With seven kitchen spots available, Boxhall hopes to 'champion a diverse mix of independent street food traders' in the area and is working with chef Josh Eggleton, who joins the team as food ambassador, to 'ensure the venue showcases the breadth of independent local food and drink businesses that operate out of Bristol'.
Whilst the applications are open to everyone, Boxhall is primarily looking for food businesses with a minimum of two years' experience trading and operating in a customer-facing environment.
Following an initial and fully refundable deposit, each selected trader will be provided with a fully fitted plug-and-play commercial kitchen, worth around £100,000, allowing businesses to start trading without the concerns of significant financial outlay.
“We’re thrilled to announce that our search for traders is now officially open,” says Ben Mclaughlin, Boxhall COO.
“We have invested heavily in our kitchens and technology to give food operators a fantastic opportunity to grow their business and ensure they can deliver a seamless guest experience. Food will be at the heart of Boxhall; and with space for just seven kitchens, the trader roster needs to reflect the diverse and high-quality offering from Bristol and beyond.
“Bristol has a phenomenal reputation as a culinary city and we’re incredibly excited to be working alongside Josh in our search. His reputation in the region is unparalleled and his knowledge and experience of the regional landscape will be invaluable.”
Eggleton’s role will see him advise and consult on Boxhall's incoming street food and specialist beverage operators, as well as local partnerships and working to build and deliver a variety of live events within the venue.
“Over the next few months, we’ll be taking registrations of interest and from there we’ll be looking to create a food offering that’s representative of Bristol’s incredible food culture,” says the chef.
“The search is going to be a wide and diverse one, it’s intended to be open to all kinds of operators and the way the tenancy works, with the reduced capital outlay on the operator, there’s a real chance to make something different and special.”
Plans for Boxhall Bristol, which will be located in the historical harbourside location at Welsh Back’s O&M’s sheds and be spread over 20,000sq ft, were first announced last summer
In comparison to Boxpark, Boxhall sites are designed to be smaller F&B-focused destinations featuring between six and 12 street food vendors.
The opening will mark the Boxpark group's first outpost outside of the capital.
A second Boxhall site is also scheduled to open next summer at the historic Metropolitan Arcade building close to Liverpool Street station in the City of London.
Regional food businesses seeking to get involved with Boxhall Bristol can register their interest via: www.boxhall.co.uk.