HipPOPs, a distinguished artisanal gelato bar company originally launched from a food truck in Florida, has been announced as the final vendor to complete the lineup at the highly anticipated Parkway Food Hall set to debut this Monday in south Longmont. The food hall is located at 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 200, a space previously occupied by Big Lots before transitioning to Lucky’s and Alfalfa’s grocery stores.
The introduction of HipPOPs to the Parkway Food Hall brings the total number of unique culinary offerings to eight, ensuring a diverse and vibrant selection for visitors. Alongside this gelato bar phenomenon, the food hall will feature Japanese street food, Neapolitan-style pizza, whole-hog barbecue, and an Indo-Thai fusion concept, complimented by a bar furnished with an extensive selection of wines, beers, and a bespoke cocktail program.
The venue also promises entertainment with its inclusion of interactive and traditional arcade games, with plans to expand its retail lineup soon. Parkway Food Hall will welcome the public starting 11 a.m. this Monday, adopting regular operating hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, extending to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and closing slightly earlier at 9 p.m. on Sundays.
A grand opening celebration is slated for Memorial Day weekend, featuring live music to entertain guests, marking a new chapter in the community’s culinary and entertainment landscape.
Chris Nehls, vice president of Blackfox Parkway Associates, the building’s long-standing owner, expressed enthusiasm about the food hall’s opening. He emphasized the attention to detail in creating a welcoming, inclusive space suitable for various occasions, from business lunches to family dinners and weekend gatherings.
HipPOPs was founded in 2012 by Anthony “Tony” Fellows, a veteran in the frozen-dessert sector with over three decades of experience. Fellows’ innovative approach to selling handcrafted gelato on a stick at mobile sites caught the interest of Denver-business operators in 2017, leading to the launch of a new POPtruck in Denver by 2020, expansion of its ice cream production, and the appointment of an executive chef.
The array of vendors at Parkway Food Hall includes Baa Hachi, Farow’s Pie Dog pop-up, H3sh3r BBQ, Spice Fusion, Cleaver & Co., Shawarma Shack, and the Mexican kitchen, Chile con Quesadilla. These establishments bring a wealth of flavors and experiences to Longmont, from authentic street foods and gourmet pizzas to tantalizing barbecue and exotic fusion dishes.
In an effort to add a dynamic bar experience, Rob Sloma, with extensive experience managing bars in Boulder’s food halls, will oversee the beverage offerings at Parkway Food Hall.
Parkway Food Hall enriches Longmont’s local scene not just with its culinary delights but also through strategic indoor/outdoor designs, including a patio, an event space, and a monthly event partnership with Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga, promising a unique blend of dining and entertainment experiences.
The food hall’s architecture, developed by Meridian 105, and its operation by National Food Hall Solutions, underscore a commitment to creating a top-tier food hall experience. This venue not only brings new flavors and experiences to Longmont residents and visitors but also opens up employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.
As the Parkway Food Hall opens its doors, it is poised to become a pivotal destination in Longmont, inviting all to explore its rich assortment of dining concepts, entertainment options, and community events.
