Request for Proposals: Dinkytown Grocery Store Feasibility & Pro Forma Study
Dinkytown Grocery Store Feasibility & Pro Forma Study
Issued by: East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership (EBNP)
(click here for a PDF version)
Background
Dinkytown is one of Minneapolis’ most active and densely populated neighborhoods, shaped by its proximity to the University of Minnesota and a large population of students, renters, workers, and longtime residents. Despite this energy, the neighborhood has long faced a persistent gap in access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food. While restaurants, convenience stores, and prepared food options are plentiful, residents often lack a reliable nearby source for affordable groceries.
This lack of access creates challenges for quality of life, affordability, and neighborhood livability. It also represents a missed economic development opportunity in one of the Twin Cities’ most active commercial districts. EBNP believes Dinkytown should better understand whether a viable grocery store model can succeed in the neighborhood, and what would be required to make it happen.
Overview
The East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership (EBNP) seeks proposals from qualified consultants, firms, development teams, grocery operators, market analysts, universities, and other experienced entities to prepare a Grocery Store Feasibility & Pro Forma Study for Dinkytown.
The purpose of this RFP is to evaluate the practicality of establishing a grocery store in Dinkytown through professional analysis. EBNP is not seeking farmers markets, pop-up concepts, produce stands, or other small-scale food access projects through this solicitation.
Implementation of a store is not required as part of this RFP. The immediate goal is to determine feasibility, likely costs, space needs, operational realities, and potential pathways forward.
Funding Available: Up to $5,000 total, with a potential match of $5000 from an outside source.
Scope of Work
Respondents should propose a study that may include some or all of the following:
Market Analysis
Demand for grocery services in Dinkytown
Existing customer base (students, residents, workers, visitors)
Spending leakage / unmet grocery demand
Competitive landscape and nearby grocery options
Site & Space Needs
Recommended square footage ranges
Building/site requirements
Parking/loading considerations
Visibility, walkability, transit access, and delivery access
Potential candidate spaces or redevelopment opportunities
Financial Pro Forma
Estimated startup costs
Tenant improvements/buildout costs
Equipment needs
Staffing assumptions
Revenue assumptions
Operating expenses
Rent thresholds
Break-even analysis
Sensitivity scenarios
Operational Models
Conventional grocery store
Small urban grocery format
Cooperative model
Specialty/ethnic grocery with staple foods
Hybrid retail concepts
Implementation Pathways
Potential operators or partner types
Public/private incentives that may be needed
Financing gaps or barriers
Recommended next steps
Who Should Apply
Retail market consultants
Grocery industry consultants
Commercial real estate professionals
Economic development firms
Developers with grocery experience
Universities or research centers
Teams combining multiple disciplines
Grocery operators interested in exploring the market
Deliverables
Selected respondent should provide:
Written feasibility report
Preliminary pro forma(s)
Executive summary
Recommended store model(s)
Presentation of findings to EBNP and stakeholders
Submission Requirements
Please submit a proposal including:
Qualifications and relevant experience
Proposed scope and methodology
Project timeline
Team members
Budget / fee proposal
Examples of similar work (if available)
Proposals may be concise (3–6 pages plus attachments).
Evaluation Criteria
EBNP will prioritize proposals demonstrating:
Relevant grocery / retail feasibility experience
Strong financial and market analysis capability
Understanding of urban districts and student markets
Practical recommendations
Ability to work within budget
Clear communication of findings
Timeline
RFP Released: May 11, 2026
Questions Due: June 1, 2026
Proposals Due: June 15, 2026, 5 pm
Selection: June 22, 2026
Submission Information
Send proposals to:
Chris Lautenschlager
Executive Director
East Bank Neighborhoods Partnershipchris@eastbankmpls.org
Additional Notes
EBNP reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
EBNP may negotiate final scope with selected respondent.
This RFP does not commit EBNP to future implementation funding.