A delay to the opening of the Island’s first food court has caused some anxiety among would-be customers eager to try out the new experience.

The co-managers of Eateries, in Washington Mall, have been inundated with comments and questions from members of the public keen to know when the food hall will open its doors.

It had been anticipated the enterprise would launch in late May or earlier this month. However, the opening date is now likely to be sometime in July.

The reason for the delay is to allow completion of final installation work in the kitchen and for equipment to be tested. A water filtering system for the entire food court and kitchen is also being put in place this week.

Antonelle Fadda and Gilbert Darrell, two of the Eateries co-owners, said they shared the frustration of the many people who want to try out the food hall, which is located on the lower level of Washington Mall Phase III, next to the Beluga Bar sushi restaurant.

“We’ve had hundreds of people asking when it is going to open. Every day we are being asked,” said Mr Fadda.

He explained the delay was due to work in the single, large kitchen which will service the entire food court.

“We are just finishing off and then we have to run everything to check it all works,” he said.

The spacious, open-plan food court had a brief trial run last month, with invited guests given the opportunity to sample some of the menu items. It was an opportunity for the owners to see where improvements could be made.

The subsequent delay in the public opening has allowed time for adjustments and changes aimed at enhancing Eateries, according to Mr Fadda.

“Being this late has helped us to get better. We have changed some of the chefs and some of our foods,” he said.

One of the new appointments is chef Wolsey Williams, who formerly worked at Mannie’s Soul Food Express when it was run by Mr Fadda.

“He was the best chef and customers loved him. He’s got a big following,” said Mr Fadda.

Chef Williams will be preparing Bermudian and Caribbean dishes. The food stations at Eateries will also feature menu choices from around the world, including Chinese, Indian and European cuisine.

Co-owner Mr Darrell agreed the delayed opening had provided an opportunity to change and refine things. New furniture has been ordered, some of which will provide a seating area at the entrance to Eateries

A dedicated water filtering system being installed this week is designed to enhance the quality of all water used at the food court and in its kitchen.

Regarding the continuos questions from the public about when Eateries will open, Mr Darrell said: “It’s a compliment that so many people want to come here. It shows we are on the right track.”

And Mr Fadda added: “We are glad that people are stopping us in the street and asking. Our message is for people to hold tight. It is coming. We’re not sure exactly when, but it will be in the next few weeks.”