According to a recently shared press release, Escalera Capital has partnered with Onset Hospitality to introduce a new food hall concept on the River Walk.
“We see La Villita Food Hall as more than a place to eat — it’s a gathering space that celebrates San Antonio’s identity and creates memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike,” said Jay Coldren, Founder and CEO of Onset Hospitality, the former CEO of Time Out Market, and the former Managing Director of Dean & Deluca.
“This partnership with Escalera Capital allows us to honor the history of La Villita while embracing the momentum of the city’s growth and future,” he continues.
Located at 418 Villita Street, La Villita Food Hall will be neighbored by establishments such as La Villita Cafe, the Mexican restaurant Guadalajara Grill, and Maverick Coffee Bar.
“The project will showcase San Antonio’s vibrant culinary talent while creating a dynamic hub for culture, community, and connection. Visitors can expect a diverse collection of chef-driven vendors, multiple bars, and a robust lineup of cultural programming, all reflecting the authentic, diverse, and dynamic spirit of San Antonio,” the release states.
For readers who are unfamiliar with the community center, La Villita Assembly Hall opened in 1958 and “has long served as a vital hub for civic engagement and community celebration,” according to its website.
“The Artisan village is listed on the U.S. government’s National Register of Historic Places, featuring architectural styles that range from adobe structures to early Victorian and Texas vernacular limestone buildings. Today, La Villita is a treasured Artisan and Entrepreneur district with over 25 shops and galleries that showcase local handmade goods and home to over 200 events a year,” the introduction continues.
What Now San Antonio reached out to Coldren to learn more about his plans for the upcoming food hall, who shared that La Villita will invite 11 or 12 tenants, ranging from established businesses operated by seasoned restaurateurs to new concepts by upcoming chefs who are looking to do something new.
Concerning the opening date, Coldren tells What Now San Antonio, “I think it’s going to be mid-year in 2027.”
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