Mall Food Court Loans: Funding For Mall Restaurants

Food courts have always been found at the corners of malls occupying their own space for shoppers in need of a quick bit so that they can get back to their shopping. As a result of their grab-and-go and fast formats, they have created an expectation from consumers; meaning, a competitive variety in spaces like malls, airports, and transportation centers. However, experts are seeing that this alone will not keep them afloat. Thus there is an emphasis on brands to market what differentiates them from others and to provide convenient and excellent customer service. Therefore, many malls and major stores are adopting the food court layout as well as trends associated with their services.

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One of the biggest companies developing their food courts is Costco. They are famous for having cheap and yummy options for their customers and are now revamping portions of their food court menu. They have replaced some less healthy items—such as barbeque and chocolate frozen yogurt—with vegetarian salads and acai bowls. Other Costco trends seem to be aimed at keeping up with current trends toward healthier eating. Another new dish is an al pastor salad with plant-based protein. The changes have not been wholly accepted though as Costco customers tend to be older and more suburban. That might make them less eager for change, and suggest challenges ahead as Costco attempts to increase its appeal to younger shoppers while holding on to their core shoppers. Either way, they are leading the pack in pushing for new and better food items at their food courts.

However, as some food courts are expanding on the old concepts, a new food court is emerging. Food halls are opening up across the U.S., and Instead of consisting of only fast food chains, food halls typically mix local artisan restaurants, butcher shops, and other food-oriented boutiques under one roof. Many of them celebrate quirkiness versus uniformity, and their ability to pull in crowds is particularity appealing to landlords that are battling the e-commerce and changing shopping habits we now see. Now they have been around in Europe for years, but are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as consumers are demanding healthier and better-tasting “quick casual” food options in fun environments. By 2019, there is expected to be over 200 food halls, about double the number that was open in late 2016. However, they are not just in retail outlets. Plans for a food hall on the ground floor of a planned residential and office tower in downtown Oakland is in development.

Hence, there are prominent food halls that have been conquering major cities such as New York, LA, Portland, Atlanta, and Denver that are vital to the development of food court businesses. There are no doubts that food halls are changing the ways Americans experience fast-casual chains. However, there are some negatives which include a more crowded space, long lines, lack of ambiance, and general sensory overload with diners being bombarded with too many different options. Nevertheless, they remain a new and exciting concept. A lot of the more modern developments are showcasing big names like Anthony Bourdain and celebrity chefs too. Bringing us to some of the most exciting food halls across the country that just opened or will be soon.

The super chef José Andrés has teamed up with modernist cuisine chefs to include a market area with various vendors for stand-up dining as well as multiple restaurants including a tapas bar, and plenty of retail for visitors to pick up imported foods. The Hudson Yards is being touted as the largest private real estate development in the history of the U.S. and will also be home to other influential names. All these figures are helping to cement food halls as the go-to food court concept. Another food hall can be found in D.C. called Isabella Eatery that opening in the fall of 2017. Moreover, the TV personality from Top Chef named Mike Isabella is transforming the entire top story of the massive Tysons Corner shopping mall into a food hall to a bevy of his concepts. Among the eight dining options available, Isabella includes an Italian, Sushi, and Spanish restaurant. Lastly, another critical food hall is located in Oregon, and it is their first called the Portland Food Hall. It brought with it seven micro-restaurants, a cocktail bar, and communal dining space. It also includes a coffee shop, juice bar, and healthy veggie bowls. Hence, food courts are expanding more and more by offering higher quality foods and unique layouts to keep their consumers interested and coming back for more.