HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville Venue Group made true on a promise that the Orion Amphitheater would provide “a truly unique food and beverage experience.”
Well, it’s barely one year later and Orion launched its first in-house dining experience – the ChurchStreet Test Kitchen. is now open in the venue’s lower concourse.
“Inside the Orion… it will not be cookie-cutter or corporate branded concert hall concessions,” Managing Director Ryan Murphy said in an interview at the Orion groundbreaking ceremony more than two years ago. “The concessions will be under the Orion’s umbrella of uniquely branded offerings throughout the venue.”
Committed to raising the culinary bar across the state, the Churchstreet Kitchen features a curated menu including Ahi Tuna Tacos, named one of the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama” by the Alabama Tourism Department; Hamburger Wellington (made with Buckhead Beef); blue cheese and organic raspberry-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates; and other vegetarian options.
ChurchStreet Test Kitchen will be open before, during and after every show this year.
“With their reputation for innovative concepts and locally sourced products, we knew ChurchStreet Family would be an ideal partner for the Orion,” said Katie Millar, general manager of the Orion. “Guests can now join us prior to an event and experience an exclusive menu, curated specifically for our campus.
“It’s a prime example of our ongoing desire to collaborate with local businesses, and we’re fortunate to have found so many incredible partners within our own backyard.”
Stephanie Kennedy-Mell, proprietor and CMO/COO, said the ChurchStreet Family is committed to enhancing the food and beverage experience in Huntsville.
“We believe our partnership with The Orion Amphitheater takes that experience to the next level – the collaboration of our locally owned handmade menu paired with world class entertainment and a state-of-the-art facility – this is your ultimate dining adventure,” said Kennedy-Mell.
Additional food and beverage offerings include Jeff & Blues, Huntsville’s new Dive Barn, and Apollo South.
Jeff & Blues will be open to the public after each show as well as Thursdays through Sundays. Moreover, several of The Orion’s in-house bars, such as Murphy’s Law and Isadora’s, will now feature seated service with seating areas provided by a local partnership with Dogtown West Furniture.
The Orion will also be the first location to serve Yellowhammer Brewing’s Big Spring Water. Alabama’s first local canned water, it is served in recyclable cans.
All other food and beverage services feature reusable cups and compostable silverware.
Jeff & Blues will feature two Yellowhammer beers: Cheatin’ Heart IPA and Belgian White Ale.
Ethan Couch, general manager of Yellowhammer Brewing, compares partnering with the Orion to working on a part of the SLS rocket. A lot of folks can relate to that here.
“We’re all huge fans of music and the arts and getting to see these world-class acts play at a state-of-the-art amphitheater is just a dream come true,” he said.
The venue has partnered with the Master Gardeners of North Alabama to plant herbs, flowers and vegetables, which will provide hyper local ingredients for artist catering and other on-site needs.
Additionally, the venue’s Carbon Bar is shifting its offerings to climate and carbon-neutral products, with a portion of all bar sales going to select environmental non-profit partners.
The new food and beverage offerings add some spice to the mix this year which includes upcoming performances from Brandi Carlile, Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Jinks, Weezer, James Taylor, Phish, Widespread Panic, Billy Strings, Ja Rule and Ashanti, and Illenium.
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