Pelham Bay Park

NYC Parks intends to enter into a negotiated concession process for the development, operation, and maintenance of a snack bar and merchandise concession with the option for a full-service restaurant at the Orchard Beach Pavilion in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx.

“Orchard Beach, known as the ‘Bronx Riviera,’ is a gem of New York City and an essential summer destination for more than 1.5 million people annually,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “We’re seeking high-quality, interesting food and merchandise concessionaires for the historic, landmarked Orchard Beach Pavilion, which is reopening in 2026. Come partner with us and help make this iconic location even more vibrant and welcoming for all to enjoy!”

The Orchard Beach Pavilion will reopen for the 2026 beach season following a $104 million renovation project to restore its historic architecture, complete structural repairs, increase ADA accessibility, and offer enhanced amenities for visitors including new food and merchandise concession space.

In an effort to open the new concession in 2026, NYC Parks will select an operator through a negotiated concession process, which will be subject to approval by the City’s Franchise & Concession Review Committee. The concession is intended to activate public usage of the new pavilion through food service areas and beach shops, to provide business and employment opportunities in the Bronx, and to generate revenue for the City.

Potential operators that wish to express interest in the proposed concession are invited to contact Parks to learn more about the process. Parks will evaluate responses on the basis of prospective capital investments, operating experience, financial capability, planned operations, fee offer, and integrated sustainability.

The length of the term is to be negotiated but expected to commence in May 2026. The concession will be operated pursuant to a license issued by Parks; no leasehold or other proprietary right will be offered.

The 140,000-square-foot Orchard Beach Pavilion was built in 1936 and is a registered New York City landmark. The Bronx's only public beach, Orchard Beach is a 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long beach that features a promenade, playgrounds, picnic areas, soccer field, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball.

The deadline for potential concessionaires to reach out to Parks to express interest is January 16, 2026. To express interest or request additional information, potential concessionaires should contact Angel Williams, Senior Project Manager, at (212) 360-3495 or via e-mail at Angel.Williams@parks.nyc.gov.