Sayreville Seeks Proposals To Build And Run A Tiki Bar On Its Waterfront

SAYREVILLE, NJ — Perhaps inspired by Woodbridge, Sayreville now wants to open a tiki bar on its waterfront, as well.

The Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency (SERA) announced here Feb. 20 they officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for someone to build and operate a tiki bar on its waterfront. Questions on this are due by March 20, and proposals are due by 3 p.m. April 24.

The town wants the bar to be built on a parcel of land that is owned by the town, located at Sayreville Boulevard and River Road. The lot is currently vacant.

It is a waterfront-adjacent site with partial river views. The town says it will keep ownership of the land and whoever builds and operates the bar will pay rent to the Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency. However, SERA said it may consider recommending a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) if the bar builders/operators can demonstrate need.

The tiki bar/restaurant will serve alcohol; whoever is chosen to run it is responsible for getting the appropriate alcohol licensing from the state. The bar can also host outdoor music and other special events.

Woodbridge Township opened a tiki bar on its Sewaren waterfront in the summer of 2024 (read a review). The waterfront tiki bar is located at 616 Cliff Road, Sewaren, and it is owned and operated by Woodbridge Township. Sayreville's arrangement is a little different: The Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency says it will still own the land, and it is seeking an independent builder/bar operator to build the bar and pay the town rent.

The town of Sayreville said what they envision is "a destination-quality riverfront bar and restaurant at the intersection of Sayreville Boulevard and River Road, across from Buchanan Park and near the municipal boat ramp ... The vision is to create a waterfront destination that enhances the community experience, attracts residents and visitors and generates long-term economic benefits for Sayreville."

SERA said it is seeking qualified and experienced developers/operators to design, finance, construct, operate and maintain a:

• Indoor–outdoor restaurant
• Bar and lounge areas
• Seasonal outdoor tiki bar
• Outdoor dining space
• Publicly accessible viewing deck

Here is exactly how the financial structuring of the tiki bar will work:

The land will remain publicly owned. The project will be 100-percent privately financed. No borough or SERA funding will be provided. The developer will pay an annual ground lease rent to SERA. However, SERA may consider recommending a PILOT if financially justified.

The proposed lease structure includes:

• An initial 30-year ground lease
• Up to two optional 5-year renewals (subject to approval)
• Base annual rent (proposed by developer)
• Potential rent escalations
• Possible percentage rent component
• Performance security (bond or letter of credit required)

At the end of the lease term, all improvements revert to SERA.

Proposal Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and creativity of concept (30%)
• Experience and qualifications (20%)
• Financial strength and feasibility (25%)
• Lease revenue benefit to the Agency (15%)
• Environmental and regulatory understanding (10%)

If chosen, construction must begin within six months of when the lease is signed, and be "substantially" completed within 24 months.

RFP Timeline

• RFP Issued: February 20, 2026
• Questions Due: March 20, 2026
• Responses Issued: March 31, 2026
• Proposals Due:

April 24, 2026 by 3:00 p.m.

Proposals must include:

• PDF submission
• Two printed copies
• Sealed envelope marked:
  “RFP – Riverfront Bar & Restaurant P3”
• $5,000 refundable certified check deposit

Full RFP Document

📄 View the complete RFP here:
Riverfront Restaurant & Bar RFP Details

For questions or to schedule a site visit, which is recommended by the town, contact:

Himanshu Shah
Executive Director
Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency
📧 SERA@sayreville.com
732-390-5187

A portion of the site contains regulated wetlands and waterfront areas. These areas:

• Are environmentally constrained
• Are not developable
• Must remain undisturbed unless specifically approved by NJDEP and the Agency

All permitting and compliance costs will be the sole responsibility of the developer that is chosen by the town.

Learn more from the Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency here: seranj.gov/article/2720469