The Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency (SERA) has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of 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.
This initiative is structured as a Public–Private Partnership (P3) and is designed to activate underutilized municipal land while preserving public ownership and protecting environmentally sensitive areas.
Project Overview
SERA 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
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.
Site Details
Location: Municipally owned parcel at Sayreville Boulevard & River Road
Block/Lot: Block 175.01, Lot 1 (River Road Redevelopment Area)
Current Condition: Vacant municipal land
Setting: Waterfront-adjacent site with partial river views
Environmental Protections (Mandatory)
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 development must be limited strictly to upland areas and fully comply with:
NJDEP regulations
Wetlands buffer requirements
Waterfront Development & CAFRA rules (if applicable)
Flood hazard regulations
All permitting and compliance costs will be the sole responsibility of the selected developer.
Financial Structure
This project is structured to protect taxpayers and leverage private investment.
✔ The land will remain publicly owned
✔ The project will be 100% privately financed
✔ No Borough or SERA funding will be provided
✔ The developer will pay annual ground lease rent to SERA
✔ The Agency may consider recommending a PILOT if financially justified
The proposed lease structure includes:
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.
Operating Standards & Public Protections
The selected operator must:
Comply with all local, state, and federal laws
Obtain and maintain appropriate alcohol licensing
Maintain adequate insurance coverage
Limit outdoor music and special events
Follow approved hours of operation
Provide security staffing during peak periods
Maintain outdoor dining areas and viewing deck in safe condition
The Agency reserves the right to implement additional operational safeguards to protect nearby neighborhoods and waterfront users.
Developer Responsibilities
The selected Conditional Redeveloper will be responsible for:
Concept design and architectural planning
Environmental permitting
All financing and construction costs
Utility connections and infrastructure
Landscaping, lighting, parking, and signage
Ongoing operations and maintenance
Construction must begin within six months of lease execution and be substantially completed within 24 months (subject to permitting timelines).
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%)
SERA reserves full discretion in scoring and selection pursuant to New Jersey redevelopment law.
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 PM
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 recommended site visit:
Himanshu Shah
Executive Director
Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency
📧 SERA@sayreville.com
📞 732-390-5187
SERA looks forward to reviewing proposals that will thoughtfully activate the waterfront, enhance public access, and create a vibrant new destination for Sayreville.
Additional updates will be shared as the selection process moves forward.