operate during all Tamarack business hours, and offer a curated beverage menu that enhances the guest experience.  The sale of bagged ground coffee and coffee beans is encouraged, as well as, company logo merchandise related to coffee and approved by Tamarack Marketplace management.

II. Space Details

• Size: Approximately 625 sq. ft.
• Location: Situated between our gallery and restaurant
• Includes:
  • Built-in counter space
  • Three-compartment sink and handwashing sink
  • 220V electrical for espresso machines/blenders
  • Carpeted flooring
  • Utilities included (space not separately metered)
• Monthly Rent: Proposed at $2,000 flat (CAM fees included)
• Lease Term: Minimum 3 years

III. Product Requirements

The coffee shop must offer:

• Traditional café beverages (drip coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, etc.)
• Signature drinks, seasonal offerings, and iced beverages
• Smoothies, frappes, or similar blended drinks
• Limited baked/dessert goods.
• Logo/merchandise (coffee mugs, cups, t-shirts, hats)

The following are not permitted for sale to avoid overlap with Tamarack Marketplace offerings:

• Bottled or fountain drinks, bottled water
• Ice cream (scooped or novelty)
• Candy bars, bagged chips, or novelty snacks
• Market-style retail products
• Prepared Foods

IV. Operational Requirements

• Must be open and fully staffed during all regular hours of Tamarack Marketplace
• All permanent installations become the property of Tamarack Marketplace upon lease termination
• Any buildouts or modifications require prior written approval
• All contractors must be licensed, insured, and in compliance with city, county, and state laws and permit requirements
• Store signage design is subject to review and approval by Tamarack Marketplace management
• Compliance with ADA accessibility standards within leased premises.
• Commercial General Liability insurance, named WV Parkways Authority, additionally insured with a minimum of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.
• Health Department Permits, Food Handlers Certification and adherence to non-discrimination policies in hiring and service.

• Monthly Sales Reporting
  As a condition of the lease, the tenant shall submit a monthly sales report to Tamarack Marketplace no later than the 10th day of each month for the prior month’s gross sales.
  • Sales reports must include total gross sales before tax, broken down by category (e.g., espresso drinks, iced beverages, smoothies, food items, etc.) and submitted in a format approved by Tamarack Marketplace.

All submitted sales data will be treated confidentially and used for internal planning, performance monitoring, and to assess overall Marketplace trends

V. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested businesses must submit the following:

1. Business Overview
   • Name, ownership structure, and brief history
   • Locations currently operated
2. Proposed Concept
   • Menu highlights
   • Signature beverages and more
3. Operations Plan
   • Staffing, uniforms, grooming policy
4. Design Concept
   • Interior design vision and signage ideas
5. Experience & Qualifications
   • Food service background, business licenses, or relevant certifications
6. Financial Summary
   • General startup budget and proof of funding capacity (letter from banking institution)
7. References
   • At least two references from past landlords, partners or vendors

VI. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and creativity of the proposed concept
• Operational readiness and experience
• Alignment with Tamarack Marketplace branding and customer base
• Financial viability
• Capacity to meet June 1, 2026, opening timeline

VII. Submission Timeline

VIII. Submission Instructions

Please submit your complete proposal by email (PDF format preferred) to no later than Noon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Tammy Coffman
Executive Director
Tamarack Marketplace
tcoffman@tamarackwv.com
304.256.6843