The Lake Ashton Community Development District (CDD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified operators to run a casual restaurant and sports bar at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse, located at 4141 Ashton Club Drive in Lake Wales, Florida.
The CDD aims to secure a lease or management agreement for full-service bar and restaurant operations at the facility. Optional catering services are also available for interested parties.
Lake Ashton is a premier 55+ gated community spanning 2,000 acres, with more than 1,600 homes and over 3,000 residents across Lake Wales and Winter Haven. It features resort-style amenities, including two 18-hole championship golf courses, a golf course snack bar (The Eagle’s Nest), a Health and Fitness Center, and the main Clubhouse with its Grand Ballroom (capacity up to 550 for events, weddings, and live entertainment).
The Clubhouse restaurant, open to the public, overlooks 400-acre Lake Ashton and offers indoor and covered outdoor dining with a full-service bar. It has a maximum seating capacity of 235 and can serve the outdoor pool, adjoining activity rooms, theater, and on-site bowling alley. The facility draws additional traffic from the adjacent 55+ community of Traditions (population 550), and several new communities under construction are expected to add thousands of homes to the surrounding area. The location benefits from high traffic volumes of more than 69,300 vehicles per day on nearby U.S. Highway 27.
The CDD owns all necessary furniture, fixtures, and equipment for restaurant operations, including tables, chairs, commercial ovens, prep stations, dishwashers, dishes, serving ware, glassware, a walk-in cooler/freezer, and multiple cooking appliances. A complete inventory is available upon request.
The selected operator will be required to sell and serve alcoholic beverages, with potential exclusive rights to alcohol sales and service for catered events (subject to negotiation). Operators must obtain appropriate permits and insurance for alcohol service across clubhouse locations.
Desired operations include a full-service restaurant/sports bar with after-dinner-hour activities such as themed nights and sports-bar-style events, though all proposals will be considered. Operators must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
The CDD handles routine cleaning of the main lobby, ballroom (except for catered events), building exterior, sidewalks, parking lots, and shared restroom spaces.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the Clubhouse, including the patio, per state requirements, with one designated outdoor smoking area provided.
Outdoor patio and pool deck dining are required (weather permitting), and the patio may be reserved by residents during non-operational hours.
Proposers are encouraged to actively market the restaurant to Lake Ashton residents and surrounding communities using social media, local publications, trade publications, and Lake Ashton communications channels. The dining areas can host entertainment, special events, golf leagues, professional associations, wine tastings, and community activities.
RFP responses must include:
- Detailed professional food and beverage service experience, accomplishments, and education for principals and managers.
- Specific challenges in operating a restaurant in a 55+ community.
- Lunch and dinner menu ideas with price points tailored to a 55+ demographic.
- Ideas for after-hours activities and events.
- Three references with direct knowledge of the respondent’s restaurant management experience.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover initial startup costs.
- Estimated lead time to open the restaurant.
- Marketing ideas for surrounding communities.
Proposals will be evaluated based on these elements. The CDD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request additional information, waive irregularities, or extend timelines by up to 45 days. Any lease agreement will be subject to CDD attorney approval, including provisions related to CDD financing and tax issues.
Interested parties should schedule a tour of the facilities by contacting Christine Wells at 863.324.5457 or cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com prior to the question deadline.
Questions must be submitted via email to cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com by 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026. Responses to questions will be distributed to all RFP recipients by March 13, 2026, and become part of the RFP.
Proposals must be received no later than 12 p.m. on April 3, 2026, via hand-delivery, email to cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com, or mail to:
Christine Wells, Community Director
Lake Ashton CDD
4141 Ashton Club Drive
Lake Wales, FL 33859
Successful respondents will be notified and expected to attend a Lake Ashton CDD Board of Supervisors meeting. All dates and schedules are subject to change.
SOURCE: CITY OF WINTER HAVEN
