As part of the Food Away From Home (www.FoodAwayFromHome.org) project, the upcoming Food Halls Association is addressing a growing need in the foodservice industry by helping operators, vendors, and brands navigate the rapidly expanding food hall sector. Unlike traditional food courts, which primarily feature fast-food chains in commercial spaces like malls and airports, food halls offer a curated and diverse selection of chef-driven, locally sourced, and artisanal food and beverage vendors, creating a unique and immersive dining experience. These vibrant spaces reflect local culture, emerging culinary trends, and innovative food concepts, attracting a more engaged and experience-seeking audience. The Food Halls Association will provide industry insights, vendor matchmaking, operational best practices, and market intelligence to support independent operators, food brands, and real estate developers in launching and scaling successful food hall concepts. By fostering collaboration between chefs, artisanal producers, and food entrepreneurs, the association will help shape the future of modern communal dining and create more opportunities for brands to engage with today’s discerning food hall consumers.
The proliferation of food halls in the United States has been remarkable, with the number increasing from 220 in 2019 to approximately 360 by 2023. This surge reflects a 55% growth over four years, underscoring the rising consumer demand for diverse and communal dining experiences. Notably, major operators such as Urbanspace and Major Food Group have been instrumental in this expansion. Urbanspace, originating from London's Camden Lock in the 1970s, has evolved into the largest food hall operator in the United States, managing over 220 kitchens across seven cities. Similarly, Major Food Group has established a global empire exceeding forty restaurants, private clubs, bars, and hotels, setting new standards in the hospitality industry. This rapid growth signifies a shift in consumer dining preferences, favoring variety, quality, and communal environments.
An example of a successful food hall, The Kuhio Food Hall of Honolulu, is a vibrant culinary destination located in the heart of Waikiki. Situated within the International Market Place, this food hall showcases a diverse mix of local and international flavors, offering both Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and globally recognized dishes. Featuring a carefully curated selection of independent eateries, chef-driven concepts, and specialty beverage vendors, Kuhio Food Hall provides an elevated yet casual dining experience for both locals and tourists. The space is designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, blending modern aesthetics with the spirit of Aloha. In addition to offering a wide variety of food and drink options, Kuhio Food Hall serves as a community gathering place, hosting live entertainment, special events, and interactive dining experiences. Its success is a testament to the growing demand for unique, high-quality, and experiential dining venues, making it a prime model for food hall development and innovation across the industry.
www.kuhioavenuefoodhall.com
How a Food Hall Operates:
* Central Bar Area: Food halls typically have a central bar area that serves as a focal point. This bar may offer a wide selection of craft beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the overall dining experience.
* Rotating Vendors: Food hall operators often invite a variety of vendors to set up shop in the same space. These vendors may include chefs, restaurateurs, or culinary startups, each offering a unique menu or concept.
* Shared Seating: Communal seating arrangements encourage social interaction and create a sense of community among diners. Customers can choose from a range of seating options, including long communal tables, cozy nooks, or outdoor patios.
* Self-Service Model: Unlike traditional restaurants, food halls typically operate on a self-service model. Customers place their orders at individual vendor counters, receive a pager or notification when their food is ready, and then pick up their dishes.
* Flexibility and Exploration: Food hall patrons have the freedom to mix and match dishes from different vendors, creating a personalized dining experience. This flexibility allows for culinary exploration and experimentation within the same space.
In summary, food halls are a contemporary dining concept that sets itself apart through its emphasis on culinary diversity, a communal and inviting atmosphere, and a central bar area as the hub of social interaction. They offer an alternative to traditional food courts and restaurants by providing a dynamic and interactive dining experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Setting up a trade association for any business group is very common and very important. Trade Associations can be a voice for their specific industry in local, state and national government lobbying as well be a voice for anything their members needs.
Trade shows typically provide their membership and attendees with a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
• Networking Opportunities:
• Market Research:
• Product Showcase:
• Education and Workshops:
• Lead Generation:
• Brand Exposure:
• Product Testing and Evaluation:
• Industry Insights:
• Recruitment:
• Professional Development:
• International Opportunities:
• Collaboration Opportunities:
• Special Events and Entertainment:
• Product Discounts and Deals:
• Industry Advocacy:
• Inspiration and Innovation:
• Marketing and Promotion:
* Food Hall Operators: Owners and operators of food halls, including both independent and chain-operated food hall businesses.
* Restaurant Owners and Chefs: Representatives from the individual food vendors and restaurants within the food halls.
* Real Estate Developers: Developers and property owners who build and manage spaces that include food halls as part of their commercial real estate properties.
* Suppliers and Distributors: Companies that provide food, beverages, equipment, and supplies to food halls and their vendors.
* Design and Architecture Firms: Professionals and firms specializing in the design, layout, and construction of food halls.
* Food and Beverage Producers: Manufacturers and distributors of food and beverage products featured in food halls.
* Hospitality and Culinary Schools: Educational institutions that offer culinary and hospitality programs, as they can provide valuable training and resources to food hall operators and employees.
