Oxbow Public Market moves closer to opening

By MIKE TRELEVEN
Register Business Editor

Napa’s future Oxbow Public Market — nothing more than mounds of dirt and idle heavy equipment — existing only on blueprints — held its official grand opening.

Oxbow Public Market officials on Thursday afternoon invited about 75 people to its groundbreaking at the corner of First and McKinstrey streets — in the heart of the emerging Oxbow District.

Steven Carlin, Oxbow Public Market’s chief executive officer, announced the acquisition of the Napa Valley Tire shop — and that it will become the location of a Taylor’s Refresher. He is calling the addition the Oxbow Annex.

Instead of pampering your car with new tires, customers will now fuel-up at an eatery that is a St. Helena icon.

Carlin also announced the addition of three other new tenants:  Anette’s Chocolate Factory, the Venezualan restaurant Pica Pica and the culinary antique vendor Utensil have been added to the Oxbow Market Hall.

Previously announced tenants include Frasca, a venture including Napa Valley chefs, Donna Scala and Scott Warner of Bistro Don Giovanni; organic wine, beef and olive oil purveyor Long Meadow Ranch of  St. Helena; The Oxbow Wine Merchant and Wine Bar; Roli Roti, a fine European rotisserie; and the Fatted Calf, an artisanal charcuterie and butcher shop.

Carlin announced that about 75 percent of the market has been leased and by November, he hopes to have fully leased the Oxbow Public Market.

Carlin is confident the Oxbow Public Market will open in the fall of 2007.

Napa Mayor Jill Techel said, “What a great group of people ... willing to come to (Napa) and make an investment like this.”

The Oxbow Public Market will be open seven days a week, and is situated next to Copia, on the banks of the Napa River and adjacent to the Napa Farmers Market.

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