Congress Theater Finds Partner For Grocery/Deli Plans
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Sep 22, 2012 9:00PM
Congress Theater owner Eddie Carranza is partnering with Nick Lacasse, former executive chef at the Drawing Room, to create a grocery, deli and cafe at the theater, according to Eater. Lacasse said Rockwell Market will be a farmers market-inspired grocery with about 30 to 40 seats, featuring both prepared foods and groceries. Eater writes:
"We want to be a neighborhood grocery," he added. "Everything we're putting in the block is a throwback to what neighborhood people wanted. Of couse we want it to be a destination, but the focus is on the local people."
It sounds like a great concept, but forgive us for being skeptical. Carranza announced the plans for renovation in July to create an "entertainment complex" with 10 to 18 street-level spaces. It was part of a partnership with "startup accelerator" Doejo, and earlier this week the company said it's pulling out of the deal because Carranza is "kinda nuts." Best of luck to you, Lacasse, trying to work with Carranza's craziness.