Coming Soon: Retail Catering Services Opportunity at State Library Victoria

State Library Victoria, one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural institutions, is inviting proposals for the management of its flagship retail food and beverage offering, Mr Tulk. Located at the high-visibility corner of Swanston Street and La Trobe Street, Mr Tulk offers a rare opportunity to create an exceptional dining experience in one of Melbourne's busiest and most vibrant areas. Positioned just steps from the State Library Victoria Train Station (set to open in 2025), Library Entrance, bustling Forecourts and RMIT University, this venue benefits from high foot traffic and offers exposure to millions of visitors annually.

The venue is currently operating under the Mr Tulk brand, which is owned by the incumbent operator. Tenderers are encouraged to propose fresh branding, innovative concepts and a redefined vision for the space, aligning with the Library’s dynamic cultural environment and diverse visitor base.

In addition to Mr Tulk, the successful operator will also have the opportunity to explore retail food and beverage activation in and around the Library including Guild Café, the Library Forecourts and Information Centre. These spaces offer exciting opportunities for creative and engaging food concepts that complement the Library’s vibrant environment.

An Opportunity Not To Be Missed

• Prime Location: Positioned at the bustling intersection of Swanston Street and La Trobe Street, ensuring exceptional foot traffic from commuters, tourists, students, Library staff, Library members and locals.

• High Visitor Numbers: The Library is on track to welcome 3 million visitors annually by 2026, providing significant exposure and customer engagement for the venue.

• Expansive Space: The venue includes a substantial back-of-house area and commercial kitchen, large indoor seating and an expansive outdoor terrace on La Trobe Street, offering a dynamic, year-round environment for visitors.

• Growth Potential: Opportunity to extend the offering for evening trade and create innovative food and beverage concepts, engaging diverse customer segments.

• Iconic Venue Partnership: This opportunity offers the chance to collaborate with an iconic Melbourne landmark, bringing creative and innovative food and beverage concepts that resonate with Melbourne’s vibrant identity.

• Negotiable Term: The contract will be for 5 + 2 + 2 years, with room to negotiate based on capital expenditure proposals.

  
  

Key Dates

• Request For Tender Release Date: On or around 7th August 2025

• Caterer’s Walkthrough and Briefing: 3.00pm, Tuesday 12th August 2025, meeting at the entrance to Mr Tulk Café

• Submission Close Date: Midday, Thursday 25th September 2025

• Timelines are indicative only and subject to change.

This is an exciting chance to shape the retail food and beverage experience at State Library Victoria, a vibrant cultural hub attracting millions of visitors each year. With a prime location and strong growth potential, this opportunity is perfect for a forward-thinking operator eager to bring fresh concepts and innovation to a highly visible, high-traffic venue.

How to Apply

Details for this RFT Opportunity will be published on the Tenders Victoria Website. All submissions must be received by the closing date.

The Caterer's Walk Through and Briefing is not mandatory, however this will be the only time to view the back of house spaces.

For any announcements or updates related to this opportunity, please email enquiries@perfectlypaired.com.au.