Though The Strand bookstore’s Central Park outpost on 5th Avenue and 60th Street is a familiar sight on nice days, the process behind this type of city concession may be less so to readers. NYC Park’s Concessions Directory says The Strand has been operating there since the 1960s but that’s not entirely accurate. According to the bookstore’s general manager Eddie Sutton, over the years “we’ve had the contract and we’ve not had the contract.” Last year, it was reported that the city had put out an RFP (Request for Proposals) regarding the kiosk, which was simply because The Strand’s 5 year lease was ending on May 1, 2013. The RFP revealed some fun pieces of information: In the 2011-2012 operating year, the lease fee was $46,305 but the stand took in $328,033.61 in gross receipts. This kiosk is dedicated specifically to book selling, with a requirement that those bidding for the lease should have a… Read More
