San Francisco has Ferry Building Marketplace. New York's got Chelsea Market. Until now, Phoenix hasn't had a central dining hub and grocery to call its own.

Shawn Connelly intends to change that on April 11, when the DeSoto Central Market opens its doors to the public. Located on Roosevelt and Central Avenue, the 17,138-square-foot property will house several restaurants, a coffee shop, a market, a bar, and event/meeting space, says DeSoto manager Connelly.

See also: The Dressing Room to Open This Summer on Roosevelt Row

The new market and dining hub takes over the nearly 90-year-old DeSoto Building located at 915 North Central Avenue, on the southeast corner of Roosevelt and Central. The 1930s building has been renovated to include a mezzanine level meant for group seating and event space, as well as a large, dog-friendly patio equipped with lighting, shade cloth, and space for games such as corn hole or ping-pong.

Connelly hopes to plan community events such as cooking classes and wine tastings at the market.

Inside the DeSoto you'll find a collection of restaurants, all of which are being overseen by chef Stephen Jones, formerly of Blue Hound Kitchen + Cocktails at the Palomar Hotel. In addition to opening his own restaurant concept, called yard bird + larder, Jones is head chef of at least three other dining outlets housed inside the market.

The DeSoto Central Market restaurants:

DCM -- The DeSoto Central Market burger bar serves fancy egg burgers in the a.m. or a variety of artisan burgers thereafter. Also available: craft beers, wine, and cocktails.

Tea & Toast Co. -- Get your morning (or afternoon or evening) coffee or specialty tea paired with pastries or an array of savory and sweet toasts.

Walrus & the Pearl -- This mostly-raw bar features fresh oysters -- but also serves other seafood favorites like ceviche and poke.

yard bird + the larder -- Chef Stephen Jones (formerly chef at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at Hotel Palomar) reinvents some Southern and New American favorites; think fried chicken skin po-boy or black eyed peas and rice.

Radish -- Radish is a farm-to-table, fast- casual restaurant serving delicious salads and cold-pressed juices. Environmentally conscious and supportive of healthy lifestyles, Radish invites you EAT RAD + DRINK RAD + BE RAD.

Adobo Dragon -- Chef Allan Inicencia's Latin/Asian fusion creations.

According to Jones, yard bird + the larder's Southern-inspired menu will include dishes such as Hoppin' John made with Sea Island red peas and Carolina Gold rice, Tender Belly pig ear "Cheetos," and catfish served with charred kholrabi kraut.

In the market, shoppers will find produce from McClendon Select Farm (among other growers), as well as artisanal products and pantry goods such as spices, local flour and grains, hot sauce, pickles, paper goods, and more. There are plans to eventually add vendors like a butcher, bakery, and cheese monger.

The public grand opening of the market will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include pop-up vendors, live music, cocktail tastings, chef demonstrations, and specials on both days.

For more information check the DeSoto Central Market Facebook page.

DeSoto Central Market 915 North Central Avenue 602-680-7747 www.desotocentralmarket.com

6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

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