When Optimist Hall first debuted, only six tenants were fully operational on opening day. Now, this Charlotte food hall rings in at more than two dozen tenants, serving everything from bao buns to craft cocktails and gooey grilled cheese.

And while the food draws visitors, the rich history of the building adds to the experience. The 147,000 square-foot space — a turn-of-the-century textile mill involved in the manufacturing of the first Spanx shapewear — was originally owned by Highland Park Manufacturing Company. When Paces Properties and White Point Partners purchased the building, they retained many of the property’s original, 120-year-old elements. In addition to the hardwood floors, the 14-foot ceilings and industrial bricks and beams were preserved.

Now, with a few new changes in the works, Optimist Hall is well on its way to carving a new space in the building’s history. It’s a space where ethnic dishes and comfort food favorites live side-by-side to bring together the community…

A new Spanish tapas concept from the team at Customshop is slated to open this summer at Optimist Hall. Chef Andres Kaifer will bring his family recipes to the table at the food hall, where the still-unnamed spot between Boxcar Betty’s and Village Juice will be putting out sandwiches, shareables, patatas bravas and Kaifer’s famous flan…

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