Request for Proposals Restaurant Services - Lake Ashton Community Development District (CDD)
Lake Ashton Community Development District (CDD) is soliciting proposals to operate a casual restaurant/sports bar at the CDD’s Clubhouse in Lake Wales, Florida.
The objective of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to enter into a lease or management agreement with the Lake Ashton Community Development District to provide full-service bar and restaurant operations at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse. Optional catering opportunities are also available to those who are interested.
Introduction
Lake Ashton is a highly sought-after, premiere, resort-style, 55+ gated community. It is located two miles west of the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Thompson Nursery Road in Lake Wales, Florida. This area sees traffic of more than 69,300 vehicles per day.
The community of Lake Ashton features over 1,600 homes, spanning both Lake Wales and Winter Haven, with over 3,000 residents. The community covers 2,000 acres, and is minutes from area attractions, including Bok Tower Gardens, Florida’s Natural and Legoland.
Lake Ashton amenities include the Clubhouse, a Health and Fitness Center at a separate location, two 18-hole championship golf courses and a golf course snack bar, The Eagle’s Nest.
The main Clubhouse Grand Ballroom hosts many events, weddings, and live entertainment gatherings. The Ballroom’s capacity is up to 550 attendees.
The Lake Ashton Clubhouse is home to the community’s restaurant at 4141 Ashton Club Drive. The restaurant is an integral part of the community, and draws traffic from the adjacent community of Traditions (55+), with a population of 550. Several new communities are under construction, which will add thousands of new homes to the area.
The Clubhouse restaurant is open to the public, overlooks 400-acre Lake Ashton, and provides indoor and covered outdoor dining, with a full-service bar and a maximum seating capacity of 235. The restaurant can provide service to the outdoor pool, as well as adjoining activity rooms, a theater, and an on-site bowling alley. Clubhouse parking is available in two adjacent lots, with additional golf cart parking at the entrance.
Common Area Maintenance (CAM)
There are common areas that are shared with the CDD. Lake Ashton CDD will provide routine cleaning of the main lobby and ballroom areas (other than for catered events), as well as the outside of the building, including sidewalks and parking lots. The CDD also maintains restroom space, which is shared within the clubhouse facility.
Restaurant Equipment
Lake Ashton CDD owns all furniture, fixtures, and equipment necessary to operate the restaurant, including, but not limited to, tables, chairs, commercial ovens, prep stations and dishwashers. The CDD also owns dishes, serving ware and glassware. The kitchen is equipped with commercial equipment, including a walk-in cooler/freezer and multiple cooking appliances. A complete inventory is available upon request.
Alcohol Sales and Service
Lake Ashton CDD requires the sale and service of alcoholic beverages in support of the restaurant operation. The successful operator/lessee may have exclusive rights to alcohol sales and service for catered events unless otherwise negotiated. Serving alcoholic beverages in all clubhouse locations will be subject to the lessee obtaining appropriate permits and insurance.
Restaurant Operations
- A full-service restaurant/sports bar, with after-dinner-hour activities, including, but not limited to, special themed nights and other sports-bar style activities is desirable, but all options will be considered
- Restaurant operator will comply with all federal, state, and local operating regulations.
- The successful operator/lessee will participate in actively promoting their restaurant to Lake Ashton residents and the surrounding communities. Advertising utilizing social media, local publications, trade publications, and Lake Ashton marketing communications is critical to promoting the successful restaurant.
- The restaurant indoor and outdoor dining areas can accommodate various forms of entertainment and special events. Previous events included golf leagues, professional associations, special interest groups, wine tastings, and various community club activities.
Smoking/Vaping is not permitted anywhere within the Lake Ashton Clubhouse (including the patio), per state requirements. There is one outdoor area designated for smoking.
Additional Considerations
Outdoor patio and pool deck dining are required, weather permitting. The al fresco dining area can accommodate outdoor entertainment and special events subject to reasonable limitations. Although the outdoor patio is managed and scheduled by restaurant staff, that patio may be reserved by residents during non-operational hours.
RFP RESPONSE ELEMENTS:
The response for the RFP should include the following information:
- Present a detailed listing showing professional food and beverage service experience, accomplishments and education primarily for principals and managers
- Specific challenges that may be encountered in running a restaurant in a 55+ community
- Provide lunch and dinner menu ideas and price points for a 55+ community
- Ideas for after-hours activities and events
- Name, address, and phone number of three individual references with direct knowledge of the respondent’s involvement in restaurant management and operation
- Restaurant operator must provide proof of sufficient funds that demonstrates their ability to cover the initial startup costs for the restaurant operation
- Estimated lead time for opening the new restaurant
- Present ideas for marketing to surrounding communities and areas
Evaluation criteria will be based on the responses to the RFP Elements listed above.
Additional Information
- Lake Ashton CDD has the right to reject any and all proposals, and/or to request additional information from respondent.
- While a lease agreement will be negotiated with the selected respondent, the agreement and its terms are subject to approval by the CDD’s attorney, which may include certain provisions required due to the financing tax issues specific to the CDD.
- Once notified, successful respondents should plan to attend a Lake Ashton CDD Board of Supervisors meeting.
Meeting and Tour of the Facilities
All respondents are encouraged to tour the Clubhouse restaurant and facilities with an appointment made in advance by calling or e-mailing Christine Wells at 863.324.5457 or cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com. All tours must be scheduled prior to the question deadline, noted below.
Proposal Submission Process
Proposals may be hand-delivered, sent via electronic mail to cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com, or mailed and must be received no later than 12 pm on April 3, 2026
Address Proposals to:
Christine Wells, Community Director
Lake Ashton CDD
4141 Ashton Club Drive
Lake Wales, FL 33859
Interested parties should submit a complete response that can be transmitted via electronic mail to the Lake Ashton CDD Board of Supervisors.
Question Deadline
All questions and inquiries regarding the RFP should be submitted via electronic mail to cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com and received no later than 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026. All questions and answers will be provided to all respondents who receive an RFP package by March 13, 2026. The questions and answers, when posted, become part of the RFP. Respondents are responsible to keep informed of questions and answers.
All dates and schedules are subject to change. Lake Ashton CDD reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive irregularities and to award that proposal which is deemed to be in the best interest of the Lake Ashton CDD. Additionally, the Lake Ashton CDD also reserves the right to extend any and all timelines and timeframes but not to exceed forty-five (45) days.
