Request for Proposal:
October 21, 2026
Riverlife requests proposals for the operation of food and beverage concessions from a shipping container located on Shore Thing, Riverlife’s programming barge located at 2 Federal Street on Pittsburgh’s North Shore adjacent to Allegheny Landing park. The available concession space is 21.5’ x 8’. Riverlife is accepting proposals for use of the full 21.5’ x 8’ space, although multiple vendors may work together to submit a single proposal jointly.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE FULL FOOD & BEVERAGE RFP (.pdf, 2.7 MB)
Term
All proposals must be for a one (1) year term with an option to renew for one (1) additional year.
This concession will be operated pursuant to an Agreement with Riverlife.
About Riverlife’s Shore Thing
Riverlife’s Shore Thing is a free-to-enjoy floating platform anchored just off Allegheny Landing on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, nestled between the iconic Sister Bridges. In its first two seasons, Shore Thing has welcomed nearly 70,000 visitors and has hosted over 120 free events. Built on ten small barges, this 4,800-square-foot space is part gathering spot and all Pittsburgh, bringing people together through art, play, and community.
The space hosted more than 70 free programs in its 2026 season, including weekly live music, yoga and meditation, artistic workshops, dance parties and educational programming. Riverlife does not expect concessionaires to directly fund programming.
The available concession space is a 21.5’ x 8’ shipping container which has been converted for food and beverage vending.
Riverlife sees food and beverage service as a crucial public amenity which both attracts visitors and enhances the experience of other programming and events. We seek operators committed to partnering with Riverlife, adding to this already beloved location, creating memorable experiences, and contributing to the flourishing food and beverage culture of Pittsburgh.
RFP Timeline
The following schedule has been established for this RFP:
- RFP release date: 10/21/26
- Remote pre-proposal meeting: 11/17/26 at 12 PM
- Final questions due: 12/4/26
- Proposals due: 12/11/26
There will be a recommended remote pre-proposal meeting on Tuesday, 11/17/26 at 12 PM, which will include an opportunity to ask questions. Please email Pat Kelly at pat@riverlifepgh.org to receive an invite to this meeting. If you are considering responding to this RFP, please make every effort to attend this meeting.
Following the pre-proposal meeting, Riverlife will offer on-site tours of Shore Thing and the available concession space upon request at its off-season location in Hazelwood. Tours can be scheduled by emailing Pat Kelly at pat@riverlifepgh.org
Riverlife will conduct interviews with proposers the week of 12/14/26.
Proposal Submission Instructions
Please submit one (1) electronic version of your proposal in PDF format. Each proposal should be contained in a single PDF file, including all required attachments. If the file is too large to email, you may alternately send a file link (e.g. Dropbox, Google Docs, WeTransfer) to: Pat Kelly at pat@riverlifepgh.org.
All proposals must be received by 12/11/26.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Riverlife values diversity and requires all vendors to comply with federal, state, and local policies and regulations concerning equal opportunity and agrees not to discriminate in its employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or other protected status covered by applicable federal, state and local laws.
We encourage proposals from minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to reviewing your proposal.
About Riverlife
Since 1999, Riverlife has worked to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Riverlife has overseen a $150 million investment in the city’s waterfront transformation. This investment led to $3.1 billion in related economic development. Riverlife works at the intersection of community development, environment, and culture. Its award-winning “Completing the Loop” vision plan describes Riverlife’s service area as the “Loop.” The Loop is comprised of the 15 miles and 1,055 acres of trails and public spaces between the 31st Street, Hot Metal, and West End Bridges. “Completing the Loop” won awards from the American Planning Association and American Institute of Architects. Riverlife’s goal is to close the Loop’s physical and experiential gaps. Riverlife believes riverfronts belong to everyone.
THE FULL FOOD & BEVERAGE RFP CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE (.pdf, 2.7 MB)
