Dunwoody resident Teresa Acosta has been selected as the winner of The Hall’s inaugural “culinary talent search” earning the chef a complimentary vendor space in the forthcoming food hall — the first-known tenant for the nine-tenant establishment.
Spanning the course of three months, Acosta beat applicants across a national search to receive the rent-free spot, according to a press release. Acosta’s signature dish — a Cuban sandwich and yuca fries — will be at the focus of the chef’s yet-to-be-named stall expected to open in The Hall at Ashford later this year.
“Throughout this process, we were encouraged by the creativity, the passion and the vision of the chefs, bakers, and mixologists that applied and we’re more confident than ever in the future of culinary excellence runs through the South,” Jamal Wilson, owner of The Hall, said in the release.
The Hall began a search to expand its culinary team in November 2020 with a nationwide open call for submissions. Applicants were invited to share their signature dish, a short bio, and information on their culinary philosophy. Three semi-finalists were selected and their signature dishes were then showcased on The Hall’s website for a fan vote, which in part, led to Acosta’s win. “I enjoyed getting to know Jamal and learning about his vision and I can’t wait to bring my food to The Hall at Ashford Lane later this year,” said Acosta.
The Hall opened its initial location in Tampa — The Hall on Franklin — in 2017 which, due to its popularity, is in the process of relocating to a larger space. This Spring, Wilson will open a location in Orlando and Nashville, and locally, plans call for a second Atlanta-area location dubbed The Hall at the Grove. Those details are forthcoming.
