As we all know, downtown Northampton is facing challenges. The Gazette has provided insightful reporting, sparking local debate in our community, regarding the issue of businesses shutting down.
One solution for Northampton I feel is worthy of consideration is a food hall. It’s a hit in many cities across America, and our family experienced this emerging concept during a recent trip to St. Petersburg, Florida. Think mall food court, but instead of a mall, it’s located downtown, in one, consolidated location.
Instead of greasy fast food, it’s a fresh, locally-sourced and owned foodie paradise. Often, they include a bar, brewery or coffee shop as well. The concept allows for a variety of smaller restaurants and bars to prosper under one roof. It’s also a great way for food trucks to evolve into a brick-and-mortar location without the costs and challenges of a standalone restaurant.
Garrick Brown, head of retail research for the real-estate firm Cushman & Wakefield and author of a recent report on food halls, told the Washington Post, “This is not food as an amenity, this is food as the primary reason for people being there.”
Another valuable aspect of the food hall is they create a space for the community to convene. Imagine a location for our community and its visitors to enjoy local food and beverages, foster relationships and support downtown Northampton.
According to Touch Bistro, there were just 25 halls in 2010 and that number is predicted to be 300 by 2020. Let’s feature the best of Northampton with our own food hall, revive our downtown and bring our community together.
Nicole Krassner
Florence