After three years of dedicated efforts, Pop-Up District is all set to open its doors at Eden Center next month. This unique food hall and lounge is set to offer two distinct experiences based on the time of day, as shared by company president Jay Tran with ARLnow. During the day, it serves as a casual coffee, food, and treat destination. As the evening approaches, it transforms into a Vietnamese-inspired evening lounge, complete with drinks, EDM, and dancing.

Bringing a New Vibe to Eden Center

Tran emphasized, "We tried to bring a new vibe to Eden Center. You can hang out with your friends, get some drinks, get some snacks, get some good food. [It’s] like a fun place for you to hang out with your friends." The food hall has confirmed five restaurants and a bar across its 8,000 square feet. Eatsy, a Thai street food restaurant, offers a taste of exotic flavors. The Beat, a bakery and soft-serve Korean ice cream shop, provides a sweet treat. Sun-C, a Vietnamese restaurant, showcases the local cuisine. Honey Pig Cupbop, a customizable Korean barbecue restaurant, allows for a personalized dining experience. Doppo, a Vietnamese cafe and banh mi shop, serves up delicious sandwiches. And.08% Soulbar, a full-service liquor bar, offers a wide range of beverages.A seventh kiosk is reserved for a rotation of businesses to temporarily sell products, giving people the opportunity to be business owners. The hall's daytime hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., are designed to cater to risers and remote workers with free high-speed internet and breakfast offerings. Tran hopes to attract families for lunch as well, with good food and dessert on the menu.From 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Tran plans to host events like a DJ night, dance night, and live music performance. This range of activities is inspired by Saigon nightlife, which leans less on alcohol compared to the states. "Basically, you come out and drink only," Tran said. "But in Vietnam, you can go to, let’s say, to the lounge, and then puff, and then you can order food, sit down, chat with your friend … It’s just like a couple drinks, chilling after work, like happy hours."Tran has been doing business in the area since 2016 and is very familiar with Vietnamese culture. He knows what people want and is confident that Pop-Up District will be a success. With a December grand opening on the horizon, the venue is "about 80-85% done."