Troy’s Waterfront [District] continues its innovative redevelopment with the May 1st opening of the River Street Market. Located in 12,000sf of the 1918 wing in First Columbia’s Hedley Park Place Building, workers have uncovered and restored the original maple flooring and revealed the former Factory’s impressive concrete structure to create a truly unique Food Hall catering to the demand for quality, locally-sourced cuisine.
The first five Chefs, of the ten food Concept Market, are a mix of budding entrepreneurs and savvy veterans all focused on a mission of “authentic, fresh ingredients creatively prepared and served to inspire enjoyment of all.”
Young entrepreneurs, Katie and Luke Haskins, Owners of Hooked Seafood Co., will be opening and operating the food hall’s flagship bar with charcuterie & wine bar, Luka’s. “We were inspired by several salumerias that we visited in Florence and wanted to bring the old world style concept to Troy.” Said, Luke. “Simple, high-quality ingredients paired with a carefully curated bar program is what we’ll be offering at Luka’s; we’re so excited to open!” Along with Tuscan influences, diners can be excited for a slew of ethnicities and local favorites that are joining the table.
Troy’s Sue Dunckel, Owner of the Copper Pot, was the first vendor to sign onto the project. “I believe there is a time to understand when it’s in your best interest to be a part of a community.” Said Dunckel, who currently owns “Sweet Sue’s Copper Pot,” just two blocks from RSM. “River Street Market is a unique opportunity that could be like Quincy or Portland Market, and I wanted to be a part of that; there’s nothing to fight.” Although there still will be sweets available, the Copper Pot will primarily serve fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches made with as many local ingredients as possible. “I can make some really awesome soups at a delicious price point.”
Coming from Red Hook, NY, Papa’s Best Batch is bringing their smokehouse favorites to the Capital Region. “We had been looking for a year-round location, and then we were approached by River Street Market. We realized the opportunity to be a part of the growing and creative Capital Region food scene made perfect sense. We appreciate RSM’s aesthetic vision and selection of other vendors for this food hall. We believe it will be a huge success.” Said owner, Jody Apap. Although this is Papa’s third location, it’s the first one off wheels. Downstate, Papa’s operates out of a ‘72 Airstream trailer docked at The Greig Farm in Red Hook and out of their food truck, which visits various breweries, distilleries, and festivals throughout the Hudson Valley. “We came up with the term, “smoking small.” We don’t smoke whole pigs or sides of beef. Our small-batch approach is perfect for a food hall environment, and we’re thrilled to serve our entire menu at RSM.” There’s no smoke and mirrors with Papa’s. “We believe in gourmet food quality and comfort food quantity. Our smoked brisket, salmon and chicken salad come in the form of “Sammiches”; which are much tastier than a plain old sandwich. Additionally, our smoked hummus and smoked deviled eggs are truly unique. We are super excited to bring our food to a whole new audience.”
Albany entrepreneur, Tyler Wrightson, will open Troy’s first Stacks Espresso Bar, his highly regarded and expanding hip Coffee Emporium. Stacks will open early and satisfy the morning crowd with an array of breakfast offerings and stay open late to into the evenings filling the need for fresh roasted coffee and desserts. “Immediately upon seeing the vision for the Hedley building we knew we had to be a part of it. Troy has been on our radar for a while, but this gave us a reason to jump in quickly!” Said Wrightston.
The Capital Region’s own Angelo Mazzone will bring his vast array of hospitality experience to open his smallest, in size, venture— but promises to deliver big on taste! Along with Partner Jamie Ortiz, Angelo will create an entirely new concept that will be announced in April after they complete both beta testing— and taste testing!
Each of the River Street Market Chefs will be able to accommodate large groups in the Market’s two large private dining rooms, the Cluett Room and the Peabody Room. Customers can reserve a room for up to 30 guests and choose one or all the Chefs to prepare an unforgettable meal for your Business, Sports Team, School Organization, Civic Group, or your Family. All are welcome at the River Street Market!
Kitchen space at River Street Market is limited. Interested parties are asked to contact Kristen Diesel, First Columbia’s Leasing Director at kdiesel@firstcolumbia.com for more information.
ABOUT RIVER STREET MARKET:
River Street Market is a vibrant collection of diverse and delicious cuisine. Centrally located in The Waterfront community, it’s easy to get to and park at. Equal parts premium food hall and community space, we’ll be the largest {of our kind, food hall} in the Capital District once completed. Whether you’re looking for a fast-casual bite or a distinctive drink, there will always be something for everyone. Coupled with great food, our mission is to provide a gathering space, equipped with a community stage (an open call for entertainers), indoor/outdoor space, and a “test kitchen” —a platform geared at providing educational opportunities and a place for local talent to shine.
ABOUT FIRST COLUMBIA:
First Columbia is a diversified real estate/investment organization committed to planning, developing, and operating high-quality facilities. Its projects include corporate buildings, office campuses, medical complexes, senior housing, hospitality, and high-tech facilities.
ABOUT LUKA’S:
“Salumerias & Spirits” featuring high end cured meats and cheeses, charcuterie, focaccia sandwiches, salads and a full bar of crafted cocktails and obscure wines.
ABOUT COPPER POT:
Located in Historic North Central Troy NY, Copper Pot is a purveyor of Northeast favorites with a twist from the Chef who brought you Sweet Sue’s. Focused on the Three Sisters: Soups, Salads, and Sweets; Copper Pot exist to re-imagine these classics in new and interesting ways by sourcing local ingredient and fusing them with global themes.
ABOUT PAPA’S BEST BATCH:
Papa’s Best Batch started serving smoked ‘Sammiches’ out of a retrofitted 1972 Airstream Trailer in Red Hook, NY in 2014. Papa (Jody Apap) is bringing his smoked brisket, whole smoked salmon filets, pesto smoked chicken salad, and smoked deviled eggs to the River Street Market in Troy, NY. Papa believes in gourmet quality with comfort food quantities. Along with two varieties of beef jerky, Papa also marinates and smokes pistachios and almonds in creative flavors including Dill Pickle, Chipotle Lime, and Roasted Garlic; these are sold in about 150 stores throughout the Hudson Valley.