Glad to hear things are going well!
Interesting. That looks like pretty substantial furniture, i.e. not just the usual lightweight plastic cafe tables and chairs. I assume they had the moveable bollards up on Foundry Way, and you just can't see them from that angle...?chriss752 wrote: ↑Aug 14, 2021Outdoor seating was available tonight. I didn't get to see it in action because of how busy we were, but I assume this area was full of people too.urbanitas wrote: ↑Aug 13, 2021I saw that in the press release. They said outdoor seating will come sometime in September...but why on Earth would they not have outdoor seating installed yet? No time to prepare...? Or do they just not have enough staff to clean and secure the outdoor space?chriss752 wrote: ↑Aug 12, 2021
No outdoor seating yet. Hopefully soon though. The space needs more seating. Fassler Hall will have the outdoor Biergarten on the roof overlooking Foundry Way.
Probably the latter, but they'll of course never acknowledge that publicly...
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Went tonight and this just feels idk forced? Maybe because not all the vendors are here it feels too big? Too generic? Unless I’m here for something at other venues I doubt we’ll come to the food hall specifically
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I hear that sentiment. I think it’s pretty easy to picture the food hall being the heart of a much more dynamic district, though.dbInSouthCity wrote:Went tonight and this just feels idk forced? Maybe because not all the vendors are here it feels too big? Too Genetic? Unless I’m here for something at other venues I doubt we’ll come to the food hall specifically
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I don’t think so, it’s a pretty generic food hall like all the ones that have popped up the last decade. The only way it works out is the retail spots are filled (very quickly) and the food hall becomes an accessory to going shoppingSeattleNative wrote: ↑Aug 15, 2021I hear that sentiment. I think it’s pretty easy to picture the food hall being the heart of a much more dynamic district, though.dbInSouthCity wrote:Went tonight and this just feels idk forced? Maybe because not all the vendors are here it feels too big? Too Genetic? Unless I’m here for something at other venues I doubt we’ll come to the food hall specifically
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the food hall itself is oddly designed. There are weird walls all over the place that break up the space into a incohesive mess and you can’t really tell if there is 3 or 20 stalls
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They do need to figure out what to do with those dead corners…dbInSouthCity wrote:I don’t think so, it’s a pretty generic food hall like all the ones that have popped up the last decade. The only way it works out is the retail spots are filled (very quickly) and the food hall becomes an accessory to going shoppingSeattleNative wrote: ↑Aug 15, 2021I hear that sentiment. I think it’s pretty easy to picture the food hall being the heart of a much more dynamic district, though.dbInSouthCity wrote:Went tonight and this just feels idk forced? Maybe because not all the vendors are here it feels too big? Too Genetic? Unless I’m here for something at other venues I doubt we’ll come to the food hall specifically
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the food hall itself is oddly designed. There are weird walls all over the place that break up the space into a incohesive mess and you can’t really tell if there is 3 or 20 stalls
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^ I stopped by last night, and yeah I'd agree there's a decent amount of dead space right now. I did like all the original elements they left; they're visually interesting, but yeah there are some voids at the moment. I know they've been working on this for awhile, but I'm not gonna pass too much judgement yet since it's been open less than a week. Maybe there were oversights, but no harm if most things keep selling out (assuming the experience doesn't leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth, they don't want to return and/or spread their thoughts to others). I asked for a City Wide at the bar and they told me the only beer they had left was Budweiser, so it sounds like the beer is flowing, too. I look forward to seeing how this looks in August 2022, and I'll do my best to stop by and support when I can. This will likely feel very different by then.
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i feel like the layout would work better if the stalls were staggered throughout the space rather than clumped in the middle. i can't tell from the photos, but does it feel like it's open and airy? or does all the drywall make it feel enclosed?
i was hoping for something more like an industrial version of Cleveland's West Side Market:
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https://www.cleveland.com/life-and-culture/j66j-2020/02/c9253e11024171/plain-dealer-readers-share-their-thoughts-on-west-side-market-calling-all-readers-.html
i was hoping for something more like an industrial version of Cleveland's West Side Market:
https://www.cleveland.com/life-and-culture/j66j-2020/02/c9253e11024171/plain-dealer-readers-share-their-thoughts-on-west-side-market-calling-all-readers-.html
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It feels both open and enclosed, just depends where you’re standing. Even when the hall is 100% leased I think there is still too much space with very wide concourses.
It's interesting that you bring up the point of it feeling "disconnected" and "walled off" while also being too open in parts. It's something several people have mentioned to me over the past few days.
