Food vendor sought for Mukilteo ferry dock

Published 1:30 am Friday, July 1, 2022

Those who have missed grabbing a snack while waiting for the ferry to South Whidbey are in luck.

Washington State Ferries recently issued a request for proposals for a new concessions vendor at the Mukilteo ferry terminal.

Interested parties must apply by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 in order to be considered for the 36 foot by 18 foot space located at the east end of the terminal, adjacent to the vehicle holding lanes, according to contract documents. The space is next to the terminal’s ground-level restrooms.

Since Mukilteo’s zoning code prohibits food trucks, the vendor who sets up in the holding area there will need to have a food cart or kiosk, confirmed Diane Rhodes, a spokesperson for the ferry system.

The final contract contains goals for participation by minority, veteran and women-owned businesses.

All questions or proposals must be emailed to WSFmukilteoconcessions@wsdot.wa.gov. For more information, visit bit.ly/MukilteoConcessionRFP.

A seven-member panel will evaluate the submitted proposals. The selected vendor will be announced this fall.

Mukilteo’s former ferry terminal, which closed at the end of 2020, was conveniently located by Ivar’s Fish Bar. The proximity allowed passengers the opportunity to get a treat while in the ferry line. The new terminal is one-third of a mile further east, and making it over to the restaurant in time is a challenge.

The ferry system began a search for potential food vendors for the new terminal once earlier in the pandemic, but was unsuccessful the first time.