* Marketing and PR Agencies: Professionals and agencies specializing in marketing, public relations, and branding for food halls.
* Industry Consultants: Experts and consultants who can offer guidance on food hall management, operations, and best practices.
* Financial Institutions: Banks, investors, and financial advisors who provide funding and financial services to food hall businesses.
* Technology and Point-of-Sale Providers: Companies offering technology solutions and POS systems tailored to food service establishments.
* Restaurant Associations and Chambers of Commerce: Local or regional associations dedicated to promoting and supporting the food hall industry in specific areas.
* Sustainability and Environmental Organizations: Representatives focused on promoting sustainable practices within the food service industry.
* Tourism Boards and Associations: Organizations focused on promoting tourism and local attractions, as food halls often play a role in attracting visitors.
* Food Hall Associations from Other Regions: Representatives from food hall associations in different geographic regions to share best practices and industry insights.
* Food Critics and Bloggers: Food critics, bloggers, and influencers who can help promote food halls and provide valuable feedback.
* Food Safety and Regulatory Agencies: Representatives from government agencies responsible for food safety and health regulations relevant to food service establishments.
* Event Planners and Caterers: Professionals and companies that use food halls as venues for events and catering services.
* Food Hall Customers: Representatives of customer advocacy groups or surveys to gather feedback and insights from food hall visitors.
* Legal and Regulatory Experts: Lawyers and legal experts specializing in food service and hospitality law.
The International Corporate Chefs Association is the first chefs’ association designed exclusively for corporate chefs from the nation’s largest chains and multi-unit operations. Membership is limited to the highest-ranking culinarian from the top 200 multi-unit foodservice operations in the nation.
www.iccachefs.com
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE CHEFS’ ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 2005, Winter Park, FL 32790-2005 Phone: 407-539-1459 Email: [email protected]
The Contract Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) continues to lead the way in supporting consumer brands by providing targeted programming that educates them on the most effective retail and food service channels to prioritize for their growth. With deep expertise, the CMA founders are recognized as pioneers in developing innovative sales formats, such as Hotel Pantries, which have redefined convenience shopping for travelers.
Their groundbreaking contributions to grab-and-go retail and foodservice programming have further cemented their role as visionaries in creating opportunities for brands to thrive in dynamic markets. By leveraging this legacy of innovation, CMA empowers brands with the insights and strategies needed to navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of retail and foodservice.
Food Service Providers: We educate brands about companies such as Compass (Foodbuy), Sodexo, Aramark, Delaware North and many others provide a very important service in being the operators of a cafeteria, retail area and possibly vending.
www.FoodServiceProviders.org
The Consumer Product Sales Broker Search Engine is an innovative tool designed to connect brands of all sizes with the right sales brokers tailored to their unique needs. Whether a brand is looking for brokers specializing in specific customers, geographic regions, or retail channels such as grocery, convenience, or e-commerce, this search engine streamlines the process. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for retailers seeking private label sales brokers to help them expand their product offerings. By bridging the gap between brands, retailers, and brokers, the platform ensures efficient and targeted partnerships, driving growth and success in the competitive consumer product industry.
The Contract Manufacturing Alliance (Contract Manufacturers, Pilot Plants, Private Labelers, Commercial Kitchens, Food Innovation Centers and More) Was Created to Be the Key Resource For Anything to Do With Manufacturing Consumer Products (For Start-up and Emerging Brands).
Established in 1992, the Contract Packaging Association (CPA) is the national, non-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting the growth and welfare of firms in the Contract Packaging / Manufacturing industry and related businesses. We offer exposure and programs designed to foster growth within our member firms.
The Co-Packing Network is a comprehensive national Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) advisory group deeply rooted in the diverse US and Canadian consumer product manufacturing industries. Celebrating our 100-year anniversary, our expansive history spans supermarkets, wholesaling, manufacturing, owning brands, and beyond.
The CPA's Request for Quote (RFQ) tool allows an automated submission to CPA Members to securely submit their project details and needs. Your Request for Quote will be dispatched to CPA Members whose capabilities match your project needs, and if they can assist you, will contact you directly about their services and capabilities.
The team manages the request all-the-way through to end up with successful results. We also can become a project manager to manage the whole process (search, secure and work with one or more contract manufacturers).
Our family has been involved within the consumer product industry (US based manufacturing, retailing, distribution) since the early 1920’s. From the first generation to the latest, our best practices have been handed down over time leading to a long legacy of successes in the business (manufacturing, retailing, distribution and more).
Contract Packaging (CP) is the official magazine for the Contract Packaging Association, published three times each year by PMMI Media Group (owners of Packaging World magazine). Dedicated exclusively to contract packaging issues and news, each issue is overseen by Editor-in-Chief, Anne Marie Mohan. 20,000 qualified packaging professionals receive each edition of CP. These professionals are individuals who have indicated that they have purchase involvement in contract packaging and related services and products. Magazine recipients are also contract packagers, who are CPA members.
www.ContractPackaging.org
