New attraction could be coming to Camden Waterfront in New Jersey

CAMDEN, N.J. — Visitors to the city’s Waterfront could find a new attraction this spring — a concession stand offering food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

The stand is expected to offer “a wide variety of hot and cold items, fresh food and beverages,” according to the county’s request for proposals from potential operators..

It also is to have a “special concessionaire permit for sale and service of liquor for immediate consumption at the premises,” says the request.

“The county will cooperate with the contractor to obtain this permit,” it adds.

A specific location has not been identified for the stand, described as a temporary structure that can be removed without damaging its setting.

Concession stand will add to Waterfront options

The stand is expected to operate near the riverside headquarters of American Water, but the exact location “will be determined by the county and successful contractor,” the request continues.

“This will be a new temporary asset for the waterfront area and provide another amenity to the passive and active recreation options already in proximity to the promenade,” county spokesman Dan Keashen said Thursday.

The stand is expected to draw customers from “the thousands of people who are frequenting or working in the anchor institutions in the vicinity or visiting one of the entertainment complexes,” he said.

Waterfront attractions include the Battleship New Jersey, Adventure Aquarium, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and a marina. A park also hosts fireworks displays, concerts and community celebrations.

A lease for a site could begin on April 1, according to the county’s request.

Keashen described that date as “a starting point,” but said the opening would be set based on responses to the county’s invitation.

The county is to open bids on March 5, but it will not be awarding a contract at that time. Instead, officials want to review the range of proposals made by potential operators, the request notes.

An agreement with the county is expected to include two option years.