West Oakland's New Food Hall to Feature Almanac Beer Co. as Anchor Tenant

A new food hall is set to open in West Oakland, California, promising to transform the culinary landscape of a neighborhood long considered a food desert. Named Prescott Market, this ambitious project will span 12,000 square feet and is expected to feature a variety of food and beverage vendors, with the popular Almanac Beer Company serving as its anchor tenant. The taproom is slated to open this summer, while the entire food hall is projected to welcome its first customers by December 2024.

Located at the intersection of 18th and Peralta Streets, Prescott Market aims to create a vibrant community hub that caters to both local residents and visitors. The food hall will include indoor and outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals in a welcoming environment. The Almanac Beer Company, known for its craft beers inspired by California agriculture, will occupy a significant portion of the space, featuring a 20-tap system and a full kitchen. The brewery's co-founder expressed excitement about the opportunity to expand in the East Bay, highlighting the area's rich heritage and creative spirit.

The Prescott Market is not just about food and drink; it is also part of a broader initiative to enhance food access in West Oakland. The area has historically struggled with limited access to quality dining options, and this new venture aims to address that gap. The market's director emphasized the importance of creating a "farmers market vibe" within a permanent structure, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences among patrons.

In addition to the food hall, the Prescott Night Market will launch on June 6, 2024, offering a monthly gathering for food vendors and live performances. This event will coincide with home games of the Oakland Ballers, a new minor league baseball team that will play at nearby Raimondi Park. The night market is expected to draw crowds and create a lively atmosphere, further integrating the food hall into the fabric of the community.

The Prescott Market project is being developed by a team that includes local entrepreneurs and food advocates. They aim to provide modular spaces for up-and-coming restaurants, allowing them to experiment and grow without the financial burdens typically associated with traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. The market's design is intended to support a diverse range of culinary offerings, with prospective tenants including a coffee shop, a bakery, and various ethnic cuisines.

As the food hall prepares to open, it joins a growing list of culinary destinations in West Oakland, which has recently welcomed new establishments such as a local brewery and a popular coffee shop. The area's revitalization reflects a broader trend of urban renewal, where once-neglected neighborhoods are being transformed into vibrant cultural and culinary hubs.

The Prescott Market is poised to become a cornerstone of West Oakland's community, offering not only a place to eat and drink but also a venue for social interaction and cultural exchange. As the project unfolds, it will be closely watched by food enthusiasts and community members alike, eager to see how it will shape the future of dining in this historically rich and diverse area.