THE BLOCK hosting job fair this weekend ahead of August grand opening

After nearly two years of excitement, anticipation and headaches caused by construction delays, THE BLOCK is finally set to open this summer.

Tiffany Gravelle, chief operations officer for THE BLOCK, announced in June that the 18,000-square-foot venue, originally slated to open last fall, will open its doors Aug. 11.

Opening day will begin at 10 a.m. with yoga in the park followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and several community leaders at noon.

There will be face painting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and live music at 5 p.m. There will also be food trucks, live music, pop-up vendors and giveaways throughout the day.

As anticipation for the opening grows, THE BLOCK is still adding tenants and employees.

THE BLOCK, a shipping container complex featuring a high-end bar, boutiques and an interior food hall, is located on 1.3 acres of vacant land at the northwest corner of the Plaza at Enchanted Hills shopping center in Rio Rancho.

THE BLOCK will host a job fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Potential employees can meet the tenants and apply for open positions including cashiers, servers, cooks, bartenders, bar backs, janitorial and more. Applicants should bring their CV and come ready to interview.

After breaking ground on the complex in November 2022, THE BLOCK was planned to open in fall 2023.

Now, THE BLOCK is finally ready to open in Enchanted Hills after months of delays.

THE BLOCK will feature indoor and outdoor spaces for food vendors, a designated food truck alley, retail space for businesses, a bar overlooking the Sandia Mountains and an outdoor stage that sits on a turf and concrete courtyard.

It is designed to enhance the existing shopping center experience and offer a place for the community to shop, eat and gather.

The venue can house up to 22 vendors. As of now, visitors can expect to see the following food and drink options when THE BLOCK opens: Stackers, Thicc Pizza Co., KuKri, Los Tacos del Rey, Umami, The Boba Lounge, Top of THE BLOCK and Mint Noodle Bowl.

Recently added tenants include local sweet shop Suga Suga, New Nuevo, which offers curated goods featuring only New Mexican makers and artisans, and Link Link, a jewelry wholesaler.