Escalera Capital is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Onset Hospitality to transform the historic La Villita Assembly Hall into the first-ever food hall on the world-renowned San Antonio River Walk. This initiative represents a bold vision to blend culinary excellence, cultural programming, and community engagement in a space that has long been a symbol of San Antonio’s rich history.
Since opening in 1958, the La Villita Assembly Hall has served as a central hub for civic gatherings, community celebrations, and cultural events. Nestled in the heart of downtown San Antonio, this historic venue has witnessed generations of residents and visitors come together to celebrate the city’s heritage. Over the decades, it has hosted performances, exhibitions, and civic meetings, cementing its place as a cherished landmark in the city. Now, in a period marked by unprecedented investment and development downtown, the Assembly Hall is poised for a transformative new chapter.
San Antonio is currently undergoing a remarkable renaissance, with over $3.3 billion dedicated to new housing, infrastructure projects, and major sports and entertainment venues. This wave of development is reshaping the city’s urban landscape, attracting both residents and tourists while enhancing the city’s reputation as a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination. Within this broader context, the revitalization of La Villita Assembly Hall into a food hall aligns seamlessly with San Antonio’s evolution, offering both locals and visitors a modern, engaging, and culturally immersive destination.
At the heart of this transformation will be the La Villita Food Hall—a culinary and cultural hub designed to celebrate the diverse flavors and creative talent of San Antonio’s food scene. The food hall will feature an eclectic collection of chef-driven vendors, each bringing unique dishes, innovative concepts, and locally inspired menus to the space. Complementing the culinary offerings will be multiple bars serving craft beverages, cocktails, and local brews, providing a full-service experience that encourages both dining and socializing. The design of the space will emphasize openness, connectivity, and community, creating a welcoming atmosphere for family gatherings, casual outings, and special events alike.
Beyond its culinary offerings, the La Villita Food Hall will serve as a vibrant platform for cultural programming. Visitors can expect a rotating lineup of live music, performances, art exhibitions, and community events that reflect San Antonio’s rich cultural tapestry. By integrating local artists, performers, and cultural organizations into the programming, the food hall will serve as a dynamic gathering place where the city’s history, creativity, and community intersect.
Onset Hospitality, the operator of the food hall, brings decades of expertise in hospitality, culinary innovation, and community-centered destination development. Founded by Jay Coldren, former CEO of the internationally acclaimed Time Out Market, Onset Hospitality has helped shape some of the world’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Coldren’s approach emphasizes a synergy between chefs, culture, and community, creating spaces that are not only about food but also about shared experiences, connection, and engagement.
“We view La Villita Food Hall as more than just a dining destination,” said Jay Coldren, Founder and CEO of Onset Hospitality. “It’s a gathering place that celebrates San Antonio’s identity, heritage, and community spirit. Our goal is to create memorable experiences for both locals and visitors, while honoring the history of La Villita and embracing the momentum of the city’s growth.”
Escalera Capital’s involvement in the project underscores the firm’s commitment to community-focused development and innovative urban experiences. By partnering with Onset Hospitality, Escalera Capital aims to bring a thoughtful, curated approach to the River Walk that balances economic development with cultural enrichment. The project is expected to generate new jobs, support local culinary entrepreneurs, and enhance the overall visitor experience along the River Walk, a site recognized globally for its scenic beauty, entertainment offerings, and historic charm.
The La Villita Food Hall represents a strategic blending of San Antonio’s past, present, and future. While maintaining the architectural integrity and historic character of the Assembly Hall, the project introduces modern amenities, flexible event spaces, and interactive culinary experiences designed to appeal to today’s diverse audience. The integration of local vendors, cultural programming, and social spaces ensures that the food hall will be a place where every visit offers something new—whether it’s tasting an innovative dish, enjoying live performances, or participating in community events.
Local culinary experts and community stakeholders have already expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential to elevate the city’s food and culture scene. By creating a platform for chef-driven concepts, the food hall encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and culinary experimentation, while also highlighting San Antonio’s unique flavors and food traditions. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Tex-Mex and regional specialties to globally inspired dishes, reflecting the city’s multicultural influences and culinary creativity.
The La Villita Food Hall is also expected to contribute significantly to the River Walk’s overall ecosystem. As the first food hall on the iconic waterway, it adds a new dimension to the visitor experience, complementing existing restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Its combination of culinary excellence, cultural programming, and social engagement positions the food hall as a destination that appeals to both residents and tourists, encouraging repeat visits and extended stays in the downtown area.
As San Antonio continues to evolve, projects like the La Villita Food Hall highlight the city’s commitment to innovation, culture, and community. By blending history with contemporary design, local talent with global inspiration, and food with culture, the food hall exemplifies a new era for the River Walk—one where culinary exploration, artistic expression, and social connection converge.
In summary, the partnership between Escalera Capital and Onset Hospitality represents a visionary approach to urban revitalization and culinary development. By transforming the historic La Villita Assembly Hall into a food hall, the project honors the past while embracing the future, creating a vibrant hub that celebrates the city’s culture, community, and creativity. The La Villita Food Hall is poised to become a must-visit destination in San Antonio, elevating the River Walk experience and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a world-class center for food, culture, and hospitality.
With its combination of chef-driven cuisine, dynamic programming, and community-focused design, the La Villita Food Hall will redefine the culinary landscape of downtown San Antonio. It promises to be a space where history, culture, and flavor converge, offering an unparalleled destination for those seeking to experience the heart and soul of the city in every bite and every moment.
