People are hungry for information about the $34 million Reno Public Market, and how it's progressing. In October, the second phase of demolition started, and crews are still working on the project. Renovation of the food hall area has begun. Organizers hope is to have the food hall up and running by September of 2021. They feel like the food options really make the venue special, and that will attract food fans to the area.
The work transforming shoppers square into the Reno Public Market continues. Demolition on the food hall has begun and that's music to some people's ears. “This Reno public market food hall will be something to be on the national foodie map,” said culinary consultant Steve Schroeder.
Organizers say that people who have interest in the different types and quality of food, or foodies as they are called, have already shown an interest, “We've seen people travel to Reno on the foodie map because of Reno street food. And now we're going to see people travel to Reno because of the Reno Food Market,” said Schroeder.
The plan is to have 15 to 20 food vendors, as well as an art collective, and other cultural vendors. The food and drink vendors will be locally based. “This location will be a food experience beyond something you go to just to have food,” said Schroeder. “We're going to embrace local food culture. We intend to make it almost all local,” said Reno Public Market partner Rick Casazza.
Food truck businesses will make up a good portion of the vendors who can now operate from an inside counter, rather than a truck. “All of us together have been working together to creating more of an eclectic food culture. It’s more multi-cultural: the Hawaiian food, the ramen, the Japanese, the Korean, and the BBQ that we're so known for,” said Schroeder.
Visually the food hall will stand out, with plenty of open space. “This massive steel and glass food hall structure will be about 35 feet to the top,” said Casazza.
The location will be anchored by the Fifty Fifty Brewing Company and a variety of food options that are appealing. “So everyone can try the different options and come back to the table and share together. That's a food experience,” said Schroeder.
Organizers say they already have more than 30 local vendors already showing interest in becoming part of the project. There are also plans to open a natural grocery store at the location in 2021. Public records show Sprouts has filed plans for the Reno Public Market, but the store chain has not yet confirmed that with 2 News.
CVS is also expected to open at its new location on the property in June.
