It was back in March 2021 that plans for Providence’s first food hall in the city’s Union Station were announced by Marsella Development Corporation.
The hall now has a name, Track 15, a first lineup of food and drink merchants and a tentative opening date of late summer 2024.
Issues with renovating a historic building and pandemic supply-chain problems have delayed the project until now, said Christopher J. Marsella, president of Marsella Development Corporation.
The announcement of five local food and drink merchants “is a pivotal point in the development of Track 15,” he said.
Four are from Providence including Dune Brothers, who will have a seafood and raw bar concept. The Meza family, owners of Dolores, will offer regional Mexican cuisine. There will be burgers and sandwiches from the owners of There, There. Moniker Brewery will serve its craft beers. From Newport, chef Kevin O’Donnell, owner of Giusto and Mother Pizzeria, will have two Italian concepts for pasta and more.
The demolition of the interior of the building has been completed, joining a long-vacant space of the original Capital Grille, Raphael’s and later, Bar Louie. Marsella purchased the building from the Rhode Island Foundation.
The name Track 15 is a nod to the historic train station. Built in 1898, the original Union Station had 14 intercity rail lines. The station operated until 1986 when the smaller Amtrak station was built.
O’Donnell said his team will bring a taste of Newport to Track 15. Look for a menu of homemade pastas, as well as sourdough pizzas.
“In addition to Dune Brothers classics like the lobster roll, fish sandwich and fish and chips, the space enables us to introduce some new items as well as a raw bar,” said owner/chef Nick Gillespie and Monica Gillespie, co-owner.
Joaquin Meza said they will showcase their family’s culinary traditions and share the culture and nostalgia of their mercados from their hometowns in Mexico.
Brandon Teachout, chef/owner of There, There, said they will be crafting their burgers and sandwiches.
“Track 15 is going to play an important role in changing the course of both hospitality and tourism – we are just excited our little burger joint gets to be involved,” he said.
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Development of the 18,000-square-foot Track 15 represents a $22-million investment. When completed, it will include a large central bar, indoor and outdoor seating for more than 300 guests, an entertainment venue and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor plaza for special events.
Marsella partnered with MK Global Hospitality Group to redevelop the space to offer local culinary talent and up-and-comers in the setting, according to a news release. Matthias Kiehm, principal at MK Global, spearheaded the concept development of the TimeOut Food & Cultural Markets in Chicago and Boston.
Founded by Romolo Marsella in 1979, the company’s Providence ventures have included Capital Center, Providence Performing Arts Center, Promenade Center and the rehabilitation of the five-building Union Station Complex.