Do You Want to Run a Restaurant? Here’s Your Chance

The non-profit New Suffolk Waterfront Fund launched a search this week for an operator for the former Galley Ho restaurant, currently under renovation on their property in the heart of the tiny hamlet of New Suffolk after it was damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

In a 22-page request for proposals released Wednesday, the Waterfront Fund laid out what it’s looking for in a tenant for the space: an experienced restaurant operator to provide affordable local seafood and an ambiance “retaining the historical feel of a classic waterside New England fish “shack.”

They’re looking for a tenant to sign a five-year lease, with an option to renew for another three years.

Here are some highlights from the proposal:

• The NSWF will view favorably proposals for a year-round establishment. We expect the café to be open to the public at least six days a week during the summer and five days a week during the off-season.

• It should be an improved — cleaner, brighter — Galley Ho while retaining the historical feel of a classic waterside New England fish “shack.” Artwork and old photos of New Suffolk’s oyster farming culture and the hamlet of New Suffolk should be displayed in the café.

• The menu should be composed of light café fare with an emphasis on seafood… we are not looking for a traditional meat/potatoes/vegetable plated dinner type of establishment.

• The NSWF does not want a bar “scene” at the new Galley Ho, but we do want to serve local wines and beers in addition to basic cocktails. Espresso beverages should be available. A NYS liquor license and liquor liability insurance will be held by the tenant.

• It is important that both the food and drinks are moderately priced and that the menu has a range of prices. Pricing will be subject to NSWF’s approval seasonally.

• The name must incorporate the tag line “at the Galley Ho.” The use of this name by the tenant will be only with the permission of NSWF. NSWF maintains all rights to the name “Galley Ho.”

• Any musical programming (live or recorded) must be approved by the NSWF. All music must end by 11 p.m. on weekends and 10 p.m. on weekdays.

• The NSWF envisions the Galley Ho to be primarily a local gathering place; therefore we will view favorably proposals that demonstrate an awareness of the role of the business as an integral part of the surrounding community and take a thoughtful and creative approach to promotions or programming geared specifically to local residents. The hiring of local staff is also a priority.

Among the menu items the Waterfront Fund says it would prefer are fresh baked breakfast goods, oatmeal and yogurt with fruit, classic hot dogs and burgers with local potato chips, fried clam strips, lobster rolls and panini, grilled fish and chicken, grilled fish and chicken, fish chowder and soups, vegetarian options whenever possible, salads featuring local seasonal produce, local cheeses and bread with olives and cured meats and raw clams and oysters on the half-shell.

The full request for proposals is online here..

The Waterfront Fund is hosting site visits on Monday, Sept. 14, or by appointment. RSVP to newsuffolkfund@gmail.com. Proposals are due Oct. 20 and they’re expecting to sign a lease Dec. 14, with the café expected to open May 1 of 2016.

For more information, contact Patricia Lowry at pbeelowry@aol.com.