Alcohol Sale and Food Truck Opportunities for Hyde Park Drive-In

The countdown has officially begun: as of August 17th, the National Parks Service (NPS) has restarted their search to find a new lessee for the Hyde Park Drive-In Theatre. This time, however, things might be different.

The historic drive-in, which has been in operation since the 1950s, has been in limbo in recent months. Under NPS ownership since 2011, a new Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued to find the next proprietor, and it includes some exciting options for prospective renters.

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Search for New Drive-In Proprietors in Hyde Park, NY

"Hyde Park has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease, operate, and maintain the Hyde Park Drive-In Movie Theatre", began a recent press release from the NPS. "This lease opportunity is open to all interested persons and businesses on a competitive basis". After an attempt to find a new lessee earlier this year came up short, many community members were curious if the revamped search would mean a completely new direction for the property.

National Parks Service

The Future of the Hyde Park Drive-In

"[They should] put a simple restaurant there with outdoor seating. Play more than just movies", offered one Hyde Park resident. "Probably [will be] another government official building - or hotel", ventured another guess. Luckily, the NPS was forthright with their plans.

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Movies Will Stay at the Hyde Park Drive-In

"The National Park Service is seeking a continuation of the outdoor movie operations to attract diverse visitors and serve the surrounding community as well as visitors to the park", they shared. "The proposal judged best under the proposal selection criteria will be given an opportunity to negotiate a final lease agreeable to both the selected offeror and NPS."

New Opportunities for the Hyde Park Drive-In

Interested parties are asked to submit their proposals here by November 3, 2023, and feedback seems to suggest that the new lessee could add some exciting new dimensions to the drive-in. In their Frequently Asked Questions section, the NPS states that food trucks, sub-leased concessions, and even alcohol sales will be considered.

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The Hyde Park Drive-In is just one example of the Hudson Valley's rich history. Take a look back in time with these fascinating throwback photos of other New York gems, including our thruway rest stops and favorite fast food restaurants, below.

What New York State Thruway Rest Stops Looked Like in the 1950s

According to the Thruway Authority, the very first rest stops were erected in the mid-1950s offering travelers cafeteria-style food, coffee, and snacks. Today, these rest stops are going through their second major remodel which will bring new restaurants and amenities for Thruway travelers. According to these old images from the Thruway Authority, our local rest stops have come a long way in seventy years.

Then And Now: How Fast Food Restaurants in The Hudson Valley Have Changed

While many of your favorite Hudson Valley fast-food restaurants have remained in the same spot for decades, their buildings are almost unrecognizable from what they used to look like.

Source: Just Announced: New Opportunities for Hyde Park Drive-In

Filed Under: Hyde Park, hyde park drive in

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