After a few delays, the long-awaited Citizens food hall — operated by C3 (Creating Culinary Communities) — opened in the Manhattan West neighborhood of New York City last week. The 40,000-square-foot space holds about a dozen brands and marks the debut of six new fast-casual and fine-dining brands.
“We are thrilled to showcase C3’s portfolio of culinary brands all under one roof,” said C3 CEO Sam Nazarian. “Working with world renowned international talent, Citizens New York will provide a unique dining experience for all, serving as a high-energy destination for food and culture.”
Most of the brands are fast-casual, including Los Angeles-based brands Krispy Rice, Umami Burger, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, Cindy Lou’s Cookies, EllaMai, Plant Nation and Kumi.
Four concepts are being debuted at the food hall: Sa’Moto, a collection of chef Masaharu Morimoto’s favorite Pan-Asian fare; El Pollo Verde, serving rotisserie from chef Dani Garcia; Cicci Di Carne, a deli and butcher shop from chef Dario Cecchini; and Soom Soom Fresh, a family-owned Mediterranean fast-casual spot serving homemade hummus, falafel, shawarma and kebabs.
“Citizens New York will reinvigorate the culinary scene with C3’s newest offerings and also work to bring together shared community based on a love of food,” Nazarian said.
Customers can place orders at the stands directly or through kiosks placed throughout the food hall. Food can be mixed and matched in these orders and paid for in a single transaction. Uber Eats and Postmates, which do delivery for the food hall, cannot mix and match orders at this time.
The point-of-sale technology is run by C3’s proprietary software Go by Citizens app. The app, developed in partnership with technology company Lunchbox, is what allows customers to combine multiple cuisines in one order — though they must walk to each food stall and pick them up separately.
“With Citizens New York, we are turning the typical culinary market on its head, bringing our hospitality point of view to a communal, neighborhood marketplace that enhances and elevates an everyday ritual for workers, tourists, and locals alike,” said David Rockwell, founder and president of the Rockwell Group, which designed