Looks like the food hall concept is taking off in Columbus. Cameron Mitchell Restaurants announced their plans this morning for a food hall that’ll occupy The Budd Dairy building in Italian Village. Hosting between eight and 10 “entrepreneurial, chef-driven restaurant concepts,” The Budd Dairy Food Hall will make the second concept of its kind to open in the city. It’s scheduled to open late this year.
“Food halls are among the most popular, innovative ways to allow dining consumers to actively engage in their food experience, and the Budd Dairy Food Hall will be the first of this scale in the region,” said Steve Weis, CMR vice president of development, in a press release. “By providing in one venue an opportunity for guests to choose among multiple, artisan food shops, instead of choosing just one restaurant, and then combining it with a strong beverage program; entertainment; and flexible, on-trend spaces to enjoy food and drink; the food hall will be a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Executed by local developer Kevin Lykens, The Budd Dairy building will take up more than 14,000 square feet, 11,000 of which will provide space for the food vendors, a main bar, community seating, and a stage for live performances, all on the first floor. With a heavier focus on entertainment, the second floor will have a smaller bar and interactive games. It’ll double as an event space as well, catered by the food hall’s vendors. A seasonal rooftop deck will also be available, offering more seating, a bar, and entertainment spaces.
An additional 11,000 square feet on the building’s lower level will be dedicated to co-working offices and technology incubators, and another 25,000 square feet in the building’s carriage warehouses will become creative office space.
Over the next several months, the CMR team will be seeking out and evaluating the restauranteurs interested in joining The Budd Dairy Food Hall. After accepting applications, CMR executives will distribute licenses to between eight and 10 entrepreneurs. The partnership doesn’t end there, however, as CMR plans on providing its restauranteurs with continual education on topics like “infrastructure development, capital investment, systems and other issues that face growing businesses.”
While each individual kitchen will employ its own staff, CMR will oversee all operations, head up day-to-day management, and provide “all related services for the food hall’s culinary, entertainment and beverage programs.”
“Our expectations are as limitless as what we can imagine. This spectacular project fulfills our dream of empowering unique, up-and-coming food artisans to grow their businesses in a positive, high-energy venue with the oversight and hospitality experience of our Cameron Mitchell Restaurants team,” said CMR founder Cameron Mitchell. “The Budd Dairy Food Hall also leverages the unparalleled national excitement of food halls to attract young urban professionals and visitors alike to one of the fastest-growing areas of our city.”
According to the press release, 140 food halls have opened or will open in the next 18 months across the country. The Budd Dairy Food Hall is the second in Columbus, following Corso Ventures’ announcement of their concept Food Hall that’ll serve the Short North.
The food hall’s popularity no doubt reflects the growing support of small, local business as well as a unique dining experience. People like options; they want new foods and restaurants, and they love popups.
To learn more about The Budd Dairy Food Hall, and for food vendors interested in applying, visit budddairyfoodhall.com.