The food hall at 28-17 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City, previously known as JACX&CO, now operates under a new name, METTRA, and new management. To mark the change, METTRA is holding a two-day, flight-themed grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30, with a ribbon cutting, DJs, dance performances, a raffle and a $25 Tasting Passport that lets visitors sample their way through the hall.

What is changing

According to METTRA's announcement, the new management team is giving the space a refreshed identity and a wider purpose. Along with the food counters, the hall now presents itself as a place for community events, watch parties and private bookings, from corporate gatherings and cocktail parties to weddings and graduations. METTRA's community calendar shows the operators have already been testing that idea over the past several months, with a mahjong afternoon in June, a World Cup viewing in June and the opening of its central bar in May.

The hall sits on the ground floor of The Jacx, the two-tower office development on Jackson Avenue. Tishman Speyer, which developed The Jacx, is listed among the sponsors and partners of the grand opening, along with SCG America, Venturant Group and 157 Supper Club.

The grand opening schedule

The celebration starts with a Grand Opening Preview on Thursday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m. METTRA's program for the afternoon lists a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a DJ and dance performances.

The main event follows on Friday, Oct. 30, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The METTRA Grand Opening Party lineup includes DJs, dance performances, food, drinks and a raffle drawing. The hall also says a surprise is planned for that evening, and it is keeping the details private until the night itself. The whole event carries an airline theme, with the hall's own write-up inviting guests to fasten their seatbelts and treating the visit as an arrival at a new destination.

How the Tasting Passport works

The Tasting Passport costs $25 and can be used on either day of the celebration. Each passport includes one signature tasting from participating vendors, one drink from either Center Bar or Unmei Matcha, and one raffle ticket for the drawing on Oct. 30. Raffle prizes include gift cards from vendors and sponsors. The grand prize is a one-night stay with breakfast at the Renaissance New York Flushing Hotel at Tangram.

Passports are sold in advance through Eventbrite, and buyers pick up a physical passport at the METTRA check-in desk at Gate A2 on Oct. 29 or Oct. 30.

Who is cooking

METTRA's vendor directory currently lists a mix of Japanese, Thai, Chinese and American counters. The lineup includes:

  • Nagaiki Ramen, which specializes in abura soba, a brothless style of ramen, along with other noodle dishes.
  • Himitsu Handroll Bar, serving freshly made hand rolls and sushi, with seats that can be booked ahead.
  • Siam Thai Express, cooking Thai dishes based on family recipes.
  • Bobwhite Counter, known for scratch-made fried chicken sandwiches, wraps, bowls and biscuits.
  • Ziyan Chicken, from the Ziyan Baiwei Chicken chain, offering slow-braised Sichuan dishes seasoned with a 28-spice blend and served chilled.
  • Kimbo Beef, serving Guizhou-style beef broth and handmade rice noodles with sour and spicy flavors.
  • Master Spicy Hot Pot, with customizable dry pot and hot pot dishes in the Chengdu style.
  • Soft Swerve, the New York soft-serve brand with Asian-inspired flavors.
  • Unmei Matcha, for matcha drinks.
  • Center Bar, the cocktail, wine and beer bar at the middle of the hall.

The hall's About page also mentions pizza, sandwiches and desserts as part of the overall mix.

Hours and happy hour

METTRA is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. A daily happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. The hall notes that some vendors may close earlier than the building, so it is worth checking a specific counter before heading over late in the evening. Many of the vendors take online orders through links on METTRA's Explore page.

Getting there

METTRA is at 28-17 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101. The hall points out that the 7, N, W, E, M, R and G trains all stop within reach. Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W) and Queens Plaza (E, M, R) are the closest stations, and Court Square (7, E, M, G) is a short walk down Jackson Avenue.

Plan your visit

The Grand Opening Preview runs Thursday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m., and the Grand Opening Party runs Friday, Oct. 30, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tasting Passports are $25 through Eventbrite, with pickup at Gate A2. For private event inquiries or other questions, METTRA can be reached at info@mettra.net or 631-268-4841, and it posts updates on Instagram at @mettralic.

Sources