Coming to the DCU: Figs & Pigs eatery

Chef and cooking instructor Candace M. Murphy of Worcester has been chosen to run the DCU Center’s new eatery, which officials say will open next month.

With her selection, one of the last ingredients has fallen into place at the enterprise, conceived as an “incubator” project. The idea is to help launch the career of a budding food professional, while bringing an eatery to a busy location and adding a new note of vibrancy to downtown.

The concept for the small restaurant, which will be called Figs & Pigs Kitchen + Pantry, was developed by city of Worcester in conjunction with SMG, the management company for the DCU Center, along with SMG’s food and beverage subsidiary.

For Murphy, Figs & Pigs is an opportunity to develop skills and experience. She vied with two other finalists to serve as operator and manager of the eatery, according to a statement Tuesday from the DCU Center.

She has worked in the professional culinary field since 2011 as a chef instructor at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and, and a chef and general manager at Adrian’s & Company in Truro.

“After nearly 20 years working as an executive in corporate America, I was inspired by our nation’s troubled relationship with food,” Murphy said in the statement. “With a simplistic seasonal approach, I believe in the healing effect of food on the mind and soul."

The 1,200-square-foot eatery, at Commercial and Foster, streets, will offer sit-down space (the “Kitchen” in the name) as well as takeout (the “Pantry”). It is attached to the DCU Center and is the final piece of the $23 million capital renovations at the arena. The $600,000 build-out for the restaurant was done by APC Development Group.

Figs & Pigs Kitchen + Pantry is expected to open in November, and will operate Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The restaurant will also service patrons on the concourse during events held at the DCU Center.

The eatery will be the second new business at the DCU Center, which recently welcomed Worcester Wares in retail space formerly occupied by the Worcester Sharks.