News Release

Independence National Historical Park has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease, operate, and maintain City Tavern

City Tavern

NPS Photo

News Release Date: January 25, 2023

Contact: Andrew McDougall, 215-435-4372

Philadelphia – Independence National Historical Park has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease, operate, and maintain City Tavern at 138 South 2^nd Street, Philadelphia. 

City Tavern is a 15,100 square foot restaurant facility located in Independence National Historical Park.  The original City Tavern was a favorite meeting place of the Founding Fathers and unofficial meeting site for the First Continental Congress.  Originally built in 1773 and razed in 1854, the National Park Service built a replica of the building in 1975 as a working tavern.  City Tavern was operated for many years by Chef Walter Staib and provided a colonial themed restaurant and tavern atmosphere, with American Colonial style foods. The RFP does not require a continuation of an 18^th century dining experience. However, the operation should have character, attract diverse visitors, and serve the surrounding community as well as visitors to the park. 

The new Lessee will be required to operate a restaurant, although some space could be reserved for additional uses compatible with a national historical park setting and the Lessee may also use the premises for private events, utilizing either or both the indoor and outdoor space. Interested individuals and organizations with relevant experience are invited to submit a proposal to lease the facility.  The facility currently has 5 levels, including 3 dining levels, 3 kitchens, multiple offices, and storage space.  A large outdoor dining patio and courtyard are included within the Lessee’s land assignment.  A total of 250 customers can be accommodated within the current layout.    

See the full announcement with attachments and apply at SAM.gov via https://sam.gov/opp/e14757a537fa4ebf999797b5e720b0c1/view. All proposals under this RFP must be received by 4:30 p.m. on March 27, 2023. 

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