What would you do at a popular Oregon Coast tourist spot with 100 square feet and a culinary dream? You have a few months to figure it out: Applications to take over the concession stand at Devils Churn are due April 3.

The chosen vendor will get a five-year special use permit granting sole permission to sell food and drink at the coastal site five minutes south of Yachats, Oregon—and, if things shape up the way they have for the previous occupant, earn about $32,000 in revenue per year (assuming, that is, that the previous operators reported their full cash intake).

It’s tough to beat the ambience, and near impossible to beat the rent. The minimum annual fee for the stand is currently set at a nominal $1,400 (the federal government has to set a “fair market” cost, but applicants include a proposed yearly fee in their business plan). Compare that to the $18,000 some New York City street vendors pay for their permits, purchased from other vendors, plus $52,000 for a cart and signage. 

The administrators at Siuslaw National Forest hope that a local business will enhance the site for visitors, who are drawn to a paved, .4 mile hike along the awe-inspiring churn all year long. And if online reviews are any indication, those visitors are eager to patronize a great concession stand. A TripAdvisor reviewer named Richard S. waxes poetic: “Beauty abounds at every turn, and you can get a cuppa coffee at The Devils Churn.” 

Operating out of an idyllic National Forest does require a bear-proof trash bin. But the concession stand itself is pretty standard: 13 outlets, an exhaust fan, some storage, a couple of sinks. We think it has potential.

Need help envisioning your plan for the place? RSVPs for the February 21 site tour are due Friday, February 16. The selected vendor will start slinging snacks in late June, just in time for peak summer crowds.