The Village of Northbrook is seeking a qualified entity to operate a retail business at the Northbrook Metra Train Station. The available space is 232 sq ft and can accommodate various uses including a grab-and-go coffee shop, bakery, florist, bookstore, or a nonprofit job training/retail site. Financial institutions, tobacco stores, and alcohol sales are not permitted. The selected operator will enter into a sublease agreement, with an initial term of 12 months and options to renew. Key dates include a pre-submission meeting on June 4, 2026, questions due by June 18, 2026, and the RFQ due date on July 2, 2026. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF on a USB flash drive. Minimum qualifications include the ability to obtain necessary licenses, proven business operating experience, and understanding of regulations. The evaluation will consider owner qualifications, proposed use, business model, experience, and ability to provide quality retail options. The operator will be an independent contractor and responsible for their own business operations and maintenance within the leased space, while the Village handles exterior repairs.
The RFQ due date is Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1:00 p. m. The expected effective date of the sublease agreement is in Quarter 3, 2026.
The submitted proposals will be reviewed and selected based upon factors including but not limited to: qualifications of owneroperator, the proposed use of the subleased space, completeness of business model approach, experience with similar businesses with references, ability to provide a point-of-sale system, ability to provide a variety of high-quality retail options, ability to provide quality food, entity size, location, history, resources, etc. , and preference for businesses already located in Northbrook.
Minimum qualifications include: ability to obtain a valid license to do business in Illinois, Cook County, and Northbrook; possess or ability to obtain required licenses/certifications; proven experience operating a business or similar business; thorough understanding of applicable regulations; and ability to obtain sufficient insurance.
A pre-proposal meeting and walkthrough is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 1:00 p. m. at **** Shermer Road, Northbrook. Attendance at this meeting is encouraged, and the Village reserves the right to reject proposals from those who fail to attend.
The notice does not mention the submission of samples.
Questions and requests for information must be submitted via email before 3:00 p. m. local time on Thursday, June 18, 2026.