Bid Process now available for Restaurant Opening August 2026
Fresh Foods – National and Local Brands – International Flavors – Express Service
This unique retail opportunity is located in the heart of the University of Michigan campus in the thriving city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. We are looking for an exciting food concept to join us at the Michigan Union, the most visited building on campus. Do you have an idea for a trending restaurant, a fresh food option, a café with international appeal? We are interested in your proposal!
Property Details
Location: 530 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Type: Retail/Food
Size: 1,440 sq ft
Restaurant Open: August 2026
Lease Terms: Standard Retail
Overview
The available retail space is reserved for fast casual food service operations and is located on the ground floor of the Michigan Union in the heart of the University of Michigan campus. Current vendors in the Michigan Union include Panera Bread, Panda Express, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Qdoba, Subway, WingSnob and Blue Market convenience store.
Other Retail in the Michigan Union
• Barnes & Noble
• University of Michigan Credit Union
• Michigan Union Ticket Office
• U-M Tech Shop
#3 Public University, U.S. News and World Reports (2024)
The University of Michigan continues to be recognized nationally in top ten public universities in the nation. In the U.S. World Reports 101 graduate programs ranked in the top 10. Ann Arbor is ranked #2 as the best small college town in America by Wallethub in 2025.
And at Michigan, the center of student life is in our student unions.
$85 Million Renovation Completed January 2020
The Union underwent an extensive renovation and reopened in January of 2020. The renovation added new student lounges and study areas, improved accessibility, and expanded resources for more than 1,700 student organizations. The building has been a hub for student activity for over 100 years, and these new changes created even more spaces for students to gather.
Demographics:
Over 1.7 million people visited the Michigan Union last year.
Campus Crossroads
A recent study indicates the primary reason students are visiting the Union is to eat. Beyond eating, the Union is a hub of activity with more than 7,000 events happening in the Union last year alone. The Union is a great place to socialize, study, or visit more than a dozen Student Life departments and offices. About 100 staff have offices in the Union.
Student Hub
The University of Michigan has more than 1,700 student organizations. Our undergraduate students hail from all 50 states and 100 countries. Named a “Best of the Best” university for building an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff according to Campus Pride.
Who Are These Visitors?
Michigan’s enrollment is continuing to grow. Get the latest undergrad demographics from U-M’s Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Spending: $6 million
Last year there were more than 1.7 million visitors to the Union and over 750,000 transactions. More than $6 million in food purchases were made, with an average ticket value of $7.83.
Facilities:
1,440 Sq Ft Retail Space
The available retail space is on the same level as the loading dock for easy access.
The available retail space is a ground-level site located in a food court with high visibility to building traffic flow.
Building/Retail Hours: During the fall and winter semesters, the Michigan Union is open Monday through Saturday, 7 am to 2 am and Sunday 9 am to 2 am. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 am to 12 am and Sunday 9 am to 12 am.
How to Submit a Proposal
We invite you to submit a proposal for your retail food service operation at the Michigan Union on the campus of the University of Michigan.
Schedule
6/02/2025 Request for Proposal available
6/26/2025 Required meeting and site visit
8/11/2025 Proposals due
Required Proposal Meeting: You must attend this informational meeting in order to have your proposal considered. The meeting will include a short presentation regarding the available site and space, a question and answer period and a site visit.
June 26, 2025
1:00pm
Michigan Union
Pond Room, Located on the 1st Floor
530 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
FAQ
Interested? Get more information on our FAQ page.
Questions
Thank you for your interest in doing business in the Michigan Union. We are looking forward to your proposal. If you have questions, please contact us:
Charisse Fox
[email protected]