Bridgeview Food Hall: A Culinary Oasis Reimagined

A local restaurateur is taking over operations at Newport on the Levee food hall, where four local eateries have been serving hibachi, tacos, cheesesteaks, and Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches for the past year. Nick Pesola – through his company the Pesola Hospitality Group – has taken over the popular spot, now dubbed the Bridgeview Food Hall, with plans to transform the space into a vibrant dining and social destination.

Elevating the Food Hall Experience

A New Vision for Bridgeview

Nick Pesola, the driving force behind the Bridgeview Food Hall, is a seasoned restaurateur with a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences. Through his company, the Pesola Hospitality Group, he has taken over the reins of the former Newport on the Levee food hall, determined to elevate the space into a true culinary and social hub.Pesola's vision for Bridgeview extends beyond the traditional food court model. He aims to create a dynamic environment where people not only come to enjoy delectable local cuisine but also linger, socialize, and immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere. "We'll have a whole new experiential dining room at some point, but that's going to take a little bit longer to develop," Pesola told The Enquirer. "So more decor, furniture switches, games, things to do, plants – really just warming up the space, giving it a little bit more vitality and energy."

Enhancing the Customer Experience

Pesola's plans for Bridgeview Food Hall go beyond just a physical transformation. He is also focused on improving the overall customer experience, ensuring that visitors not only enjoy exceptional cuisine but also feel welcomed and engaged.One of the immediate changes implemented by Pesola is the introduction of a new bar menu, offering a wider selection of beverages to complement the diverse culinary offerings. Additionally, the team has introduced delivery options and streamlined the ordering process, making it easier for customers to access the delectable dishes."We'll have a whole new experiential dining room at some point, but that's going to take a little bit longer to develop," Pesola explained. "So more decor, furniture switches, games, things to do, plants – really just warming up the space, giving it a little bit more vitality and energy."

Fostering a Vibrant Community

Pesola's vision for Bridgeview Food Hall extends beyond just the culinary experience. He aims to transform the space into a hub of community engagement, where people can gather, socialize, and enjoy a range of interactive experiences."We want to make the space one where people want to stay and hang out – maybe by adding trivia, board game nights, or recurring promotions," Pesola shared. By incorporating these elements, he hopes to create a dynamic and engaging environment that encourages visitors to linger, connect, and immerse themselves in the Bridgeview experience.

A Seasoned Restaurateur's Expertise

Nick Pesola's expertise in the hospitality industry is evident in his approach to Bridgeview Food Hall. As the owner of several successful restaurants, including the Cuban-inspired Amador at the Levee, Revolution Rotisserie in Pleasant Ridge, and Milkman in Over-the-Rhine, Pesola brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of what it takes to create a thriving dining destination.Pesola's decision to take over the 7,000-square-foot indoor and 1,200-square-foot outdoor space previously operated by the Pittsburgh-based company The Galley Group is a testament to his confidence in the potential of the Bridgeview concept. With his proven track record and innovative vision, Pesola is poised to transform the food hall into a must-visit destination for both local residents and visitors alike.

Embracing the Evolving Dining Landscape

The Bridgeview Food Hall takeover is the latest in a series of changes and developments at Newport on the Levee, reflecting the evolving dining landscape in the region. Over the past year, the area has seen the addition of several new restaurants, a Lego cafe, a mini golf course, an immersive digital gaming business, and an Uber Freight office with almost 100 employees.Furthermore, plans for a Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Resort with a 264-room hotel were announced last spring, expected to open in 2026. These changes underscore the growing demand for diverse dining and entertainment options, and Pesola's vision for Bridgeview Food Hall aligns perfectly with this trend.By embracing the evolving needs and preferences of modern diners, Pesola and his team are poised to transform Bridgeview Food Hall into a true culinary and social destination, offering a unique and engaging experience that sets it apart from traditional food courts.