New food hall in Johnston County promises variety of food traditions for everyone in the family

It’s coming soon to what many call the busiest crossroads in North Carolina. It’s where Interstate 95 and Highway 70 meet close to the towns of Smithfield and Selma.

"Yeah, the whole county is just ecstatic about what we’re about to do here," said Nathan Lambdin, general manager of the new food hall.

The 15,000-square-foot space used to be a huge outlet center. Lambdin said they have held on to a piece of that history.

"So, this one is the old humidor room from JR Cigar Outlet. It is one of the only pieces that we kept when we did the remodel," Lamdin said

Now, it’s a classic Tavern.

In the food hall, there are 10 chef-driven cuisines.

"All from local operators. Some started out as food trucks. For some of them, this is their second location," Lambdin said.

At Luna Pizza, a staff member practiced preparing a pan of meat balls with a luscious Italian sauce.

The real attraction to the food hall is variety.

"Mom wants a pizza and dad wants a burger and the kids want tacos. Well, we’ve got it all right here," said Luna Pizza’s Richard Williams.

Family members can bring their variety of chef offerings to the same table and eat together.

"The diversity in the space means a lot to us; especially since we all come from different backgrounds," said Etaf Rum with Barley and Burgers.

Barley and Burgers, with their special version of smash-burger, features American food. Indian cuisine can be found at Curry-in-a Hurry, which is Neel and Elaksha Surti’s restaurant.

"This is her legacy," said Neel Surti about his wife. "This is her dream. She’s very passionate about cooking."

Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and more will be sold at Danny and Sherrie Gonzales’ Aroma De Cuba.

"We’re trying to bring a little of south Florida here," Danny Gonzales said.

Johnston County food hall announces vendors

They are also trying to attract attention, not just from interstate travelers, but also the rising number of people who now call this part of Johnston County home.

"The population growth here has far outpaced what was expected," Lambdin said. "We expect to be the busiest food hall in the country."

The grand opening for the Old North State Food Hall is set for Aug. 26.

When the food hall opens, its operating hours will be Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.