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Opening this weekend: New food hall in a historic packing house will feature local vendors, live events, and a community-driven atmosphere.
REDLANDS, Calif. — After nearly a decade in development, the Redlands Public Market (RPM) is set to open its doors seven days a week beginning Feb. 21, with a grand opening planned for April, according to owner and developer Jerry Tessier, Arteco Partners' president.
The market, housed in a historic packing house, will feature a curated selection of food and drink vendors, fresh flowers and produce, plus an indoor arcade and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor plaza for events.
The project traces its origins to a vision shared by local farmer Bob Knight, who first introduced Tessier to the Redlands packing house roughly nine years ago. Knight proposed transforming the space into a food hall and local farm distribution hub. Tessier pursued the idea, navigating a rigorous review process for historical preservation and securing federal historic tax credits before beginning construction.
The RPM's opening was significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tessier said. Originally scheduled to break ground in early 2020, construction was postponed for more than two years.
When designing RPM, Tessier said he drew from his experience developing the Claremont Packing House, the Riverside Food Lab and The Cookhouse at Vail HQ in Temecula.
Despite the delays, the market is now fully leased, with a lineup of independently owned and chef-operated food vendors.
Among them is the Southern California brunch restaurant Take Your Seat.
"We're the ambassador for brunch, and the best part of brunch is who you share it with," co-owner Mike Obabja said during the soft opening for its third location Thursday.
Take Your Seat prides itself on family-friendly vibes and a welcoming atmosphere. Obabja describes the menu as "American classics meet Southeast Asian twist," where diners can enjoy steak and eggs with a Japanese soufflé pancake.
He said Take Your Seat was born to bring these flavors to the Inland Empire and provide a gathering place to enjoy family and friends. Together with the Tarigan and Adidjaja families, Obadja and his wife Mira opened the first location in Chino Hills in 2018 and expanded to Ontario in 2022.
The restaurant's whimsical décor stands out through the floor-to-ceiling windows facing Third Street.
The vendor will also feature pastries from +PlusBake Cafe—an artisanal Asian-fusion bakery crafting unique pastries and desserts.
A Redlands favorite, Cornerstone BBQ, is also opening its third location in the RPM.
Owner Angelica Galindo said she and her husband, Anthony, are excited to expand their operation.
"We're very excited. The market has very good vibes and a sense of community."
Different from its locations in Beaumont and Redlands' Vine Street, the Cornerstone BBQ at RPM will include a dry-aged deli featuring pork, beef and fish. Guests will also have the option to choose a cut of meat from the butcher to take home or have prepared on the spot.
There will be more shareable options along with the reliable brisket and pork.
Jackie and JP Ragan, longtime Redlands residents, enjoyed the preview of the market while snacking on Cornerstone BBQ.
"We've lived here a long time, and this market is definitely something we've needed," Jackie said.
While Cornerstone BBQ brought them out, the couple agreed they would be back to try everything.
Vendors also include Nava Sausage Co.'s first brick-and-mortar location, Taiwanese eatery JoJo's Kitchen, and the Indian-Mexican fusion concept TacoTwist.
"Our preference was locally owned, independent, unique concepts, and chef-owned and operated businesses," Tessier said. "Almost all of the owners are from the Inland Empire, and some live right here in Redlands."
In addition to food offerings, the market aims to foster a sense of community. The outdoor plaza will host pop-up arts and craft fairs, live music, and small festivals. Old Grove Orange, a local produce distributor, will operate a produce stand, while Redlands Natural Market will offer food-related workshops.
"This isn't just a place to come and eat—it's a place to gather," Tessier said. "We want to be the front porch for Redlands' growing agritourism industry."
Old Grove Orange, which advocated for a change to the city code to support agricultural tourism, will soon have farm tour tickets available at the market.
Tessier emphasizes that the market is designed as a gathering place where people can socialize and dine together, offering an experience beyond just eating.
"This place has a ton of soul and character."
Diners got a first taste during a special event hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 13. Over the weekend, RPM sold out two other soft opening events.
The Redlands Public Market will open daily at 11 a.m., with select vendors operating earlier hours. Full occupancy is expected by April, when the market will host its official grand opening.
The Redlands Public Market features a diverse array of food and drink establishments including:
Explore a full list of eateries here.
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