VENUE REPORT

VENUE REPORT FOOD HALLS

Keg and Case features 23 vendors.

THE DINING, IT’S A-CHANGING

The Twin Cities’ culinary scene is more diverse than ever with offerings from these five food halls. BY KASSIDY TARALA

FOOD HALLS HAVE BEEN HAVING A MAJOR MOMENT LATELY, and it’s looking like that moment isn’t going to end any time soon. Whether it’s their offerings of food from around the world all within several feet of each other, their promotion of local businesses, or their indoor farmers market vibe, we aren’t sure. But whatever it is, everyone seems to be here for it.

Here’s a list of six food halls in the Twin Cities metro with offerings from ice cream and donuts to shawarma and sushi. Foodies, take note.

Keg and Case West 7th Market

With its opening just one year ago, Keg and Case West 7th Market has been majorly popular among foodies. The food hall has 23 vendors, more than half of which are the only brick-and-mortar locations of their kind. From coffee, donuts and chocolate to meats, honey and spices, Keg and Case truly brings the farmers market experience indoors.

“We live in an era where people have more interest in foods and unique foods. People are also searching for community—a place to be with friends or family,” says Craig Cohen, principal developer. “At a place like Keg and Case, there are many options, and it’s a pleasant, lively setting.”

Though Keg and Case doesn’t have a designated event space, it has a market with first-come-first-serve seating available on the patio/market park and in the Rathskeller space. Additionally, In Bloom has a private dining space, and Cohen says groups have

Clockwise from top left: Market House Collaborative features event space and Almanac Fish; Malcolm Yards Market is slated to open in spring 2020.

hosted meetings in the North Garden theater across the street and come over for a tour and food.

Market House Collaborative

What do seafood, a brewpub and a bakery have in common? Market House Collaborative. This food hall offers flavors of the sea, land and everything in between. A fishmonger and a butcher shop offer high quality meats, while a seafood restaurant, bakery and brewpub offer drinks and dining.

Market House Collaborative opened its doors in October 2017, and Lorin Zinter, director of operations, says they have been well received. “It’s a more enjoyable way to have a casual evening out that gives your guests or clients more than a singular option. It is a great way to make an event more comfortable and less formal,” Zinter says.

The food hall has an event space that includes the lower level of the building, which can accommodate an array of event types and sizes. Zinter says he thinks food halls will continue to increase in size and scope as the diversity makes them enjoyable for many people, making them great spots to enjoy with groups. Elevate Food Hall

Known as “Minneapolis’ best kept secret,” Elevate Food Hall is a popular spot for corporate meetings and events. Since opening in June 2017, guests have enjoyed Sonora Grill, 123 Sushi, Butcher & Baker, Fork & Flour, Just Burgers, a salad and hot bar, dessert station and interchangeable restaurants, including the recently open Flame.

Groups of up to 600 can rent out the food hall space as well as various corporate event and conference rooms in various sizes. Though a separate catering menu is provided for events, Catering and Event Sales Manager

VENUE REPORT FOOD HALLS

The Dayton’s Project will be connected to Nicollet Mall and the Minneapolis Skyway.

Janis Molde says groups can order anything from the food hall, too.

“The environment is different from other food halls,” Molde says. “It’s good for groups because there are so many options, and the lounge allows for fun activities and beautiful, unique views of the city.”

This fall, chef Jason Bills says they will be offering a comfort food menu featuring their “elevated grilled cheese,” which has at least four layers of different cheeses and is served with tomato soup.

Malcolm Yards Market

There’s no better cure for a food desert than a food hall. Coming spring 2020, Malcolm Yards Market will be providing the food deprived neighborhood of Prospect Park gourmet food, meeting and gathering spaces, and two new bars with a self-pour tap wall.

In addition to the 36 varieties of craft beer, wine and cocktails, Malcolm Yards Market will have a 400-square-foot meeting room for 30-50 people.

“Food halls are more of a market correction than a trend. The reason they are so popular with the foodie public is the variety of highend gourmet concepts under one roof paired with craft cocktails, wine and beer in a unique setting,” says developer Patricia Wall. “Groups can meet at a food hall and everyone can enjoy the offerings they prefer—no compromises.”

The Dayton’s Project

Reimagining the building’s 21st-century potential while honoring its unique history, The Dayton’s Project will be a mix of old and new. Opening in spring 2020, the last stop on our food hall list is The Dayton’s Project, a 45,000-square-foot food hall and market curated by James Beard award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern.

“The food hall will be connected to both Nicollet Mall and the skyways, drawing in visitors from offices, street-level traffic and shopping in the heart of downtown,” says Tricia Pitchford, principal and senior vice president of leasing, Mid-America Real Estate—Minnesota, LLC.

Tenant and office leasing is currently underway, so Pitchford says information about meeting and event spaces will be available in the near future. Though, she adds, the accessible, central location of The Dayton’s Project will likely make it a popular spot for events and meetings.

Get Connected

THE DAYTON’S PROJECT thedaytonsproject.com

ELEVATE FOOD HALL elevatefoodhall.com | 612.455.3750

KEG AND CASE WEST 7TH MARKET kegandcase.com | 651.443.6060

MALCOLM YARDS MARKET malcolmyardsmarket.com | 612.791.0717

MARKET HOUSE COLLABORATIVE octostp.com | 651.202.3409