In 2021, Oakley Kitchen Food Hall made a grand entrance, only to face a permanent closure later. According to its website, the upstairs event space remains open for various private and corporate events. It is planned to introduce several upgrades to enhance the guest experience.

Success Stories from the Food Hall

When it first opened in 2021, Oakley Food Hall showcased several food stalls that later transformed into successful brick-and-mortar restaurants. Jeff Harris, who ran Jimmy Lou’s Kitchen inspired by New Orleans, went on to open Nolia Kitchen in Over-the-Rhine. In 2023, Nolia Kitchen was a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in America.Other notable tenants included Onolicious, a Hawaiian restaurant now located on Court Street in Downtown. The Hideaway, operated by Mike Stankovich from Mid-City and Longfellow Bar, also had a presence. Parts & Labor, run by chefs Derek Dos Anjos and Jeffrey Miller, added to the diverse food offerings. Additionally, there was a branch of Milford’s Padrino Italian Kitchen and Olive Tree Catering.The project was led by Elias Leisring and Drew Simmons, owners of Eli’s BBQ. They initially aimed to open in 2018 but faced pandemic-related construction delays, pushing the opening back by nearly three years.

Current Status and Farewell

Currently, the food hall is home to just two vendors, Herban Vegans and Yat Ka Mein, specializing in Asian fusion cuisine. It is a bittersweet end to an era that saw many restaurants and chefs start their businesses here and enrich the community.These restaurants have left a lasting mark, not only with their delicious food but also by contributing to the local food scene. The closure of Oakley Kitchen Food Hall is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the food industry and the importance of these culinary establishments in our lives.