RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – A new food hall, entertainment venue and retail space in Rio Rancho is nearing completion. THE BLOCK at Enchanted Hills Shopping Center is scheduled to open in summer 2024, according to its owners.
The 18,000-square-foot venue is comprised primarily of shipping containers and features indoor and outdoor space for food vendors, a designated food truck alley, retail space for businesses, a bar overlooking the Sandia Mountains, and a lawn It has an outdoor stage. and a concrete courtyard.
“One of the really important elements of this block is our offering to the community, and we plan to have activities every night of the year. These include outdoor movie nights, live music, karaoke, dance parties and activities for all ages. ” said Tiffany Gravel, Chief Operations Officer of THE BLOCK.
Up to 22 exhibitors can participate at the venue. At the moment, visitors can see the following food and drink options when THE BLOCK opens:
- stacker
- Kukri
- Los Tacos Del Rey
- Umami
- The Boba Lounge
- mint noodle bowl
- chic pizza company
- Tavern on the Green
- top of the block bar
The blocks are set up so that people can pick up their food and basically sit anywhere on the premises to eat and drink. Gravelle first broke ground on the project in 2019, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in November 2022.
THE BLOCK is scheduled to open in mid-to-late July, but construction delays are behind schedule. “These are unique construction types, and some challenges related to the backend of COVID-19 have occurred,” said Shad James, president and CEO of Jaynes Corporation, which is responsible for constructing THE BLOCK. “There is,” he said.
Gravel said 75 per cent of the venue is currently leased. She is looking to bring in a coffee vendor and a business offering vegan food options. She also wants to collaborate with local retailers/boutique shops. “We are currently recruiting for food trucks and mural artists, and we are really looking forward to adding art and flavor from our local community to our entertainment. We are currently recruiting musicians to create a very fulfilling and fun calendar of events.” We also do that,” Gravel said.
For more information about leasing space or participating in the open call for food trucks, mural artists, and live artists, visit THE BLOCK's website here.