Conservancy seeks multi-faceted partners experienced in “grab and go environments”
Search is a ‘first step toward a menu as wonderful as the rest of the park’  

(RALEIGH) - August 21, 2023 - Exciting new food and drink options are on their way to Dix Park, the bustling-yet-bucolic home to the Dreamville Festival, a popular annual summer sunflower field and much more.

In a just-issued Request for Information (available here), the Dix Park Conservancy, in conjunction with the City of Raleigh, announces it is “actively recruiting food and retail operators to provide and serve the range of food and beverage needs of Dix Park”. 

The RFI highlights “priority opportunity areas” at the 308-acre urban park: 

• Gipson Play Plaza, expected to draw families and fun-seekers from around the state when construction is complete, could host roving food carts and food trucks. 

• The historic House of Many Porches, which could feature prepared food as well as coffee, beer and wine. 

• The elegant hilltop Flower Cottage, which could also host a beer garden, as well as become a rental space for private events.

The first step in this multi-phase process is for interested and qualified parties to respond to the RFI and attend the informational meeting hosted on September 1. The Conservancy will conduct information interviews in September and early October, with the RFI period closing on October 20. The Conservancy expects to select an operator or operators by late 2023 or early 2024.

“The RFI is an exciting first step in what will be a careful and methodical search for a partner or partners who can fully meet the incredible potential here at Dix Park,” says Conservancy Chief of Staff Nick Smith. 

“No doubt, it’s a big bite – and the challenge won’t be for everyone. Managing the swings in visitorship from a heavy summer weekend at Gipson Play Plaza to a quiet February morning will require an experienced and flexible operator. Our grounding vision is for visitors to have as many exciting options on the menu as there are wonderful things to do at the park. It’s going to take a while, but we’re on our way.” 

The RFI is circulating locally and beyond. Says Smith, "We encourage qualified local vendors to apply. We love local and have been featuring local roasters at our Dog Park Coffee Pup-Up tied to our dog park. We also welcome the interest of qualified regional and national players. Our ultimate goal is to provide consistent, high-quality service to our visitors."      

Questions from interested vendors should go to Smith at info@dixparkconservancy.org.

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About Dix Park Conservancy 

Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support the City in its efforts, serve as its philanthropic and community engagement partner, and ensure the creation and long-term success of Dorothea Dix Park as a place for everyone – a transformative public space for community, health, and celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North Carolina. 

About Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is the site of one of the most exciting new park projects in America. The 308-acre site blends historic architecture and rich landscapes into a unique destination in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. The effort to create Dix Park is a public-private partnership between the City of Raleigh and Dix Park Conservancy. The City owns and operates Dix Park. The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support the City to ensure the creation and long-term success of the park. Learn more at dixpark.org.