This Invitation for Bids (IFB) is issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets ( Licensor or the Department ) to invite qualified bidders ( Respondents ) to submit proposals to provide concession services at the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds ( Fairgrounds ) on a year-round basis. The recipient of the contract award from this IFB ( Licensee ) shall be the sole operator of the concession rooms for this facility as more specifically outlined in Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 of this IFB.
The Fairgrounds are located at 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse (Town of Geddes, Onondaga County) New York. The property is a 375-acre site owned and operated by the Department which is home to the Great New York State Fair, a multi-day event ending on Labor Day each year ( State Fair ).
The mission of the annual State Fair is to hold an exposition (currently 13 days) ending on Labor Day each year, identifying, promoting and showcasing the agricultural practices, history and traditions of the State. In addition to agricultural competitions, the State Fair also hosts a 15- acre Midway and free music venues that host multiple national and regional acts each day with the largest accommodating over 30,000 people. There are approximately 600 vendors including 200 food vendors. Entrance to the State Fair is currently available through eight (8) gates. Paid parking is also available in six (6) lots for approximately 20,000 vehicles as well as parking for approximately 1,000 overnight camping vehicles. The State Fair attracted over 932,000 visitors in 2023, and more than 868,000 visitors in 2024.
The Fairgrounds are also open year-round ( non-Fair ) and offer several popular venues for hosting events. A wide variety of non-Fair events benefit from the Fairgrounds' expansive buildings, open space, central location, and convenient highway access. Current non-Fair events include music festivals, equestrian competitions, consumer shows, community events and corporate and organization meetings. In 2024, non-Fair events drew more than 2 million visitors.
The Fairgrounds has undergone an extensive renovation, which includes the construction of the new 136,000 square foot Exposition Center. Completed in August 2018, this facility is the largest Exposition Center north of New York City between Boston and Cleveland and is uniquely situated to attract events not previously accommodated by existing regional facilities, such as large car shows, major equestrian competitions, motocross races and other large-scale traveling events not currently visiting the region.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No
Minority Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 0%
Women Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 0%
Due date:09/08/2025 3:00 PM
Contract term: 12/15/2025 - 12/31/2030
County(ies): Onondaga
Location: NYS Fairgrounds
Business entities awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years:
Paradise Companies of New York, LLC
Background
This Invitation for Bids (IFB) is issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to invite qualified bidders to submit proposals for providing concession services at the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds on a year-round basis.
The Fairgrounds, located in Syracuse, New York, is a 375-acre site that hosts the Great New York State Fair and various non-Fair events throughout the year. The mission of the State Fair is to promote and showcase agricultural practices and traditions of New York State. The Exposition Center, completed in 2018, is designed to accommodate large-scale events and has undergone extensive renovations.
Work Details
The selected Licensee will be responsible for providing concession services from five designated concession rooms within the Exposition Center: Rooms 111, 113, 114, 127, and 144. The Licensee must operate these rooms during the annual State Fair and other non-Fair events.
Services include offering a variety of hot and cold foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with menus that must include Kosher and vegan options. The Licensee must ensure that at least 20% of food products are sourced from New York State in 2026, increasing to 30% by 2028. All necessary kitchen equipment must be provided by the Licensee except for specific items provided by the Department. Additionally, the Licensee must maintain cleanliness and comply with health regulations.
Period of Performance
The contract will commence on December 15, 2025, and end on December 31, 2030.
Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at the Exposition Center located at 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse (Town of Geddes), Onondaga County, New York.
Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate ownership or operation of at least two year-round or seasonal restaurants or food concession operations since 2022. There are no set-aside goals for Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). The selected Licensee must obtain a liquor license for selling alcoholic beverages and comply with insurance requirements outlined in Exhibit 4.
