During the Tuesday January 9th, 2024 meeting at 9am, the city heard a presentation on the proposed lease with local business Redefined Food Co. The local clean eats restaurant and meal prep business has been operating in Palm Coast since 2018, and is currently in discussions with the city to move into the Southern Recreation Center, if the lease is approved by the City Council.
The City put out a request for bids, only two bids were completed, both of which were locally owned businesses. Staff reviewed the applications and decided to move forward with Redefined. The Concession Agreement is set at $9.00 per sq. ft. or $10,048 annually, with a 3% annual increase. The tenant will be responsible for water, sewer, electric, gas, and telecommunications. Council questioned the choice of the of the lease agreement which is a 5 year term with option for a single one year renewal. Council directed staff to work with redefined to see about a better lease option, as well as determined hours of operation for the restaurant.
Mayor Alfin brought up the larger events that will be coming to the Southern Rec Center in the future, and wanted to be sure that Refined was going to be able to handle the additional business that these events will bring in. With that public comment was opened up for public comment. Multiple residents stood up to give testimonials on behalf of Redefined, including one business owner, Lauren Ramirez, who ordered over 400 meals through Redefined for an event.
The Council stated that they would like the contract amended to include some greater details to tenant/city responsibilities, defined hours, and better lease length terms and renewals. This will come back before the council at their next business meeting on January 16th at 9am.
