Food hall to open in new Butler Town Center

This summer, the 14 monthlong construction of Gainesville’s first food hall will begin.

Stengel Field Food Hall will open in the Fall of 2018 at Butler Town Center, a shopping center currently being constructed off Archer Road, and will mimic popular food halls that have opened across the U.S. in recent years.

The food hall will have the benefits of a fast-food restaurant while still pursuing culinary excellence and nutritious offerings, wrote Mary Reichardt, the corporate director of marketing for Butler Enterprises, in an email.

“Looking at cities comparable to us in culture like Austin and Portland, we see what a great opportunity the food hall is to showcase and explore our food and beverage scene,” Reichardt said.

The space, which will be curated by local chef and restaurant owner Bert Gill, will house between 11 and 15 vendors, Reichardt said.

The company is attempting to bring Gainesville’s thriving craft beer, brewery, food truck and dining scene to the food hall, Reichardt said.

This will also be very beneficial to students who do not have a car, Reichardt said. The food hall will have groceries, dining and shopping all in one walkable location, making it easy for students to accomplish multiple tasks.

“More than just a place to get a quick bite, the food hall is artisan food, well prepared and interesting, in an environment that is engaging, experiential and still relaxed,” Reichardt said.

Ryan Murphy, a UF biomedical engineering junior, said although he doesn’t eat out very often, he likes the idea of a store where you could simultaneously shop for groceries and eat a meal.

“I think it’s a great idea,” the 20-year-old said. “I know I’d use it.”

 Contact Catie Wegman at cwegman@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter: @catie_wegman.