We are currently reviewing submissions for the Downtown Kiosk available for lease.

Interested parties should first complete the Food Space Interest Form by November 15th to be considered for priority review. Eligible businesses will be contacted to provide a complete Proposal Package, detailed in the Prospective Tenant Guide. Upcoming openings will be announced on this page.

Still interested in finding a space for your business? Check out our Space Available page for commercial spaces for lease or contact Sarah Domondon at [email protected]

Program Description:

The City of Santa Cruz has one of four Downtown Kiosks available for lease; terms are flexible with preference given to long term (2+ years) tenants. The space is an approximately 60 square foot food service space on Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz.

Downtown Santa Cruz has a diverse array of retail and entertainment businesses serving a broad and diverse customer mix. Businesses near the available Kiosk include restaurants, books and apparel, and the food hall at Abbott Square Market. Downtown attracts a strong lunch time volume of potential customers as well as busy nights and weekends, especially during warmer months.

The City is not necessarily looking to duplicate, replicate or expand on existing food service themes in the Downtown area. Respondents should propose concepts that appeal broadly to diverse customer bases, compliment rather than compete with nearby businesses, and provide a memorable experience to potential customers and window shoppers.

Who Should Apply?

While we welcome all interested applicants, the program seeks to diversify, rather than replicate existing food service themes in the Downtown area. The program seeks creative specialty food and beverage operations with wide appeal to diverse market segments and envisions the following:

• A food menu comprised of reheated or refrigerated foods, including steam tables, microwaves or toaster ovens. Fried food are not allowed per building code restrictions.
• An establishment with fast service or ‘grab and go’ fare
• Concepts that appeal broadly to diverse customer bases, compliment rather than compete with nearby businesses, and provide a memorable experience to potential customers and window shoppers.
• Concepts with a strong brand presence.

Minimum Eligibility:

• Experience in the operation and management of a high quality food service operation.
• Demonstrated managerial and staffing resources to maintain a high quality, successful operation.
• Demonstrated financial capacity to finance proposed improvements and operating costs.

Program Guide:

The City of Santa Cruz has released a Prospective Tenant Information Guide for those interested in the Downtown Kiosk Program. Please read the document thoroughly before submitting your information.

How does the lease structure work?

Selected business tenants in the program would pay to the City a base rent of the greater of $300/month or 6% of sales. Security deposit, assessment fees and utility costs are the responsibility of the tenant. More details can be found in the Prospective Tenant Guide.

How to Apply:

Interested parties should first complete the Food Space Interest Form; eligible businesses will be contacted to provide a complete Proposal Package, detailed in the Prospective Tenant Guide.

If you need assistance preparing a business plan or financial projections, please contact the Small Business Development Center at www.santacruzsbdc.org