Compared to the initial renderings of the Food Hall space, it's definitely more walled off than before, but there's a logical explanation for that - back of house spaces for the stalls are limited, and crowded. There's not much room in the back and imagine how the space would be if you could see each freezer, bread/dough mixer/maker, ovens, sinks, and dish/pan racks. It would look quite hoosier. Maybe some people would like that, I don't know but I certainly wouldn't.
On the issue of the space feeling too open in parts, I think this will be dealt with once the other 9 food stalls are build out and open. The increase in visitors (thanks to the other 9 food stalls in the Food Hall, Fassler Hall, Punchbowl Social, and the few stores that will look into the Food Hall) will surely make the space feel busier and less open. But we'll see. Retail shops and the other entertainment/restaurant components, which will be the main draws here, are going to be needed once the initial newness of the Food Hall wears off.
Compared to the initial renderings of the Food Hall space, it's definitely more walled off than before, but there's a logical explanation for that - back of house spaces for the stalls are limited, and crowded. There's not much room in the back and imagine how the space would be if you could see each freezer, bread/dough mixer/maker, ovens, sinks, and dish/pan racks. It would look quite hoosier. Maybe some people would like that, I don't know but I certainly wouldn't.
On the issue of the space feeling too open in parts, I think this will be dealt with once the other 9 food stalls are build out and open. The increase in visitors (thanks to the other 9 food stalls in the Food Hall, Fassler Hall, Punchbowl Social, and the few stores that will look into the Food Hall) will surely make the space feel busier and less open. But we'll see. Retail shops and the other entertainment/restaurant components, which will be the main draws here, are going to be needed once the initial newness of the Food Hall wears off.
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Went in late Friday night. The place definitely has a lot of potential. There also are a lot of empty retail spots right now outside of the food hall that, once filled, will definitely bring increased vibrancy. Until then, lots of dark storefronts. Meanwhile, people looked pretty darn happy with it. Plenty of people in their 20s; this will blow up once SLU starts up its new academic year (move-ins I think are on the 20th). Once this gets the other main venues operational (Fassler, Alamo, etc.), the vibe will definitely be different in the ways we all want to see. And yes, the furniture outside was both high quality and mostly occupied.
Side note: I've worked in the restaurant industry enough to know that a venue shouldn't necessarily be judged by its opening weekend. I'm interested to see how this is going come mid-October. So far, I'm satisfied, in fact impressed knowing what all it used to be, and I'm intently curious to see this place succeed once the whole thing is fully occupied.
Side note: I've worked in the restaurant industry enough to know that a venue shouldn't necessarily be judged by its opening weekend. I'm interested to see how this is going come mid-October. So far, I'm satisfied, in fact impressed knowing what all it used to be, and I'm intently curious to see this place succeed once the whole thing is fully occupied.
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^ i'm just concerned it'll end up being another mall food court. those haven't aged so well. we'll see. fingers crossed.
Went on Sunday around 11 and figured it would be quite empty at such an odd time. It was not, however. There were quite a few folks there at the time and many more coming when we were leaving.
Some of the stalls seemed a bit small to me and the staff was clearly still figuring things out process wise. The places we patronized were a bit slow as a result. Hopefully, some long waits early on don't turn people off.
I really liked the space. Hopeful that this thing takes off. "Food court" alone I think won't have long legs. Seems like entertainment options are critical to make this thing live on for years to come.
Some of the stalls seemed a bit small to me and the staff was clearly still figuring things out process wise. The places we patronized were a bit slow as a result. Hopefully, some long waits early on don't turn people off.
I really liked the space. Hopeful that this thing takes off. "Food court" alone I think won't have long legs. Seems like entertainment options are critical to make this thing live on for years to come.
I’m hoping it being local and not sbarro, subway, random Asian Place, etc helps it out. Food court food usually isn’t all that great and you can get it a million other non food court places.urban_dilettante wrote: ↑Aug 16, 2021^ i'm just concerned it'll end up being another mall food court. those haven't aged so well. we'll see. fingers crossed.
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Visited on Sunday at noon. Surprised by the level of activity, very busy, 20 minute + waits at most of the non-dessert vendors. Went to Sub Division, total disappointment. For $14 a sandwich you better have more than a witty movie quote name game for your sandwiches. For $6-$10 you can have quality product from Goia's, Blues City...This place isn't worth the money nor the wait. Hate to be negative but this one won't last, imo.
The places, particularly the Argentinian and Indian cuisine spots look very interesting and I will go back to check the others out. Cool space overall and I like what they did in keeping with the original mechanicals. There is something about the lighting that isn't great, and the walk up with no retail is like a scene in Walking Dead. That should change though!
