New York firm plans to open food hall in Allentown’s Grand Plaza

Somera Road Inc. of New York City said it plans to open an eight-vendor food hall next summer within the retail space at Allentown’s Grand Plaza on Hamilton Street. The company bought the Class-A office building in April after it had been in foreclosure.

Built in 2002, the building, formerly known as PPL Plaza, is in the Neighborhood Improvement Zone, a tax incentive that spurred more than $1 billion in construction and renovation in downtown Allentown.

The firm said it is accepting proposals from area food and beverage operators and entrepreneurs interested in leasing space at the property.

Somera Road will call the food hall “will&co.” paying tribute to William Allen, the founder of Allentown.

The company plans to update the interior design first and then rejuvenate the outdoor plaza space in front of the building next year.

Plans include adding seating, event space and greenery to the outdoor space.

With more than 6,000 square feet, the food hall will offer six interior dining options, including a coffee shop and full-service bar. Two outdoor kiosks will contain a permanent vendor in addition to a rotating seasonal option.

Once it opens, will&co. would be the second food hall in downtown Allentown.

City Center Allentown opened its Downtown Allentown Market in September, which has nine merchants offering a variety of food and beverages inside a 12,000 square foot space below the Strata West apartments.

Basel Bataineh, vice president of Somera Road, was not immediately available for comment.