The Mission is Getting an Upscale Food Market: Foodhall

Foodhall is located at the corner of 16th and Valencia in the Mission. Photo: Sarah Fritsche

(by Sarah Fritsche, SFGate) The Mission’s Valencia corridor will soon be getting another food business. Foodhall, a market hall that is taking the place of the shuttered corner shop at Valencia and 16th.

Mannaa says they have a clear idea of the experience they want to create: an indoor place that captures the experience of the farmers’ market, where he describes that one can wander around and discover new foods. Inspiration for the market, he says, includes the great food halls of Europe, including London’s Borough Market, near Mannaa’s old workplace.

As far as the 2,500-square-foot space’s design, by London architects William Tozer, there will be no aisles in this market. Instead, it will feature designated zones of service: coffee and pastries, cheese and charcuterie, along with pantry staples and produce. The space also has a full liquor license, so expect a large selection of craft beers, wine and liquor. There’s also a full kitchen in back.

While the market will source a number of products from local food makers, Mannaa says that they also want to create a global pantry featuring a selection of rotating products and ingredients from around the world. It will also sell recipe kits that feature ingredients from the market. Mannaa also plans to hold weekly food classes and special tasting events.

The couple have enlisted British cheese expert Julie Harbutt to help them curate their cheese selection. They’ve also hired local Master Sommelier Eric Entrikin to oversee their wine and spirits selection, and create wine pairings to go with the market’s prepared meals.

Photo: Sarah Fritsche

As far as the “G” word, it’s almost impossible to not address gentrification concerns about a shop like this coming into this greatly changing neighborhood,where anti-gentrification protest signs decorate electric poles like concert flyers.

While definitely targeting “foodies,” Mannaa says that he doesn’t want the market to come off as elitist; rather he wants it to be approachable and to make everyone feel welcome.

Mannaa is currently awaiting final inspections and is busy hiring staff, but he hopes the market should be ready to open by mid-May. They’re still determining hours, but plan to be open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours. For more photos of Foodhall, check out their Instagram page.

Foodhall, 3100 16th St. (at Valencia Street), S.F. foodhallsf.com