(KNSI) – A new restaurant concept is opening on Tuesday, offering four flavors in one location.
The House Food and Tap in St. Joseph is a 6,000 square-foot food court-style dining hall featuring four unique locally owned eateries: 98 Hawaiian Grill, Birdie’s Pizza & Garden Bar, Joetown Smashburger and Eminent Coffee Roasters. During Saturday’s soft opening, KNSI News caught up with building owners BriAnne and Craig Hern. Craig says it feels surreal to see the vision come to life. “It’s really hard to believe that we’re at this point, but I just love the buzz and seeing the chefs put their talents on display, and just this community coming together, and seeing people enjoying food, conversation, and just a great environment.”
When the concept started, The House would act as an incubator or a launchpad for aspiring restaurant owners and chefs, but Hern explains these eateries might be staying around. “To be honest, we’ve all kind of become one large family. I mean, we’ve met every week for the past six, seven months, and you just know each about each other’s lives and their families, and we’re becoming one House family. And it’d be kind of sad to see somebody go.”
He feels the restaurants could stay in the space but open their own brick-and-mortar locations elsewhere.
It’s been a journey that started when the Herns bought the lot at 13 2nd Avenue Northwest in November of 2023. At that time, they set up a survey to find out what local people wanted to see at the location. After more than 300 responses, the survey showed people were looking for a place to gather and share food. That led to the unique concept. The food hall was inspired by The Marker at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis, which features nine restaurants in an 18,000-square-foot location.
Find out more about the joint by clicking here.
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