The places, particularly the Argentinian and Indian cuisine spots look very interesting and I will go back to check the others out. Cool space overall and I like what they did in keeping with the original mechanicals. There is something about the lighting that isn't great, and the walk up with no retail is like a scene in Walking Dead. That should change though!
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^ Oh yeah forgot to mention that, everything is 25%+ overpriced.
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That should be expected. Everything in that part of the city is overpriced
Here in Tampa there is a similar concept to this called Armature Works. It is very popular and has been open for about 4-5 years now. To me I don't think it's as much about the overpriced food (which is a common feature in these type of venues) as it it's about the "ambiance" and it being a cool place to be for 20 and 30 somethings. I have no doubt this will be highly frequented well into the future, especially with it's close proximity to Cortex, SLU, and IKEA. Also, the overpricing is probably more about appealing to certain demographics than anything else. That's why you'll be paying $10 for a McDonald's quality smoothie, because their target audience A) doesn't think that's too much for that product and B) could care less about the smoothie quality because it's more about the vibe. Also, the one here in Tampa is just a food hall/bars in a cool neighborhood and will offer much less than the City Foundry when complete and it's ALWAYS packed.TheWayoftheArch_V2.0 wrote: ↑Aug 17, 2021Visited on Sunday at noon. Surprised by the level of activity, very busy, 20 minute + waits at most of the non-dessert vendors. Went to Sub Division, total disappointment. For $14 a sandwich you better have more than a witty movie quote name game for your sandwiches. For $6-$10 you can have quality product from Goia's, Blues City...This place isn't worth the money nor the wait. Hate to be negative but this one won't last, imo.
The places, particularly the Argentinian and Indian cuisine spots look very interesting and I will go back to check the others out. Cool space overall and I like what they did in keeping with the original mechanicals. There is something about the lighting that isn't great, and the walk up with no retail is like a scene in Walking Dead. That should change though!
Malls are almost all chains, whether retail or dining. It's not gonna be a mall food court..urban_dilettante wrote: ↑Aug 16, 2021^ i'm just concerned it'll end up being another mall food court. those haven't aged so well. we'll see. fingers crossed.
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^ i think that's kind-of an arbitrary distinction. The Foundry is basically (or will be eventually) an outdoor mall, so if the food hall ends up functioning like a mall food court (as opposed to being a destination in and of itself) then it's basically a mall food court. i don't want that to happen. i'm just saying they really need to get the ambiance right so that people want to spend time in the space rather than just pop in while shopping.
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I hope that the project can become a little more like Grand Central Market in Los Angeles, which seemed less kitschy.
If I could, I would steal Eggsl*t and the pupuseria from that market and bring them to St. Louis.
If I could, I would steal Eggsl*t and the pupuseria from that market and bring them to St. Louis.
Post Dispatch has story on Steve Smith and appetite for more projects after opening Foundry Food Hall. Jumps to paywall on link so not sure if any tidbits in the article and or updates on next phase, Residential tower & office space.
Still think the food Hall will be success for the foreseeable future. Another you can loot at is like a compass - SLU to the East, CORTEX/IKEA to the West, Armory/SSM to the South and Hotel(s)/Residential to the North. Foundry still needs help with connections and some more development around it, especially to the East and South. But the existing mix of employment, student and residents already in the vicinity is already strong and only getting stronger.
Still think the food Hall will be success for the foreseeable future. Another you can loot at is like a compass - SLU to the East, CORTEX/IKEA to the West, Armory/SSM to the South and Hotel(s)/Residential to the North. Foundry still needs help with connections and some more development around it, especially to the East and South. But the existing mix of employment, student and residents already in the vicinity is already strong and only getting stronger.
Only newt id bit in that story is... "Soon to come to the Foundry is Fresh Thyme, which is set to open there later this year, and movie theater Alamo Drafthouse, which is expected to start construction within a few weeks. Even more yet-to-be announced tenants are in the lineup, Smith said"dredger wrote: ↑Aug 18, 2021Post Dispatch has story on Steve Smith and appetite for more projects after opening Foundry Food Hall. Jumps to paywall on link so not sure if any tidbits in the article and or updates on next phase, Residential tower & office space.
Still think the food Hall will be success for the foreseeable future. Another you can loot at is like a compass - SLU to the East, CORTEX/IKEA to the West, Armory/SSM to the South and Hotel(s)/Residential to the North. Foundry still needs help with connections and some more development around it, especially to the East and South. But the existing mix of employment, student and residents already in the vicinity is already strong and only getting stronger.
The story was mostly about the Foundry and the Holy Corners project.