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Walnut Capital, owner of the restaurant in Bakery Square, recently entered into a new management agreement with a local and minority operator, Shaka Restaurant Group, headed up by Hoa Le who learned the ropes running food hall kitchens starting at Smallman Galley. The existing Galley - Bakery Square restuarant will soon become "City Kitchen at Bakery Square." The transition will occur over the next few months. Read the full press release here.

What should customers anticipate in terms of changes due to this management transition? Here's what you can expect:

The restaurant to operate as usual during the transition

• Operating hours and kitchens will stay the same during the transition. Come and have a bite to eat and enjoy the patio! There are plans to eventually open on Mondays and to extend evening hours.

New Management Team and a New Restaurant Name

• The new restaurant will be named "City Kitchen" and will be managed by local operator, Shaka Restaurant Group.

An Elevated Food Hall Concept

• City Kitchen will still offer a food hall feel with multiple kitchens where guests can enjoy different cuisines but with enhanced hospitality and ease of ordering.

Two New Kitchens

• Somi and Elevate will continue operations and City Kitchen will add two new kitchen concepts, including an elevated burger concept with local, grass-fed beef options and Peruvian fusion. While the core concept of Galley’s rotating kitchen model will continue, City Kitchen will incentivize and nurture culinary employees to play a role in new kitchen ideas, in a progressive workforce model that highlights the talent and heart of each employee’s respective journey.

The Same Amazing Indoor and Outdoor Dining Spaces

• Walnut Capital created and owns the restaurant, the building, and the outdoor space in the plaza. They also recently invested in the outdoor space adding an all-season outdoor awning and upgrading our lawn to turf. City Kitchen will collaborate closely with Walnut Capital to coordinate more community events and connect programming on the lawn with drink and food specials. Don't worry, the lawn toys and lounge seating will still be out! 

The Same Bar Menu and Happy Hour. Plus, more Chef-Bartender Collabs

• Enjoy happy hour at Bakery Square? Drink specials will stay in place this summer for all to enjoy. Soon, City Kitchen’s bar program will develop drink specials that complement chef’s specials.

New Customer Loyalty Programs, Easier Ordering & Elevated Dining Experiences

• City Kitchen will implement a new ordering system and loyalty program that encourages customer feedback. Themed late-night dining events and menu tastings, as well as “dueling diners with DJs” will elevate the overall guest experience at Bakery Square.

A New Incubator Space for Culinary Talent

• Every City Kitchen employee will work with a career development mentor who will help to address social and economic barriers, provide cross-training opportunities, and create personalized career development plans. As chefs grow their leadership capacity, they will have the option to develop and pitch diverse new concepts for review.