The Avenida Food Hall & Fresh Market, Calgary’s first-ever food hall, has made an impressive mark since it opened its doors on December 15, 2018. Celebrating its one-year anniversary in 2019, the food hall has flourished in what many consider a challenging retail environment. Despite the turbulent landscape for local businesses, Avenida Food Hall has thrived, attracting both food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Let’s delve deeper into its success, the diverse vendors, and how this innovative concept has reshaped Calgary’s food scene.
A Year of Growth and Success
In its first year, Avenida Food Hall & Fresh Market surpassed expectations, drawing over half a million visitors. The success was even more remarkable given the tough competition in Calgary’s retail sector. Yuval Greenfeld, the general manager, expressed satisfaction with the achievement, acknowledging the difficult market conditions while celebrating the significant milestone.
A Testament to Community Engagement
The concept behind Avenida was to create a space that combined a variety of food experiences with a fresh market. From gourmet food offerings to unique local produce, the space aimed to meet diverse consumer needs. This approach not only attracted customers but also created an ecosystem for local entrepreneurs to flourish. Greenfeld noted that while the food hall started with some vacant spaces, the concept quickly gained traction, reaching full occupancy within just five months.
Vendor Diversity and Culinary Innovation
Avenida Food Hall houses an impressive 25 counter-service restaurants, alongside 20 other vendors and small businesses. What makes this food hall stand out is its inclusivity and diversity of offerings. Among the 25 food counters, eight restaurants are entirely gluten-free, catering to a growing demand for allergen-friendly dining options.
Calgary’s First Licensed Food Hall
In a pioneering move for the city, Avenida Food Hall became Calgary’s first and only licensed food hall. This development added a new layer of appeal for visitors, as patrons can now enjoy a range of alcoholic beverages alongside their meals. The ability to serve alcohol has created a vibrant atmosphere, making the food hall not just a place to eat, but a destination for social gatherings.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Behind Avenida
The success of Avenida is not only due to its unique concept but also because of the entrepreneurs who have embraced the space. Local business owners like Emmanuel Guardado, the proprietor of QueChivo Salvadoran Street Food, have found a home at Avenida. Guardado’s journey from a food truck to a permanent stall within the food hall is a perfect example of how the space nurtures and supports small businesses.
Guardado, who had been laid off from the energy sector, turned to his passion for food as a means to reinvent his career. The food hall provided him with an opportunity to establish his business without the significant overheads and risks associated with opening a standalone restaurant. Guardado has since expanded, entering a partnership with another food hall vendor to open a third restaurant within Avenida. Despite this growth, Guardado remains cautious, focusing on gradual expansion as a path to sustainable success.
Collective Success: A Collaborative Environment
The concept of Avenida Food Hall is grounded in the idea of collaboration rather than competition. Greenfeld emphasized that this collective effort—where individual vendors work together and share resources—has been key to its success. When one business thrives, it lifts the entire ecosystem, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits all involved. This synergy is part of what makes the food hall model so compelling, especially in a city like Calgary, where entrepreneurs are often hesitant to take on the risks of operating solo.
A Growing Trend: The Rise of Food Halls in Calgary
Avenida Food Hall & Fresh Market is part of a broader global trend toward food halls as a new dining and retail experience. These spaces combine the best aspects of food courts, markets, and independent restaurants into one dynamic destination. Calgary, which has traditionally been known for its independent restaurant culture, has embraced this shift, with Avenida leading the way.
As food halls continue to grow in popularity, Avenida’s model could serve as a blueprint for future developments across the city. The success of Avenida has not only sparked interest from other entrepreneurs but has also created a loyal customer base that sees the food hall as a destination for high-quality, diverse, and innovative dining options.
Avenida’s Impact on Calgary’s Local Economy
Beyond its culinary success, Avenida Food Hall has had a tangible impact on Calgary’s local economy. By offering a space for small businesses to thrive, it has contributed to job creation and local growth. The influx of visitors has also boosted surrounding businesses, further solidifying Avenida’s role as a key player in the city’s commercial landscape.
A Growing Community Hub
The food hall has become more than just a place to eat; it has evolved into a community hub. Its anniversary celebrations, including a special tasting event showcasing food from various vendors, exemplify this role. These events not only promote the food hall but also foster a sense of community and collaboration among both vendors and patrons.
Conclusion
Avenida Food Hall & Fresh Market has set a high standard for Calgary’s food scene. Its first year in business proved that innovative concepts, when executed thoughtfully, can succeed in challenging markets. The food hall’s success has demonstrated the power of community, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. With plans for further expansion and ongoing support for local vendors, Avenida Food Hall is poised to continue its growth and play a pivotal role in Calgary’s culinary future.