6 Changes to Expect at Grand Fare Market's Reopening in Oakland

Grand Fare Market is in the midst of a revival; the 3,500-square-foot ambitious food hall opened in October as a combination oyster bar, market, café and park with lots going on. Just a short two months later, owner Doug Washington shut the operation down citing operation costs as "simply too much" to keep it going. Then, March brought news of a rebirth that would incorporate certain changes to hopefully ensure success. Washington has spoken out about just what those changes are; here’s what to expect when the market reopens in June.

1. Chris Fernandez (Oliveto, Poggio, Terrapin Crossroads) has signed on as chef/director of food operations.

2. Rotisserie will be a big part of Fernandez’s new menu, include whole chicken, ribs and roasted vegetables.

3. The layout will be simplified, bringing all the ordering and paying of food to one centralized island.

4. There will be more food on display, which Washington hopes will get people "really excited by the visual, to be able to see the food, smell it, taste it," he told Inside Scoop.

5. Grocery items will be consolidated into one section to make room for indoor seating.

6. That indoor seating will be full service during evening hours.

Washington had previously said that other proposed changes include lower prices, plus a parklet out front; to be determined if those features will also be a part of the new Grand Fare. Stay tuned for more details closer to opening.