Jolly ole St. Nick
Nick Neptune, General Manager of the Transfer Company Food Hall, Raleigh's second food hall to open downtown, hosted an event last week welcoming locals and visitors alike to their cleverly transformed space downtown. Jolly ole Nick wore a grin on his face all evening as he witnessed his project as a living, breathing space filled with families and individuals toasting the food hall and sharing in the excitement of the season.
While guests enjoyed freshly shucked oysters, cold beers, and steaming hot cocoa, Nick invited young and old to gather around the Christmas tree and listen to him read the classic tale, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.
The Giving Tree
The children's book Nick chose was so fitting...since this project's heart and soul has defined itself by GIVING BACK to the community. For our friend Nick, I'm guessing GIVING takes on multiple meanings. And of top priority is seeing this project through in a meaningful way to neighbors AND the city of Raleigh. After years of neglect, the historic bus station of yore was in need of heaps of TLC. Transfer Co. Food Hall came to fruition just in the "NICK" of time, I'd say.
Years ago, this property served the community as a bus maintenance facility by the name of Carolina Coach, later it was a local Ford dealership, and at another time is was Stone's Warehouse. But, after the city acquired the property and maintenance costs mounted, its vacancy status seemed permanent. As if history had had enough with its disrepair, along came a nudge from Mother Nature. In 2011, a tornado tore off the roof leaving the fixer-upper as something that could not be disregarded for a moment longer. So the city started to take action to repurpose the space, interviewing proposals for their vision. It was time.
Although several developers hoped to scrape the lot and build anew, Clearscapes design firm was focused on historic preservation. They asked neighbors around the warehouse what THEY would like to see in the space.
The overwhelming response was simple, sort of: a grocery store and a pharmacy!
Ask and you shall receive...
And so, in the near future, Transfer Food Co. will be home to that gleaming wish list item of a grocery store, bringing in foot traffic for fresh produce while also "serving as a bridge" for this "growing, developing city" to connect the town with economic opportunities, and using "food and knowledge to connect locals to the space", according to Nick.
After story time concluded that evening, Andrea Wallenbeck, of Neighbors of Raleigh, interviewed Nick about his work on the food hall project. Throughout their entertaining dialogue, Nick highlighted that PARTNERSHIP is an essential part of this project, with "food, community, and knowledge" as stated core values...emblazoned on his business card, in fact.
According to Nick, the "building represents the neighborhood, but not ALL of it". He hopes to "get people through the door and AT the table", with programs aimed to help people learn through workshops and demonstrations, sharing knowledge as "a gateway to participation".
Did you know...?
Did you know that even during construction, some of the space has been made available to groups such as Neighbor to Neighbor and the Interfaith Food Shuttle? The gathering place can serve leadership conventions, retreats, non-profits, and more. Giving, giving, giving...
The "sheer footprint of the space", according to Nick, is symbolic. It stands on the edge of downtown and into a neighborhood, so he is extending an invitation to all to CONNECT, on the dance floor or around the dinner table. His hope is to facilitate an environment where people can connect with each other. Here, "through the food and beverage experience, all are welcome. Food, music, art...celebrate in this space"!
With a garland of lights around his neck, Nick interacted with his guests as if he was hosting within his own home. After months and months of construction, I'm willing to bet that Transfer Co. FEELS like home to him. You get the sense that Nick truly wishes all others to feel that warm welcome in the Hall as well. He cares deeply for the community around the Hall and speaks passionately about growth and inclusivity in Raleigh.
I watched Nick's mother embrace him with a hug and apparent pride in her eyes- just before he settled in to address the crowd gathered for story time. I promise you, heart makes this place hum.
This place is brimming with heart, 50,000 square feet of heart!
What I loved most is that nothing had to be PERFECT that evening we gathered. Nick took time to address Q&As, openly chatting about the giant tarp draped from the ceiling behind him (construction in progress) and how eager he is to see local businesses fill the space indoors and out. For the curious minds, yes, there will be a lovely outdoor courtyard to enjoy! His vision includes music, art, and nourishment...for the body as well as the soul.
Not just a seasonal show
“You can't force a 100-yr old property to do anything...just can't force it.” - Nick Neptune
This once-forgotten building clocks in with more than 100 years of history. Today, after months of patience, tender planning, and all hands on deck, Transfer Co. Food Hall is set to open to the public.
Today (many) and in the near future (many more!) vendors will fill the Hall and welcome your visit:
Videri Chocolate Factory
Locals Oyster Bar
Burial Beer Co.
Benchwarmers Bagels
Che Empanadas
Chhote's
Captain Cookie & the Milkman
Dank Burrito
Falafel & Co.
Ara
Sweet Peas Urban Garden
SOOOOOO, whether you have a hankering for some Asian street food, care for an Argentinian delight, or hope to settle into a seat next to the bright city lights, courtyard-style, I'll see you soon down the hall, at the Transfer Co. Food Hall.
I'd like to wrap up with one last shout-out for that special mom, who looked so proud of her gregarious do-good/be-good son, Nick Neptune...you've done GREAT WORK. From one mom to another, it's a beautiful thing to see...!
HOURS of OPERATION:
Fri 12/28 and Sat 12/29 Limited Opening 5pm-10pm
Closed Sunday
Monday Open for Family NYE 4pm- 7pm
NYE Celebration 21+ Ticketed Event begins at 8pm
Instagram is your go-to resource for future events and opening hours!
For now, it looks like mid-Jan is the estimated target for regular hours and 1/2 of the food hall. Mid-March should bring the highly-anticipated FULL food-hall opening. Again, let Instagram be by your side as your guide.
- That's all for now -
Yours...truly yours,
Maggie
www.theraleighedit.com
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