First vendor at new O’Fallon food hall will serve up Nashville hot chicken

Heaterz, a Nashville hot chicken concept, is the first vendor announced for the Old Base Factory, a local food hall set to open near the O’Fallon Family Sports Park later this summer.

Designed with indoor and outdoor spaces, the Old Base Factory plans to bring multiple dining options under one roof.

“As we move closer to opening later this summer, our plan is to introduce vendors one or two at a time. We think it gives the community a chance to get to know each concept individually while also building anticipation for what’s coming,” co-founder Eric Wallace said.

Food options may include barbecue, craft burgers, New York-style pizza, Mexican, juices and smoothies, desserts, ice cream and coffee.

“Heaterz is exactly the type of partner we hoped to attract when we started building OBF — a proven concept with a loyal following, a strong brand and operators who care deeply about their customers and community,” Wallace said.

Heaterz, a two-time Illinois State Fair best food concept winner in 2024 and 2025, is expanding with its sixth location. It has brick-and-mortar locations and food trucks currently in Alton, Swansea, Wood River and Normal in Illinois, and Kirkwood, Missouri.

Dan King, a former nurse, started the quick-service restaurant with a simplified menu in 2022. It is known for its hand-breaded, hand-spiced plain or spicy hot-sauced chicken sandwiches served with pickles, tenders, wings, livers and gizzards, and shrimp, with sides like ‘sidewinder’ fries, street corn, collard greens and spicy cheese curds.

“We’ve been intentional about every partner we’re bringing into Old Base Factory,” Wallace said. “We aren’t just looking for great food. We’re looking for operators who are passionate about their craft, committed to their communities, and excited to be part of something bigger. Heaterz checks every box.”

Wallace and his brother, Mike Wallace, have repurposed the Velocity Metalworks Industrial building, which produced every Major League Baseball base frame for Rawlings for nearly 30 years.

They converted what started as a tool-and-die shop — a 12,000-square-foot building on 2.5 acres — into the food hall. It is located at the park’s east entrance at 230 Oberneufemann Road.

The space is designed to offer more than just food, with indoor and outdoor seating, a large bar and seating for groups of all sizes, gathering areas, entertainment elements, an arcade, yard games and flexible event space built for families, teams and groups, Wallace said.

“Kids can move, play, and explore, while parents can relax, connect, and enjoy a great meal,” he said.

The first vendor partnership also introduces Soulcial Kitchen’s Currency of Caring program at the site. Heaterz will participate in the program, which allows guests to help fund hot meals for neighbors in need at the point of sale.

The Currency of Caring program allows individuals and organizations to pre-fund meals for those in need through a “Feed It Forward” model. Old Base Factory plans to offer a “round-up” option for guests who want to contribute.

People can purchase tokens for $8 that can be shared or donated and used at local participating restaurants.

Co-founder John Michel, a former fighter pilot who retired as a U.S. Air Force brigadier general, started Soulcial Kitchen in Swansea in 2021. Since its launch, the program has provided meals across five U.S. states and two international markets.

“Heaterz isn’t just great chicken. It’s a brand built by someone who genuinely cares about people, and that’s the only kind of brand we partner with,” Michel said.

“Dan King has built something fans drive across state lines for, and now we get to pair that energy with the idea that every Heaterz meal sold in St. Clair County will help feed a neighbor who needs one. That’s the kind of expansion we’re after. Flavor that builds community, not just sales,” he said.

King said this will be their sixth location, and it won’t be their last.

“What makes this one special is the opportunity to be part of what Old Base Factory is building,” he said.

Restaurant owners, food entrepreneurs and concept creators interested in learning more about partnership opportunities are encouraged to visit the Careers page at www.oldbasefactory.com.

Wallace said they will soon begin hiring for management and hourly positions as opening day approaches. Upcoming announcements will also be on the website.

Old Base Factory’s hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and outdoor music is not allowed.