How to bid on N.Y.C. Groceries Operator(s) for NYC Economic Development Corporation

What the NYCEDC is buying

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is seeking up to five grocery store operators or qualified firms. These operators will run up to five new N.Y.C. Groceries stores, with one store planned for each of New York City's five boroughs.

Successful firms will be responsible for all aspects of grocery store operations, including product sourcing, merchandising, customer service, and staffing. NYCEDC prefers vendors with experience in opening grocery stores quickly.

Key dates and deadlines

An optional virtual information session is scheduled for August 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET. RSVP for this session by August 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Optional site visits will be held on August 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET in the Bronx, and on August 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET in Manhattan. RSVP for site visits by August 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Questions about the RFP are due by two dates: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, and September 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Answers will be posted by August 14, 2026, and September 21, 2026, respectively. The final deadline for proposals is October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.

Who this opportunity suits

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is suitable for experienced grocery store operators or other firms with a strong background in retail food business. The agency is looking for vendors who can demonstrate the ability to manage all facets of grocery store operations, from sourcing to customer service.

Firms that can show a track record of opening new grocery stores efficiently and on quick timelines will be at an advantage. Certified New York City Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, first click "View original source" to open NYC's Current Solicitations list. Locate this solicitation using its PIN or title.

You can view documents by searching the PIN on City Record Online. To submit a proposal, you will need to register a free vendor account in PASSPort and submit your response before the October 16, 2026, deadline.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the entire RFP document to understand all requirements and evaluation criteria. Pay close attention to the agency's preference for experience in opening grocery stores quickly and ensure your proposal highlights any relevant past projects.

Clearly detail your operational plan, including how you will handle product sourcing, merchandising, staffing, and customer service. If you are a certified NYC M/WBE, make sure to emphasize this in your submission. Attend the optional information session and site visits if possible, as these can provide valuable insights for your proposal.