New food hall at NC State Fairgrounds will be open year-round

A new food hall being built at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds will be open year-round, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced Monday.

The Midway Event Center, a two-tiered food hall, will replace the 70-year-old Lunch Stand building by the Orville Terminus of the State Fair Flyer chairlift, close to the waterfall and Dorton Arena.

It will feature indoor and outdoor seating and multiple event spaces. A variety of food will be served, including fair food while the fair is in session.

"We believe once the Midway Event Center is completed, it will become a hub for lunch options and after work gatherings, weekend brunch dates and quick business meetings," Troxler said. "It will become a neighborhood meeting spot and a place where friends can enjoy time together before heading out to another event in the area."

Troxler on Monday also announced a fairgrounds improvement project that will update the flower and garden area, integrating it with Heritage Circle.

Troxler said the updates will keep the fairgrounds "relevant" to visitors and citizens.

The entire project is slated to take 3 to 4 years, but a timeline was not shared.