Foot traffic to suburban shopping malls has returned to pre-pandemic levels and high-end malls are thriving. Yelp found that 17 out of the top 25 brands driving consumers to malls are restaurants, and the dining options for visitors have moved well beyond the traditional food court that would include chains like McDonald’s, Chipotle and Panda Express. CNBC visited the American Dream Mall in New Jersey to see how dining has evolved at the mall.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Chapter 1: A complete experience
4:50 Chapter 2: Why malls?
6:30 Chapter 3: One size doesn’t fit all
Produced and Shot by: Ryan Baker
Edited by: Evan Lee Miller
Additional Camera: Natalie Rice
Animation by: Christina Locopo
Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi
Post Production Support: Erin Black
Additional Footage: American Dream Mall, Getty Images
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Why Restaurants Have Become So Important To Shopping Malls
46 Comments
Stop eating out everyone! Cook your food at home. It’s cheaper and healthier! Don’t support these restaurants!!
Cute
Bro just put the fries in the bag 💀
In Indonesia, malls are very compact. We have grocery stores, restaurants, gym/workout classes, movie theatre, clothing stores, doctor's office, bank, laundry service, travel agents, hair salon, massage parlour, gaming arcade, even church and other worship places. Malls are also situated around apartments, hotels and office buildings which help to sustain demand.
But, but I though we couldn't afford groceries! 😢😂😅
Then comes along Outback Steakhouse, opening on the side of the street closer to the houses where one can walk and get drunk
The only malls i go to have LEGO stores.
Not everyone wants to shop while hanging out with friends & family, but literally everyone can grab a bite and/or drink. Simple as that.
Hello from Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
Shopping malls in the US have evolved into more than just shopping destinations—they’re now lifestyle hubs offering a full experience. With grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, clinics, banks, and even entertainment centers, malls have become places where people can shop, dine, and socialize all in one trip. Restaurants play a key role by turning a simple shopping trip into a social gathering, encouraging visitors to stay longer and enjoy the overall atmosphere. It’s a perfect blend of convenience, dining, and entertainment!
Question: does it mean restaurants have an upper hand when it comes to negotiate mall space?
So what is old is new again just scaled up. L’Avenue at Saks, the old Harbour View eatery at HBC on the top floor in Victoria BC Canada (Government & Fort Streets), or even the humble cafeteria inside a a K-Mart was place where it drew the consumer to the location. They might be shopping for gifts, groceries, clothing, books or know electronic, furniture. As people age, especially in cold and hot climates, enticing the consumer to spend additional time within the comfort of a controlled environment results in a ROI. Frequency of visits and average spend rises in stride with length of stay at the site. Similar to visiting a market or bazaar in a foreign country, whereas Western setups like Bodega’s and convenience stores built upon old bankers hours, commutes do fill a niche but not an experience. As those who are retiring start to slow their pace they are more likely to enjoy the comfort, climate and sense of security of these spaces. There is also the added value in mini-busses from assisted living or retirement facilities that transport two dozen residents (consumers) per trip. The casino’s I know run these daily. If you have a pickleball facility on-site or adjacent to the property with sound dampening spray foam installed you have then captured your target demographic with disposable income.
People saying copy asia is being naive. Youre dismissing the cultural and fundemental moral differences between citizens of Asia and America.
Same reason why japan you can go to apple store and have all phones, macbook, etc not even connected to a theft wire and could literally walk out with it if one intended. Hence why it's been all over media the influx of black Americans travelling to Asian countries and causing social mischief and vandalism etc
I’m an old person.
I don’t go to malls
because people stare at me.
The only problem is that malls around North America have become visually drab, soul draining, and boring inside over the past 10-15yrs. Nothing but white on white on white, looking unfinished, and with stores that all look exactly the same, with zero character or visual interest.
Shopping malls are the conglomerates corporations use perfectly to target people's two most important addictions at the same time in the same place…shopping and eating…simple!!
It's a win-win strategy for corporations.
This situation has existed in Japan, China, South Korea, and many East Asian and Middle Eastern countries for decades. In comparison, many places in the United States are not as global as many developed regions. We need more Americans to learn foreign languages and cultures to better understand how to advance ourselves. To some extent, the development and lifestyles in many parts of the U.S. have stagnated for decades due to a lack of globalized visions and education.
Malls are for countries without a historic city center like in Europe
I went to the mall til my wife hit the wall, now all i do is bawl
……. not in FL!!
America is late in modern mall
Malls in Malaysia have been doing this way before USA
Eating out is almost the only reason why I go to the mall.
Rich people are thriving – who knew?
They better hire good cooks then. Since not like before when their canteen is just optional they hire just anyone to throw food into pot with no recipe at all.
I think that Toronto based malls and restaurants cannot relate to New Jerseys success. I think Buffalos Niagara has made more progress than us here in Canada.
They're a buffer against shoplifting.
Having a Hot Marijuana business at the mall
Food Panda, Grab Food, Uber Eats 😮 Malls should instead focus on experience like roller coaster, bowling, ice skating, basketball, volleyball etc. Things that can't be delivered through an App at the comfort of your doorstep. Why is there no indoor basketball tournament in malls in the basketball capital of Asia is beyond me? 😅
Why did they show black ppl 7:27
It is impossible to support restaurants in the U.S. because of their expectation of insane tips and all sorts of charges, including "employee wellness fee," donation, etc. etc. etc. I don't feel sorry for their collapse in the U.S.
In South Florida, many city centers are being developed. These centers feature high-rise luxury apartments starting on the second floor, with shops, restaurants, gyms, and other amenities located on the first floor all around the building. Additionally, there are long nature walk paths surrounding large canals.
Personally, I don't like malls. They tend to be too crowded, parking can be a hassle, and dragging bags long distances is not convenient for me. I prefer online shopping for the best deals and ease of convenience.
The US is waaaaaay behind
Like following a piece of cheese🧀
😂
Problem with food in malls is that it’s a super dirty rat haven
It's great to see so many restaurant options! 🍴 Dining at malls has become so much more enjoyable! 😍
Dining at malls has become so much more enjoyable! 😍
There are so many places to enjoy shopping and dining together 🍴👍🏻
Honestly this isn't even new in America, it was just more exclusive in upscale areas. Now it's bringing it's attention to the forefront in more common locations.
Makes sense. Malls should be a place to have experiences and create memories with friends and family. They should be more than place to amass more material possessions.
In Singapore, restaurants and food stalls have become more and more important.
With the rise of e-commerce and cheaper shopping option by the neighbouring Malaysia due to the weaker currency rate of Malaysia ringgit, retail sales has been decreasing in Singapore.
Restaurants and food stalls are one of the more profitable option for malls to rent out their units as people in Singapore tend to cook less at home and eat their meals outside of their homes.
You mean American malls finally understand and copying what Asian mall been doing for decades. But in Asia lots of the food stall are good and cheap. Here it’s expensive but average food.
This is nothing special for malls in Asia.
Where I live sports bars closing soon with no custermers week days.
As a mall walker I'm offended by this video.
There is nothing like a well-designed American mall! I can highly recommend Aventura Mall near Miami 🙂