Mobile Food and Beverage Opportunity at Belfast YMCA
Please note: An alternative version of this information with photos can be found here
Introduction:
Belfast YMCA are seeking expressions of interest from experienced mobile vendors to provide their services at our vibrant community and sports hub in Stranmillis. We believe that offering high-quality drink and food options will enhance the experience of our community, members, visitors, and staff.
About Belfast YMCA:
Our vision is a city where life is better for children, young people and our communities. Belfast YMCA have been serving children, young people and communities across Belfast for over 170 years. Peacebuilding has been at the core of our work for over 40 years and this will continue to be the golden thread through all we do. We provide a wide array of school and community-based activities and services to meet local needs.
Our community and sports hub serves as a centre for a variety of sports activities, community events, and initiatives. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Community and Sports Hub:
We are located in Stranmillis, South Belfast beside the Lagan Meadows. Our address is: 56-58 Knightsbridge Park, Belfast, BT9 5EH. The site is normally open Monday to Friday 6am to 8pm, Saturdays typically 6am to 3pm and Sundays 9am to 1pm.
Stranmillis Primary School and Stranmillis University College are located a short distance away. There are approx 4000 people who live within a 10minute walk of our site.
On site activities and Community Partners:
There are a wide range of unique visitors on site every day due to the mix of activities and community partners:
Day Nursery and After School Club - we have over 200 families who use our childcare facilities - dropping off and picking up at various times throughout the day
Aquinas Football Club - Our site is the main base for junior training in spring / summer and weekend matches. Across evenings and at weekend 100's of children and young people train on site
Junior parkrun - We host a junior parkrun every Sunday at 9.30am on our pitches
Ethos Training - Our on-site fitness partner who have 190 members and a range of classes from 6am to 9pm - leading to good footfall
Solas - Another local charity with a base on site providing day centre for people with autism and other needs
CFC South - A local church meet on Sundays and during the week for various activities
Kids and Youth Clubs - Every Friday night we have community kids and youth provision
Stranmillis Primary School - Every day the school use the pitches and wider facilities
Community Garden and Forest School - We have recently launched a community garden and are in the process of developing a forest school
We also have a range of daytime bookings including Jo Jingles, mini messers, drama clubs and more which all bring groups of unique visitors on site across each week
Opportunity details:
We are seeking an experienced mobile vendors van to operate exclusively on-site offering a high quality food and beverage service to the local community and visitors
The selected vendor will have access to a prime location within our facility, with high foot traffic from members, visitors, and the local community.
The vendor will be responsible for providing a range of quality tea and coffee beverages, as well as potentially light snacks, hot food, cakes or pastries etc.
The licence agreement will be for a 12 month period initially, with the possibility of multi year extension based on mutual agreement.
As part of the opportunity, the vendor will be able to create a unique outdoor covered space - increasing the offering and allowing customers a place to sit and connect
Services:
Access to electricity can be provided with usage charged on a monthly basis in arrears.
The vendor will need to provide their own water - no supply will be available
All waste must be taken away and not stored on site at the end of each day or a waste disposal contract must be put in place by the vendor (in this case a location for bins can be provided)
Requirements:
Prior experience of operating a mobile food and drink van or similar mobile food service.
Compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and licensing requirements.
Proof of Public liability and employers liability insurance.
Ability to provide high-quality coffee and excellent customer service.
Annual Cost:
The annual cost of the licence is expected to be £6000. An up front payment of £1000 will be required when the licence is signed with the remaining balance of £5000 to be paid over the following 10 months at £500 per month via standing order.
Expression of Interest:
Interested parties are invited to complete the following information via this online form:
Company name and contact details
Overview of experience in operating a coffee van or similar mobile food service
Menu offerings, including coffee options and any additional items available
Pricing structure and any proposed promotions / loyalty scheme
Availability and proposed operating hours
Any additional information or considerations relevant to the expression of interest
Submission Details:
Expressions of interest should be submitted using this form. The deadline for submission is Sunday 14th April.
Selection Process:
Following the submission deadline, all expressions of interest will be reviewed by the Belfast YMCA team. Shortlisted vendors will be invited for further discussion or asked to provide additional information. The final selection will be based on factors including experience, quality of offerings, pricing, and alignment with the vision and values of Belfast YMCA.
Contact Information:
For inquiries or further information, please contact: hello@belfast-ymca.org
Potential vendors are welcome to visit the site before completing an expression of interest.
Thank you for your interest in partnering with Belfast YMCA. We look forward to receiving your expression of interest and exploring the opportunity to work together to enhance our community and sports hub.
