Providence, Rhode Island is about to welcome an exciting new culinary destination with the opening of Track 15 on March 18, 2025. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Chris Marsella, of Marsella Development Corporation and Marsella Properties LLC, aims to revitalize the downtown area with a vibrant food hall that celebrates the local community. With over 100 years of experience in real estate investment, the Marsella family brings both history and vision to this transformative project.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Marsella to talk about the inspiration behind Track 15. “My family has been involved here at Union Station since it was a train station,” he explained. The redevelopment of Union Station has been a decadeslong journey, with the Marsella family at its core. However, the area began to lose its vibrancy over the years, particularly following the 2008 recession and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even before COVID in 2019, we as a family were looking here and saying, whoa, what happened?” Marsella recalled. The vision for Track 15 was born out of a desire to breathe new life into the heart of Providence. Track 15 is not just another food hall — it is a celebration of Providence’s diverse culinary scene. Marsella emphasized the importance of involving the local community in the project. He knew how important it was to listen to the community and their needs, making a point to speak with numerous people to understand their perspectives. However, after speaking with community members and learning how essential it was to highlight local talent, the Marsella family took on the challenge themselves. “We became like the worst clients ever,” Marsella joked, describing their insistence on prioritizing local vendors.
The result is a carefully curated lineup of seven culinary vendors, each bringing a unique flavor to Track 15. Among them is Dolores, offering authentic Mexican cuisine from the Meza family, and Little Chaska, an Indian concept from Sanjiv Dhar, known for his modern take on Indian cuisine. The food hall will also feature Giusto PVD, serving fresh pasta from Newport-based chef Kevin O’Donnell, and Dune Brothers, known for their locally-sourced seafood. Pizza lovers can look forward to Mother Pizzeria’s wood-fired sourdough pies, while There There will serve up burgers and fried chicken. Rounding out the lineup is Tolia, offering Turkish-inspired cuisine from chef Alp Gumuscu.
The Marsella family’s dedication to the local community extends beyond the food offerings. Track 15 will host a variety of cultural programs, including live music, cooking classes, and art workshops. “It’s not about public relations, it’s about programming that space,” Marsella explained. “We have to see what works, but people are interested in experiences.” This commitment to creating a dynamic, inclusive space is what sets Track 15 apart. For someone like me, who grew up in Venezuela surrounded by diverse culinary influences due to migration from Europe and other parts of the world, the idea of a place that highlights local talent while fostering community around food, feels especially exciting. As a tour guide for Gallery Night Providence, I’ve seen firsthand how art and culture can transform a city, and I can already imagine Track 15 becoming a hub for both locals and visitors. The economic impact of Track 15 will be significant as well. “We helped create an environment and a platform for these seven chefs, which are small businesses, to be able to come in and showcase their talent,” Marsella noted. The food hall model provides a low-barrier entry point for small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. Moreover, Track 15 is set to become a destination, drawing visitors from across Rhode Island and beyond. “You gotta make it a destination,” Marsella said. “It’s not just people walking down the street… It’s how you draw people in from 20 miles out to go to this.” With its prime location at the center of downtown, ample parking, and innovative programming, Track 15 has the potential to revitalize the entire area.
As I spoke with Marsella, his passion for the project was palpable. Despite the challenges of undertaking such a massive endeavor, his commitment to the community remained unwavering. “We gotta make sure this is done right,” he said. Track 15 represents more than just a food hall — it’s a symbol of Providence’s resilience and creativity. With a lineup of talented local chefs, a focus on community programming, and a vision for revitalizing downtown, Track 15 promises to be an exciting new chapter in the city’s story. As someone who loves exploring new flavors and supporting local businesses, I cannot wait to see — and taste — everything Track 15 has to offer. •
