Time Out Market Fenway Food Hall to Close This Month, Sources Confirm
Sources have confirmed that Time Out Market Fenway will close by the end of this month. This announcement comes as the food hall, which debuted in 2019, has struggled amid significant turnover and operational challenges.
Overview of Time Out Market Fenway
Time Out Market Fenway was heralded as a high-end alternative to traditional food courts, showcasing a variety of culinary offerings. The market featured 15 vendors, including notable names such as:
- Cusser’s Roast Beef
- Ms. Cluck’s Deluxe
- anoush’ella
- Union Square Donuts
- gogo ya
- Far Out Ice Cream
- Lulu Green
It opened as the third U.S. location for Time Out, following similar ventures in Miami and New York City. The venue was located at 401 Park, a site that dates back to the 1920s when it operated as a Sears Roebuck store. It was later redeveloped into a mixed-use space by local developer Samuels and Associates.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to many dining establishments, including Time Out Market. The initial excitement around its opening quickly diminished as public dining habits changed drastically. Crowded environments became less appealing to customers, leading to stalled openings for other planned food halls in the area.
Future Prospects for the Location
Following the sale of 401 Park to Alexandria Real Estate Equities in 2021 for $1.5 billion, questions now linger about the future of the food hall space. The Fenway neighborhood remains vibrant, characterized by strong residential support, foot traffic, and proximity to entertainment venues such as Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall. Additionally, local developer Samuels and Associates has reported signing new leases with retailers and restaurants in surrounding properties, demonstrating ongoing interest in the area.
Conclusion
As Time Out Market Fenway prepares to close its doors, the focus shifts to Alexandria Real Estate Equities and their plans for the site. Whether the location can find a new anchor tenant remains a significant question for the future of the bustling Fenway neighborhood.
