The Station is officially open in Downtown Clayton! The idea that started as a partnership between local developers Carrie and Kevin Lee and entrepreneurs Erin Nenni and Christi Thompson is now finally ready for launch. The Station is not just one business; it is a buzzing beehive housing an entire community of growers and makers, keen on sharing their products and produce with everyone who walks through the door.
But what exactly IS The Clayton Station? I sat down with Station operators, Erin Nenni and Christi Thompson, also owners of The Market at Three Little Birds and LaDiDa Wine Shop, to ask that exact question. And others.
“That’s been the hardest part to explain to people,” said Erin, “people will ask, ‘Is it a food hall?’ and, no, it’s not. There’s certainly nothing like it in Clayton. And to be honest, I don’t know a whole lot of places like it regionally either. Even in Raleigh. But this is a building that houses vendors offering food and drink options in both directions — products and ingredients for making, baking, and cooking in your own home, as well as finished food and drink products for retail. People are gonna have to experience it, I think, to really, like, grasp what’s going on.”…