From Staff Reports
A vibrant downtown area can be a city's heartbeat, offering a unique blend of commerce, culture, and community. And at the core of a thriving downtown, a food hall can serve as a magnet for locals and visitors alike, creating a sense of connection and vibrancy.
A food hall can become a culinary hub that can provide a diverse range of dining options and also become a gathering place where people can come together, share experiences, and celebrate local flavors and traditions. As a central anchor, a good food hall can significantly contribute to the overall vitality and allure of a city's downtown, making it an indispensable asset for its community.
Apopka has longed for a thriving downtown for decades and has had a food hall in its sites for a few years, but the dream of having both has been elusive. But now, in the unlikeliest of places, that dream is a lot closer to becoming a reality.
In February 2023, the owners of Propagate Social House in Apopka announced they would purchase Hall’s Feed on East Fifth Street near South Central Avenue and turn it into “Hall’s on 5th.” Hall's was previously a 100-year-old store in Apopka.
"From the folks who brought you @propagatesocialhouse & @aviateinn we’re excited to announce that with the blessing of the entire Hall Family, our team has purchased Hall’s Feed, a hundred-year-old Feed Store and are turning it into Hall’s on 5th: Apopka’s first Food Hall."
Now, almost 16 months later, there is good news on the project.
"This whole experience has been an exercise in patience and faith," Propagate posted on its Facebook page this week. "Sometimes things don’t work out, but sometimes they do. We are so excited to announce that Halls on 5th is finally under construction. Thank you for being patient with us while we figured out how to turn this hundred-year-old feed store into Apopka’s first Food Hall."
For a video of the construction at Halls,
go here.
The post received 162 likes, 106 comments, and 22 shares as of 9 pm on Tuesday.
"Between Propagate and this upcoming gem, there will be no need to go anywhere else," said Ap[opka resident Susan Hurst Clem. "I’m so excited! You guys are such a blessing to Apopka!"
