In-house Catering Proposals

Introduction

This document serves to present a Request for Proposals (RFP) for experienced providers capable of delivering efficient, high-quality Kosher food and catering services. The opportunity focuses on supporting the Kehillat Beth Israel congregation — a welcoming, egalitarian synagogue that promotes Conservative Judaism and its values through religious, educational and social activities. 

We aim to collaborate with a food service provider who can cater to the diverse needs of our community through innovative, appealing, and well-managed operations. Qualified and interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals in accordance with the outlined conditions and criteria.

Considerations:

We seek to build a strong, collaborative partnership with a food service provider who shares our commitment to community, quality, and inclusivity. Together, we aim to:

Foster a welcoming atmosphere where Kehillat Beth Israel’s members, employees, and visitors feel connected and valued.

Enhance Kehillat Beth Israel’s identity as a vibrant gathering space that brings people together through food, tradition, and shared experiences.

Meet the diverse needs of our community by offering accessible hours, fair pricing, and a variety of delicious, healthful, and creative dining options.

Uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance, ensuring all municipal, provincial, and federal regulations —including WHMIS and health audits — are met.

Embrace Kosher traditions by providing thorough staff training and securing certification through the Ottawa Va’ad Hakashrut (OVH).

By working closely with the selected provider, we hope to create a thriving food service operation that enriches our community’s experience and strengthens connections through shared meals.

To submit proposals in accordance with the outlined conditions and criteria.

RFP Deadline:

The deadline to submit proposals is  Friday, August 29, 2025.

About KBI:

At Kehillat Beth Israel Congregation, we combine traditional ritual practices with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We welcome and involve in ritual matters all Jewish people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race, or ability. We welcome non-Jews who want to learn about congregational life or who support family members who are Jewish. Lifecycle services are available for individuals and all types of families. People of all abilities regularly participate in our programs and services.

Our core values embrace Torah study and Jewish literacy, social diversity and inclusion, righteousness through Tikkun Olam, and Jewish engagement and worship in a meaningful way.

We are committed to continuing as a traditional, halachically-based kehilla that is guided by Conservative rabbinical leadership. We are also committed to lay member participation as ritual leaders in all functions – torah reading, gabbaim, and ba’alei tfillot.

Our congregation is vibrant and active, with members involved in Jewish and civic community institutions. We promote social action initiatives, such as operating the community’s Ottawa Kosher Food Bank. Our Hebrew supplementary school is open to the children of members and non-members alike.

Opportunities:

Partnering with Kehillat Beth Israel offers a range of exciting opportunities for a food service provider, including:

Direct Access to a Built-in Customer Base – The provider will engage with a steady flow of Kehillat Beth Israel members, program participants, staff, and guests who regularly visit the facility. With a thriving congregation and an array of programs and community events, this setting presents valuable opportunities for customer engagement and business growth.

Exclusive Catering Privileges – Kehillat Beth Israel is prepared to offer exclusive first right of refusal to the selected licensee for tenant catering, covering programs and events of up to fifty (50) people (excluding rental contracts).

Signage and Promotional Visibility – The food service provider will have the opportunity to install signage and promotional materials within the interior of the building (subject to approval of KBI’s Executive Director regarding size and placement).

Shabbat Bundles and Takeout – The food service provider will have the opportunity to provide shabbat / holiday bundles as well as take-out service for the community-at-large.

Engagement Through Special Events – Kehillat Beth Israel welcomes creative, community-building ideas that inspire excitement and participation — whether it’s grab-and-go smoothies, Shabbat specials, themed pop-up events, or collaborative initiatives with OVH-approved organizations and food service providers.

Kitchen Areas:

Kehillat Beth Israel is equipped with two kitchens — a dairy kitchen and a meat kitchen — both under the supervision of OVH. The enclosed, lockable space ensures secure access and easy oversight. While compact, these kitchens are well-designed for catering and food preparation, serving as a practical and efficient resource for events, programs, and community gatherings.

Looking ahead, KBI plans to invest in facility upgrades over the coming years to enhance the experience for members and guests. These improvements may include updates to the food service areas, with a focus on creating a more welcoming and visually appealing environment.

Catering Operator Responsibilities:

Supply of Kitchen equipment over and above what is currently available

Purchase and ownership of food and supplies

Food service employee wages, payroll, taxes, benefits, etc.

Training of operator and employees in Kashrut and Kosher techniques

Cleaning of food service areas including kitchens, cafe, seating area

Moving of refuse to central disposal

Maintenance of small wares

Laundry, linen and uniforms

Licenses and permits (non-liquor related)

Supply of china, cutlery, glasses, small wares for catering

Provide for the services of Mashgiach

Point of sale cash management system

Office supplies/equipment

Kehillat Beth Israel Responsibilities:

Removing of refuse from central disposal

Pest control in food service areas

Maintaining fire extinguishers

Supply of water, hydro, heating

Maintaining utilities ductwork

Hydro, plumbing and gas connections

Proposal Instructions:

The proposal must be submitted electronically.

Proposals must be signed by an authorized signing officer of the organization.

Kehillat Beth Israel reserves the right to reject proposals and to accept any proposal.

Kehillat Beth Israel is not responsible for any costs incurred during the preparation and/or presentation of this proposal.

All statistics and figures submitted by Kehillat Beth Israel are estimates only.

Proposals must be submitted to Yaron Starosta, Interim Executive Director, via email to: execdir@kehillatbethisrael.com.

Deadline :

The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, August 29, 2025.  

Any queries with reference to the RFP should be addressed to Yaron Starosta, Interim Executive Director at execdir@kehillatbethisrael.com, Phone: 613-728-3501 ext. 225