The Wash Ave Food Hall is expected to open in October 2026, adding a new dining and entertainment destination to downtown St. Louis as investment continues to reshape the Washington Avenue corridor.
The project, located at 1122 Washington Ave., is being developed by Oliver Properties and will be operated by FIRETEN Hospitality, a national food hall management company. St. Louis-based Raineri Construction is overseeing construction.
When it opens, the venue will feature eight food and beverage concepts, including six full-kitchen vendors and two specialty concepts. Plans also call for two central bars and an indoor-outdoor gathering space with a retractable roof.
Developers say the concept is intended to function as more than a traditional food hall, combining dining, social spaces, entertainment and programming under a single management structure.
“This is not just a food hall. It’s an anchor for connection, relationships, food and experience,” said Alex Oliver of Oliver Properties. “We are creating a place where people don’t just come to eat. They come to visit, connect with others and be part of the energy of the Washington Avenue neighborhood.”
The project arrives amid continued growth along Washington Avenue, where Oliver Properties has invested more than $150 million in redevelopment projects, including more than 650 residential units and 150,000 square feet of commercial space.
According to the company, that investment has helped drive new residential occupancy and increased demand for retail and restaurant space throughout the district.
Located in the center of downtown, the food hall will sit within walking distance of major attractions including Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village, Energizer Park, Enterprise Center, America’s Center Convention Complex, the Gateway Arch, Union Station, Citygarden, Kiener Plaza and City Museum.
Developers say the location is intended to appeal to residents, office workers, convention attendees and visitors seeking a centralized gathering place before and after downtown events.
Technology will also play a role in the concept. Guests will be able to order from multiple vendors in a single transaction through an integrated ordering platform, a feature aimed at simplifying visits for groups and large parties.
Plans also include a dedicated gaming and social activity area designed to encourage longer visits and create additional opportunities for interaction beyond dining.
“The most successful hospitality destinations today are the ones that give people a reason to stay, interact and come back,” said Natalie Zabiegalski, chief operating officer of FIRETEN Hospitality. “Our focus is on creating an environment that is consistently activated, operationally excellent and memorable for guests every time they visit.”
Jeremy Barker, chief executive officer of FIRETEN Hospitality, said the project reflects the continued evolution of the food hall model, which increasingly blends dining, entertainment, technology and social experiences into a single destination.
Construction is expected to wrap up in late summer 2026 ahead of the planned October opening. Additional vendor announcements and project updates are expected in the coming months.
