The Academy Food Hall, a key component of the ambitious mixed-use project aimed at revitalizing downtown Poughkeepsie, is set to undergo a transformation. After one year of operation, the food hall will be converted into a cafe and an innovative 18,000-square-foot “entertainment destination.”
The redesigned space will offer two distinct experiences. Academy Events, opening in approximately one month, will focus on community events and celebrations. On the second floor, The Keepsake, a sophisticated venue, will continue to host upscale events and weddings, according to a media statement from The Academy.
The front cafe will return with an exciting new menu. The changes will not affect the adjacent residential spaces or the recently opened bakery, Bread and Batter.
The Academy shared on Facebook, “While this was not an easy decision, we believe that shifting our direction will enable us to better serve our diverse guests and deliver unforgettable experiences for all.”
The food hall at The Academy was an integral part of the ambitious $13 million revitalization project by developer Baxter Building Corporation. The project involved repurposing two abandoned buildings on Academy Street, which were purchased in 2018 and 2019. It received a $1.2 million Empire State Development grant, and groundbreaking took place in 2020, with the aim of jumpstarting downtown revitalization.
The food hall, which opened in July of last year, was the first phase of the project to be unveiled to the public. It featured various eateries offering barbecue, Asian cuisine, and a cafe, becoming a popular lunch destination for downtown workers. It was the second food hall in the Hudson Valley, following Beacon’s food hall, which opened in 2019.
The food hall was operated by Christian Palikuca, previously the Chief Operating Officer and partner at Retail Worx—a company that manages food, beverage, and wellness businesses across the US. Palikuca was involved in notable ventures such as Taco Dumbo, Bridges General, BIA Fit, Bluestone Lane Coffee, and Randolph Beer in New York City.
The remainder of the development included a produce market, a more upscale bistro called The Kitchen, and The Keepsake. Plans for a brewery and beer garden never materialized.
When the food hall opened, The Academy made a point of hiring local employees. However, it is unclear how many staff members have been affected by the closure. A spokesperson for The Academy stated that management has been in contact with employees and will inform them of job opportunities that will become available in the coming month. The spokesperson emphasized that local employees remain a priority for The Academy.
It is important to note that The Academy itself is not closing, despite the changes to the food hall. The event space on the upper floor continues to accept bookings.
The spokesperson highlighted, “This innovative model had never been implemented before in the Hudson Valley. After a year, we have identified our strengths, and we firmly believe that our focus on events will bring even greater economic benefits to the city of Poughkeepsie.”
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