Holiday shoppers at Phoenix’s Metrocenter Mall can eat, drink and be merry with the addition of several new food court tenants. The new concepts add variety to the mall’s dining environment and bring the food court to 100 percent occupancy.
These new Metrocenter Mall food court tenants include:
· All American Burger – A regional tenant opening its second Arizona location, All American Burger occupies 1,043 square feet and offers American favorites such as burgers, chilidogs and homemade fries.
· Finny’s Fish Bar – A locally based tenant expanding its Jade Express restaurant concept, Finny’s Fish Bar occupies 2,024 square feet and offers a new take on seafood with seafood platters, fish tacones, fish-n-chips and unique side dishes.
· Pita Paradise Grill – A locally based tenant opening its second Phoenix location, Pita Paradise Grill is leasing 1,010 square feet and offers Mediterranean and Greek cuisine ranging from kabob and gyro plates to Mediterranean sandwiches and wraps, salads, soups and desserts.
Food court tenant Maya, which also operates restaurants in other nearby malls, will expand its menu at Metrocenter Mall as well, adding authentic Mexican food to an existing line up of natural fruits and specialty ice cream, yogurt, shaved ice, smoothies and milkshakes.
These companies join current Metrocenter Mall food court and specialty food tenants including #1 Sushi, Auntie Anne’s, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Cinnabon, Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Hickory Farms, Hot Dog on a Stick, Jade Express, Lombardo’s Gelato, Subway, Villa Pizza and Wetzel’s Pretzels.
“This makes for a really dynamic combination of national, regional and local entities,” said Metrocenter Mall Senior Vice President of Leasing Anita Blackford. “It’s a great mix. Our national tenants provide the draw and stability of a known brand. Our local concepts infuse that with very unique menus that make a trip to our mall something different—an experience that shoppers can’t get anywhere else.”
“From the moment the enclosed shopping center came into being, food has been the strongest central element,” added Metrocenter Mall Director of Marketing Deb Jacupke. “During exit surveys, shoppers consistently rank food as the number one purchased item. It is critical. It rounds out the shopping experience and gives communities a place to gather and enjoy a meal together.”
The momentum in the mall’s food court also continues a steady leasing plan by Blackford and Specialty Leasing Manager Jessica Theberge that in the last six months has closed more than 50,000 square feet of new leases at the property. Some of the mall’s newest tenants include Ashley Furniture, Denali Contemporary Furniture, Pop Shots Photo, Rainbow and the Scottsdale International Auto Museum.
New York-based Carlyle Development Group (CDG) purchased Metrocenter in January 2012, following the mall spending three years in various stages of foreclosure and receivership. Since that time, CDG has established a new on-site leasing and management team that is actively marketing the 1.3 million-square-foot Phoenix retail landmark to new vendors and uses. The goal: to re-establish Metrocenter as a safe, fun, dynamic family destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
