06-03-2025
European food hall could be opening in downtown Walnut Creek
(KRON) — If you've spent time in downtown Walnut Creek, you may have noticed an empty lot across Century Theaters. For years, 1250 Locust St. has been vacant without a tenant, but that could change.
A two-story European food hall has been approved to open across the movie theater on Locust Street, according to Walnut Creek city records. The Foundry will consist of two stories across 24,472 square feet with a rear outdoor courtyard seating area. There will be two accessory buildings to go along with it.
Although the project has been approved, that does not guarantee it will open, a city spokesperson says. The business still has to undergo inspections and lease negotiations. Those factors could lead to a project not holding its grand opening.
As of now, the City of Walnut Creek's website lists The Foundry project as 'Approved.' The step after approval from the city would be listing the project as 'Under Construction.'
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The Foundry has not announced what eateries and cuisines will be part of the food hall. According to its social media page, The Foundry is 'a European style food hall w/open air courtyard for the community to enjoy food, drink, music & events in Walnut Creek.'
The Foundry's plans to open in Walnut Creek date back to as early as 2018, according to the food hall's website. Walnut Creek news outlet 'Beyond the Creek' reported about The Foundry's potential opening in 2016.
Other Walnut Creek projects set to open this spring include Hilton Garden Inn and Original Joe's. The hotel is set to open in May, and the San Francisco-founded restaurant is expected to open between this March and May, KRON4 reported.
According to the City of Walnut Creek's website, the Hilton and Original Joe's are currently 'Under Construction' — a step after a project has been approved by the city.
Last week, San Francisco brunch staple Sweet Maple opened on Giammona Drive in northern downtown Walnut Creek.
KRON4 reached out to the City of Walnut Creek for more information about The Foundry's potential opening. We are awaiting a response.
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