MOUNT VERNON — Six vendors have officially signed leases to operate inside the upcoming Founders Food Hall, according to Knox County Land Bank President Sam Filkins.
The confirmed tenants are Founders Bar, Slice Mount Vernon, Rijsttafel, Tabouli Cafe, OX B’s and The Daily Scoop.
The Daily Scoop and OX-By’s announced their involvement on social media in April. However, Filkins declined to confirm their participation until they signed a lease.
“While we still have two kitchen spaces available, we didn’t want to wait any longer to introduce the operators already committed to Founders Food Hall,” Filkins said Sunday.
“There’s a lot of momentum around the project, and we’re excited for the community to start getting to know the businesses that will be part of it while we continue conversations to fill the remaining spaces.”
Filkins said all of the leases are two-year contracts with two one-year extensions.
The Land Bank plans to hire a management company for day-to-day operations. Filkins declined to name the firm as a contract is not yet finalized.
Filkins initially anticipated the food hall would open in April, then early in June. Difficulties with the point-of-service payment system pushed the opening date to late June.
“We’re excited to introduce the operators that will make Founders Food hall a great addition to downtown,” Filkins said.
“They all support the vision the Land Bank had from the beginning of bringing a variety of dining options together under one roof while creating a space that adds energy and activity to downtown Mount Vernon.
“Each of these operators has made an investment in the community and is helping create a vibrant place where people want to live, gather, and visit.”
Land Bank finalizing condo structure
Founders Food Hall is located at 18 E. Vine St., the site of the former Mount Vernon News building.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University occupies the lower level of the building (16 E. Vine). Sponsler Automotive and The Otto Insurance Group occupy the office suite at 103 S. Gay St.
The Land Bank is in the process of forming a condominium association for the structure.
