New Retail Opportunity in Renovated Barney Allis Plaza: Request for Proposals for Cafe Operation
The Barney Allis Plaza RFP was amended on June 4, 2026, to reflect the corrected rent.
The DTC Community Development Inc, a 501(c)(3) entity, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP – Updated June 4, 2026) for the lease and operation of a high-quality cafe located within the reconstructed Barney Allis Plaza, which is set to open in the Spring of 2027
Located at the center of a rapidly growing and evolving Downtown Kansas City, Barney Allis Plaza will serve as a premier destination for residents, office workers, convention attendees, hotel guests, and visitors alike. The Plaza sits adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium, Power & Light District, and a growing residential population that now exceeds 33,000 residents living in and around Greater Downtown.
The Barney Allis Plaza project is a major urban revitalization effort that reconstructs the underground parking garage and creates a vibrant, one-block urban park in the heart of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This premier civic space, bounded by 12th and 13th Streets and Wyandotte and Central Streets, is designed to serve as a central gathering place for local residents, workers, and visitors.
This opportunity offers a chance to become an integral part of one of Kansas City’s most visible and frequently visited public gathering places. The selected operator will have the opportunity to establish a signature destination that serves patrons throughout the day – from morning coffee and breakfast service to lunchtime gatherings, afternoon meetings, and visitors enjoying the Plaza’s amenities and programming.
With planned community events, public art, recreational amenities, and year-round activity, Barney Allis Plaza is envisioned as a vibrant civic hub that will draw a diverse and consistent customer base. The cafe will play an important role in shaping the visitor experience and activating the Plaza, creating a unique opportunity for an operator seeking a highly visible location within the heart of Downtown Kansas City.
The cafe is intended to be a cornerstone amenity for the Plaza, offering a unique dining experience that complements the surrounding public space, which includes an adjacent play space, dog park, and a significant piece of public art.
The available leasable space measures approximately 1,055 square feet and features floor-to-ceiling windows on the north side, overlooking the Plaza North outdoor seating areas. The space is provided as a “white box” to allow the selected operator the flexibility to design a build-out that best suits their brand and operations, including potential indoor and outdoor dining configurations.
DTC Community Development Inc seeks a creative and experienced operator with the financial capability and operational expertise to activate this important civic asset. Submissions will be evaluated based on the operator’s planned operations, proposed design, operating experience, financial capability, and lease offer.
Key RFP Information
| RFP Release Date | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 |
| Pre-Proposal Meeting (Virtual) | 1 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026 |
| Meeting Link | Zoom Link |
| Questions Due | Monday, June 22, 2026 |
| Proposals Due | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 |
| Target Contract Date | August 1, 2026 |
Click here to download RFP – Updated June 4, 2026
Contact BAP-cafe@downtownkc.org with any questions.
