Saquatucket Harbor, Harwichport
HARWICH – Harwich officials are looking for a business partner to operate a food shack at Saquatucket Harbor.
The town has compiled a request for proposals as they look to open up food service at the Harbor, which has undergone renovations in recent years.
Harwich is looking to award the lease by March 21.
The Board of Selectmen met with Town Administrator Christopher Clark and Harbormaster John Rendon to discuss the requirements of the concession stand operator. The town wants the shack to offer traditional seafood fare, grilled and fried foods, sandwiches, ice cream, and low-calorie options.
The operator would also be able to apply for a seasonal wine and beer license.
The town aims to make money from the stand by working out a gross revenue share agreement with the eventual lessee. Officials are looking for a deal between 8-15 percent.
“I think we have a very prime location. I think we have a captive audience already there at the Harbor. I think there are a lot of benefits for somebody who comes in and leases that operation. I think there’s tremendous value there,” said John Rendon, the Harwich Harbormaster.
Town officials will establish a three-member committee to evaluate the potential operators.
“Obviously we want whoever comes in to succeed, but we want to make sure that we’re getting a fair price for the property,” Rendon added.
Harwich is looking to strike a five-year lease agreement with the eventual owner of the food stand.
The lessee would have to provide equipment for the kitchen, so the town wants to work on a five-year pact instead of a more common three-year agreement to allow the operator more time to recoup their investment costs.
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