Approval of Award of RFP 2025-017 for Sunrise Theatre Operations Concessionnaire to the highest ranked respondent, VenuWorks, and to authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations.

The Sunrise Theatre has traditionally operated as a City-managed department under an enterprise fund structure. To explore a new management approach, the City issued RFP No. 2025-017 seeking proposals from qualified concessionaires to assume full operational responsibility for the Theatre.

The RFP sought to identify a qualified partner to staff, operate, and program the Sunrise Theatre. While the final terms will be negotiated, the core responsibilities of the concessionaire are expected to include maintenance, programming, ticketing, customer relations, marketing, food and beverage, security, financial management and back-office functions.

Proposals were evaluated based on relevant experience and organizational history, team qualifications, financial projections and economic impact, implementation plan, and alignment with preferred elements of the RFP. 

VenuWorks ranked highest by the evaluation committee.

It is recommended that RFP 2025-017 be awarded to the highest-ranked respondent, VenuWorks, and that staff be authorized to enter into contract negotiations. The final agreement will be presented to the City Commission for approval.

Staff will proceed as directed.

Shyanne Harnage, Director, Community & Economic Development

1. Purchasing Division
2. Evaluation Committee:
   • Charlotte Bireley, Director of Tourism and Marketing, St. Lucie County
   • Jon Moses, Executive Director, Riverside Theatre
   • Wendy Rydzewski, Accountant, City of Fort Pierce
3. City Attorney's Office