Eclectic food court at former Rock Hill Power Plant is a ‘community and entertainment hub’ | News

ROCK HILL – burgers and coffee, tacos and ice cream, ramen noodles and kale – for Power House Food Courtwhich is by no means a random choice.

Its location is also not part of a revitalization project near the city center university center.

“It was important to have a community and entertainment center here,” said Tara Sherber, owner of the 16,000-square-foot food court on the ground floor of a former power plant. “We really feel that Rock Hill as a whole can be a mixed entertainment and food venue.”

The Power House and its suppliers had a soft opening on June 23. The grand opening will take place on June 30th.

Located just north of Dave Lyle Boulevard near West White Street and downtown Rock Hill, the University Center is operated by the former Rock Hill Printing & Finishing Finishing Company, which has been refurbished for new uses, including the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center, Cambria Stadium, Winthrop University’s Hotels, apartment complexes and student accommodation.

The Power House Food Court is positioned to serve University Center visitors, visiting athletes and students. But Sherber is looking at the food scene across the city to see what contrast it can offer.

“Every vendor here is curated and none are repeated,” said Rocky Jokbengboon, co-owner of the anime-themed ramen shop. Narud “Red Cliff”. “It’s really targeting a lot of neglected markets in the space.”

Vendors said they were approached by Sherber to open a food court with a kitchen offering Mexican cuisine, Southern fare and Flip Burgera spinoff of Flipside Cafe.

“We wanted food that was on trend, a little bit customized, and varied,” Scherber said.

Food is only part of the selection process, she said. She wanted a group of vendors who saw the food court as a partner.

“You talk to them and they like and support each other,” she said. “We want suppliers to be willing to be part of a community approach.”

This appeals to Steven Bollinger, who is Haweska Coffee Roastersthe company opened its first storefront in the Power House, a decade after starting a wholesale business in Charlotte.

“It’s not seven different restaurants vying for business,” he said. “Seven different restaurants are working hard to make this place a success. Everyone has an end goal in mind. It’s a team effort.”

Lamaur Stancil writes about York County government, business, schools and the entertainment industry.You can reach him at 803-687-3436 or on Twitter @LamaurStancil