CRA authorizes lease talks with Funky Cafe after debate over ''incubator' label and procurement outreach

The Riviera Beach CRA voted unanimously on March 25 to authorize staff to begin lease negotiations with Funky Cafe for a restaurant space inside the FoundCare health and wellness center, while directing staff to build measurable incubator supports and to improve procurement outreach.

Procurement Director Latonya Ammons told the board the solicitation (No. 1212-RFP25-4) reached 187 vendors registered under the chosen NIGP code; 25 plan holders downloaded the documents and one proposal was submitted by Funky Cafe, which the evaluation committee scored 868 out of 1,000. Ammons read the scope showing the opportunity is presented as a "wellness-focused" entrepreneurial lease at 3501 Broadway and that the space will be move-in ready in roughly 3 to 4 months.

Commissioners pressed staff on two linked concerns: whether the opportunity is truly an incubator (intended as short-term support for startups) or simply a lease for an existing business, and whether the procurement and outreach process reached local entrepreneurs. Commissioner Spiritus argued the classic incubator model is temporary and reserved for start-ups that need short-term subsidized space: "Incubator programs are there for start-up businesses. They are not there for existing businesses," Spiritus said. Mayor Douglas Lawson and others said the board supports local businesses but wants clear metrics and support in place so an operator is not set up to fail.

A public commenter and several commissioners urged better procurement outreach to ensure local entrepreneurs (who may not monitor BitNet) see and respond to solicitations. Latonya Ammons told the board procurement will expand outreach channels, including social media and direct email to local stakeholders. Director Mercia said staff will negotiate a short-term lease framework with built-in performance checkpoints, fee schedules and support services, and return to the board with contract terms and measurable incubator parameters before final execution.

The board voted 4-0 to authorize negotiation and directed staff to include incubator metrics, defined term limits appropriate to incubation, and outreach improvements in the lease and supporting program materials.