DURHAM, N.C. — After five years in development, the
Durham Food Hall opened its doors last week.
The hall itself is closed for dine-in customers, but the guests
can still order from its individual vendors as they open. The
Auctioneer Bar and Small Maker Retail spaces opened last week offering curbside pickup of cocktail kits, curated beer and wine selections and home goods. The hall's food vendors are expected to start opening this week.
The hall is located at 530 Foster St. in the Central Park district of downtown on the first floor of the Liberty Warehouse. It houses 10 mini-eateries and two bars in the 15,00 square-foot space. The venue also has private event spaces.
Adair Mueller, a Durham native, came up with the idea to open a food hall while living in New York City.
"While living in the city, I found my group of friends traveling 30 plus blocks to visit food halls. Traveling for food is not something New Yorkers typically do!. I realized it wasn’t just one aspect of the food halls that made us venture out; it was the entire experience a hall creates that drew us in, bringing us back week after week," Mueller said.
When it came time to find a market, Mueller thought back to her Bull City roots.
"My now husband is an analyst, and so we did try and analyze multiple cities across the U.S. and Durham was one of three that we ended up with as top contenders, and it just kinda made sense to come back to a place where I had an existing network as well to start this business," Mueller said on Monday's
Out and About Podcast.Here's a list of the Durham Food Hall Vendors:
Lula & Sadie's (Opening May 29) – A seasonal, Southern eatery highlighting regional produce, from scalloped potatoes and hot cakes, to tomato salad, chicken potpie and eggnog-pecan French toast.
Liturgy Beverage (Opening Tuesday, May 19) – Creative tea and coffee beverages Opening Tuesday, May 19
Old North Meats and Provisions (Opening May 22) - House-smoked meats, sausages and Charcuterie for deli sandwiches or sliced, plus local cheeses.
Napoli Pizza and Gelato (Opening May 28)– Neapolitan style wood fired pizza with naturally risen dough, and sweet gelatos and sorbets made from scratch.
After Deserts (Opening May 25)– Cookie cakes and dessert flights
Ex-Voto Cocina Nixtamal (Opening May 29) – Tacos, tamales, and tostadas
Everything Bagels (Opening May 22) - Gourmet bagels, bagel sandwiches and bagel-burgers
Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary - Full service boutique floral design business
The Auctioneer Bar (Open now)- Offering season cocktails, curated beer wine and spirits selection
Riggs Lounge - This intimate bar overlooks the main hall from the mezzanine.
