Food HallsEconomic Catalyst
or Fad?
Food is transforming marginal real estate and
underutilized spaces in new dramatic ways...
From rooftop gardens...
to breweries in once derelict industrial spaces...
to edible landscaping....
and most significantly, urban food markets.
Food can have a significant impact on the success or failure of new development.
Food halls can play an important role in urban revitalization efforts.
Food markets are not new. Since ancient times people have gathered food options in a single place.
The PastThe history of food halls can
be traced back to Harrods Department Store in 1859.
TodayFood halls are popping up in urban and suburban centers.
The number of food halls has almost doubled since 2015.
Approximately 70food halls in 2015
Approximately 131 food halls in 2017
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Report
Three trends have led to the rapid proliferation of
food halls ...
Residential units are getting smaller and shared spaces are getting larger.
1
Americans are spending more on restaurants than on groceries.
2
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Report
Food connoisseurship has exploded with the prevalence of “foodie culture.”
3
DefinitionsTo understand food halls, it is important to understand how they differ from other food venues.
Mostly National Brands
Fast Food to Fast Casual
Focus on ConvenienceLittle Retail
Food Court
Mostly Local Brands
“Mom & Pop” Stalls
Little Gathering Space
Mostly Retail
Market
Both Local & National Brands
Curated Mix of Tenants
Plenty of Gathering Space
Balanced Retail & Food
Food Hall
A contextual representation of community shaped by context and a clear neighborhood amenity.Curation is the key.
Modern Food Halla
NeighborhoodMicro Destination< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
NeighborhoodMicro Destination< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
NeighborhoodMicro Destination< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
NeighborhoodMicro Destination< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
Modern food halls can support redevelopment at three different scales
NeighborhoodMicro Destination< 10,000 sf
Enliven a street
Most patrons get there by walking
Fills the needs of people within the
building
10,000 sf - 30,000 sf
Enliven a neighborhood
More local feel
Visitors will walk 5
minutes or more
> 30,000 sf
Enliven a region
Tourist attraction with local appeal
Visitors will travel
miles by car
Micro food halls can activate hard-to-use spaces...
Micro
and can create a seamless and active sidewalk.
Micro
Neighborhood
Neighborhood food halls can act as a sign of neighborhood investment, which can prompt
future development.
They can act as an extension of the living room that urban
dwellers seek.
Neighborhood
Destination food halls can redevelop underutilized buildings and revitalize the urban fabric...
Destination
while also offering the opportunity to create spaces that address the public realm.
Destination
Food halls act as a catalyst when...
they are part of a larger holistic rehabilitation project,
are shaped by their context,
have a measured influence in the community,
and serve as a community amenity.
Cooper Carry has designed plans, buildings, and spaces that transform communities.
Sarah Jane Bonn [email protected]
Nicolia Robinson, AICP [email protected]
Contact us to learn more.
Daniel Sweeney, AIA [email protected]