New food hall and entertainment venue nears completion in Rio Rancho
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – A new food hall, entertainment venue, and retail space in Rio Rancho is nearing completion. THE BLOCK, located at Enchanted Hills shopping center, is now set to open in the summer of 2024, according to its owner.
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The 18,000-square-foot venue, mainly comprised of shipping containers, features indoor and outdoor spaces for food vendors, a designated food truck alley, retail space for businesses, a bar overlooking the Sandia Mountains, and an outdoor stage that sits on a turf and concrete courtyard.
“One of the really important elements of the block will be our community offerings. And we plan on having activities every night of the week throughout the year. And those will include outdoor movie nights, live music, karaoke, dance parties, activities for all ages,” said Tiffany Gravelle, chief operations officer for THE BLOCK.
The venue can house up to 22 vendors. As of now, visitors can expect to see the following food and drink options when THE BLOCK opens:
Stackers
KuKri
Los Tacos del Rey
Umami
The Boba Lounge
Mint Noodle Bowl
Thicc Pizza Co.
Tavern on the Green
The TOP of THE BLOCK bar
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The BLOCK is set up so people can grab their food and sit to eat or drink basically anywhere on the property. Gravelle first started on this project in 2019, and a groundbreaking was held in November 2022.
THE BLOCK is slated to open in mid-late July, which is later than expected due to construction delays. “These are unique construction types, and there’s some challenges that really relate to the back end of COVID,” said Shad James, president and CEO of Jaynes Corporation, which is in charge of the construction at THE BLOCK.
Gravelle said the venue is currently 75% leased. She is looking to bring in a coffee vendor and a business that has vegan food options. She would also like to collaborate with a local retailer/boutique shop. “Right now we have an open call request for proposals for food trucks and for mural artists. And we’re really excited to add that local community art and flavor into our entertainment. We’re also doing a call for musicians so that we can have a really full and fun calendar of events,” said Gravelle.
For more information on leasing a space, or fulfilling the open call for food trucks, mural artists, and live artists, visit THE BLOCK’s website here.
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