The making of Hudson Yards’ Spanish market: Meet the team behind Mercado Little Spain
In the heart of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards neighborhood, there is a vibrant and bustling market that transports visitors to the streets of Spain. Mercado Little Spain, a 35,000 square foot food hall and marketplace, brings the flavors and traditions of Spain to New York City. But how did this incredible market come to be? Let’s take a closer look at the team behind Mercado Little Spain and the process of bringing this unique concept to life.
The Market Visionaries Mercado Little Spain is the brainchild of renowned Spanish chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team. Andrés, a James Beard Award-winning chef, is known for his innovative cuisine and his dedication to social and environmental issues. He has restaurants around the world, but Mercado Little Spain is his first market-style concept in the United States.
The Concept The idea for Mercado Little Spain was inspired by the famous markets of Spain, such as the Boqueria in Barcelona and the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid. The ThinkFoodGroup team wanted to create a space where visitors could experience the vibrant energy and diverse flavors of Spain in a single location. The market would feature a variety of vendors offering traditional Spanish dishes, as well as more modern takes on the cuisine. It would also be a hub for events and cultural programming, celebrating the rich history and traditions of Spain.
The Design To bring this vision to life, the ThinkFoodGroup team collaborated with renowned Spanish architect Juli Capella and the New York-based design firm Stonehill Taylor. The result is a stunning space that seamlessly blends traditional and modern design elements. The market is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique atmosphere and design features. The entrance is marked by a striking, illuminated bull’s head, which sets the tone for the lively energy inside.
