Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI): Restaurant Operator
Seeking an Operator for restaurant at former Seamaster’s location in x̄á’isla Village, B.C.
August 6, 2025: yáqʷa Development Corporation is seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in leasing and operating a restaurant within x̄á’isla community, specifically at the newly acquired Sunrise General Merchandise Building in x̄á’isla Village, British Columbia.
The building will be divided in two sections, with one half being occupied by Gizuá Market and the other half to be renovated and turned back into a restaurant.
We are seeking a qualified operator to collaborate with yáqʷa Development Corporation to develop a new concept for the restaurant, in consideration of community input, and to successfully operate the restaurant.
1.0 Purpose of Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI)
The purpose of this RFEI is to invite potential lessees who are interested in operating a restaurant in x̄á’isla community to submit their proposal. yáqʷa Development Corporation will review all expressions of interest against the evaluation criteria and identify a shortlist of potential lessees to submit formal proposals.
Submissions will be reviewed, and a preferred lessee will be selected to finalize the concept for the restaurant and lease agreement. The selected lessee will have the opportunity to serve the local community and contribute to the economic growth of the Nation.
2.0 Scope of Work
The scope of work includes collaborating with yáqʷa Development Corporation to finalize a concept for the restaurant that supports the Nation’s economic and community vision, considers community feedback, and operating a restaurant space within the
Sunrise General Merchandise Building in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
The lessee will be responsible for all aspects of running the restaurant, including but not limited to staffing, menu creation, marketing, and managing day-to-day operations.
3.0 Submission Requirements
Interested parties should submit a proposal that includes the following information:
- Business background and experience in successful restaurant management
- Proposed concept for the restaurant (cuisine type, target market, etc.), including how the concept considers community interests and values (as summarized in Appendix A below)
- Marketing plan for promoting the restaurant within the community and beyond
- Proposed timeline for opening and operating the restaurant
- Preliminary financial plan outlining projected revenue and expenses
- Preliminary staffing plan with proposed roles and responsibilities, including how members will be prioritized for employment
- Any additional information that showcases the potential success of the proposed restaurant
Expressions of Interest must be submitted via email by August 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. PST (late submissions will not be accepted), and addressed to the attention of: Lisa Grant, Business Development Manager, lgrant@yaqwadevcorp.com
4.0 Questions for Interested Lessees
In order to better understand your interest and capabilities, in addition to the requirements listed in Section 3.0, please provide answers to the following questions as part of your submission:
- What is your experience in restaurant management? Please provide a brief overview of your background and any relevant accomplishments.
- What concept would you propose to operate? Explain why you feel this will be a compelling and successful business concept?
- What type of cuisine do you plan to offer at the restaurant?
- Who will be your target market for the restaurant?
- How do you plan on promoting and marketing the restaurant within the community and beyond?
- How many staff members do you anticipate needing and what roles will they fulfill?
- How does your proposed concept align with the values and needs of the x̄á’isla community?
- What contributions do you see your restaurant making to the economic growth of the Nation?
5.0 Evaluation Criteria
Expressions of interests will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Experience in restaurant management and operations
- Compelling, quality concept that will be an attractive venue for x̄á’isla, and visitors from the local community and abroad
- Alignment with x̄á’isla community values and needs
- Potential economic contribution to x̄á’isla Nation, including commitment to training and hiring x̄á’isla members and services
- Financial viability and sustainability of proposed concept
- Willingness and capacity to participate in building/renovating the restaurant space
- Other criteria deemed to be relevant by the evaluation team
yáqʷa Development Corporation will review all expressions of interest against the evaluation criteria and identify a shortlist of potential lessees to submit formal proposals. Proposals will be reviewed, and a preferred lessee will be selected to finalize the concept for the restaurant and lease agreement.
yáqʷa Development Corporation reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, and to accept the proposal deemed most favourable to yáqʷa Development Corporation.
6.0 Conclusion
We look forward to receiving your proposal and exploring the potential for a successful partnership in operating a restaurant within our community. Thank you for considering this opportunity and we are excited to see all that your proposal has to offer. We encourage any additional information that showcases the potential of your proposed restaurant. Best of luck!
About yáqʷa
yáqʷa was established in 2024 as the economic development arm of x̄á’isla Nation. Our mandate is to develop, manage and own the active businesses of the Nation. yáqʷa was established to allow for the separation of business and governance within the Nation. We are open for business and encourage you to visit our website to learn more and reach out to our team.
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APPENDIX A – COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Background
On June 26, 2024, yáqʷa Development Corporation announced the purchase of the Sunrise General Store building. It marked another milestone for the Nation as yáqʷa continues to focus on building opportunities for x̄á’isla-led businesses and members to grow and prosper.
As part of the announcement, yáqʷa launched a survey to identify community needs and interests, as well as to support the rebranding of the former Sunrise General store.
Survey Results
The survey was launched on June 26 and closed on July 25, 2024. The survey received 73 individual responses. Overall, the survey responses reflect a strong community interest in developing a restaurant and general store that cater to both traditional and contemporary preferences, with an emphasis on local culture, convenience, and variety.
The following table provides a high-level summary of the feedback received:
| Area | Results | Additional Comments |
| Restaurant feature of importance | All-day dining (52.05%), take-out (50.68%), outdoor seating (43.84%), and bar seating (31.51%) were the most desired features. | One respondent noted that an enclosure may be needed to keep horseflies away for outdoor patrons. |
| Preference for style of restaurant | Casual/family restaurants were favored by most (57.53%), followed by restaurants showcasing traditional Haisla cuisine (39.73%), and cidery/craft beer style restaurants (35.62%). | One respondent, a local hotel worker, noted many people are requesting a seafood restaurant.
A few other respondents noted that Seamaster’s was a much-loved part of the community. |
| Food and beverage preferences | A variety of preferences were identified:
· Traditional Haisla cuisine / foods · General options, e.g., fish & chips, burgers · Locally sourced ingredients, seafood |
|
| Current favourite restaurants | Respondents mentioned a mix of local favorites and well-known chains, such as:
· Boston Pizza · Montana’s BBQ · Don Diego’s in Terrace · Oliver’s Bakery in Kitimat, · Shames Mountain Ski Lodge Cafe |
|
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APPENDIX B – RESTAURANT OPERATOR RFEI EVALUATION MATRIX
| Evaluation Criteria | Description | Weight (%) | Score (1–5) | Weighted Score |
| Experience & Background | Proven track record in restaurant management and operations | 15% | ||
| Concept Quality | Creativity, appeal, and feasibility of the proposed concept (cuisine, style, etc.) | 20% | ||
| Community Alignment | Alignment with Haisla values, traditions, and community feedback (Appendix A) | 15% | ||
| Economic Contribution | Potential to contribute to local economy, including hiring/training Haisla members | 15% | ||
| Marketing Plan | Strategy to promote the restaurant locally and regionally | 10% | ||
| Financial Viability | Realistic financial plan with projected revenue and expenses | 10% | ||
| Staffing Plan | Roles, responsibilities, and prioritization of Haisla employment | 10% | ||
| Build-to-Lease Option | Willingness and capacity to participate in building/renovating the restaurant space | 5% |
Scoring Guide
- 1 – Poor / Inadequate
- 2 – Fair / Limited
- 3 – Good / Meets Expectations
- 4 – Very Good / Exceeds Expectations
- 5 – Excellent / Outstanding
