Written By: Sarah Reish

You know when you plan out a trip and then randomly stop somewhere and it ends up being a huge hit? That’s what happened to us when we stumbled upon the Welcome Market Hall. We actually weren’t sure what to expect because we did zero research, but it was lunch time and we saw the patio and so headed in to see what we would find. And honestly, I fell in love. This place is truly amazing. If you haven’t been before, make some time and go.

What is it?

It is actually a little bit of everything. Located in the old train station, the upper floors are offices for rent and the lower portion is a “culinary meeting place”. The front portion being a coffee shop and the back portion is an amazing dining space with a bar and wine shop featuring global wines. There are three kitchens where diners can choose what one they want to eat from. But I will get into that later. Let me give you some history first.

The history

We asked our server, who was super amazing, about the history and if we could take photos to share with our readers. She had a better idea and she went and grabbed the executive chef, Travis Egan, a born and raised Wyoming-ite. We learned the concept of this… it isn’t a restaurant, but I guess the best name for it is, Welcome Market Hall… Any way, the concept stems from a school project done by Stephanie Stalker, who in her project presented this concept (shared below). When Tom heard about it he and his wife Lisa set to work bringing it to life. They purchased the station and remodeled it preparing to open with the original concept.

The original concept was for the three kitchens to be rentable. This would allow up and coming chefs the opportunity to dip their toes into the restaurant world without all of the over head. The diners then could visit trying food from any of the kitchens. Because they opened in 2020… you get it - it was time to adapt. Enter Travis. He is now running the three kitchens offering a global tasting for all who partake at the Welcome Market Hall.

The kitchen

Travis shared that as often as possible they work with local ingredients. Papa Joe’s Produce is one, the produce comes is grown hydroponically and Western Family Farms provides them duck eggs. It is truly exciting to see more and more chefs working with local ingredients. Scratch made is where it's at in the kitchen. We learned that while they offer a global menu, there is also an additional 5-10 specials offered weekly.

How it works

Let’s say you and your friends or family can’t decide or agree on dinner. Here is your answer because this is where you can go that will please everyone. Once seated you are provided a menu and each diner can then choose from one of three kitchens to order from. Grilling & Chilling is the perfect menu for an all American grill menu and salads. From The Oven menu offers house made pizza’s and Stromboli. The pizza, a traditional Neapolitan style pizza with imported Italian cheeses. Then the final kitchen, Noodles! These Ramen bowls are straight from Asia with Japanese and Korean style noodle bowls and even Bao Buns! Lastly, they also serve breakfast, featuring some favorites, classics, and one of a kind meals to get you going for the day.

The taste

Steve ordered from the Grilling & Chilling menu. He ordered the 3 tenderloin sliders with the secret aioli, gorgonzola, and balsamic glaze - with a side of the house cut fries. He said the tenderloins were perfectly cooked and tender and the fries were great. I ordered from the Noodles menu, the Shoyu Beef Ramen Bowl made with house made noodles. It was delicious and hit that craving I sometimes get for a good Ramen bowl. Everything was fantastic.

Up and coming

We asked Travis if they had anything exciting coming that we could share and he gave us some cool events coming this month! May 5th is a Cinco de Mayo celebration with Tacos and Tequila and DJ Austin Taylor. And on May 28th is Bourbon on the Bayou, a crawfish boil! We may be in town for this one and just might need to make it over.

Hit the road!

Whether you live in town or out of town, make some time to check out this amazing location. The vintage subway tile, hints of art deco, and pops of color only add to the appeal of this eatery. Be sure to share your photos and experience with us on social media. Tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld.

Welcome Market Hall