Facing Construction Delays, Anticipated Black and Tan Hall Launches Events Series

Black and Tan Hall, the new racially-inclusive cultural and culinary center in Hillman City, has seemed very close to opening for quite a while now. Yet the project, which was announced last December, has faced numerous delays stemming from issues rehabing the 100-year-old building it occupies. Meanwhile, founders Ben Hunter, Rodney Herold, and chef Tarik Abdullah have decided to roll out events and dinners, held in other locations, while the hall’s build out finishes.

For now, Black and Tan Hall will act as “an event presenter and cuisine company serving Seattle,” according to a release. While the venture’s 47 owner-investors work to complete sprinkler installations and structural upgrades, the company, dubbed Black and Tan Hall Presents, is organizing performing arts events, catering, pop-ups, and cooking classes in venues around the city.

Each event will serve as a Black and Tan Hall preview, channeling the spirit of the original 1920s- and ‘30s-era Black and Tan Clubs, which emphasized racial inclusivity at a time of stark segregation. The first event on deck is a cooking class from Abdullah, taking place tonight in Pike Place Market’s Atrium Kitchen. The company will announce future events via its Facebook page.