Thought shopping malls were a thing of the past? Think again.
While the rise in e-commerce and the Covid pandemic certainly did a number on malls, some restaurant brands see plenty of potential in these retail centers, particularly as they become more lifestyle destinations that include higher-end restaurants, movie theaters, and eatertainment venues.
New York Fries is one franchise that sees that potential. The French-fry-forward chain, which also dishes hot dogs and poutine, is looking to expand across the U.S. primarily in the small footprints found in malls. Founded in New York in 1983, New York Fries has grown exclusively in Canada, where it’s become a $100 million brand. Earlier this year, after tapping out the potential in Canadian malls, it re-entered the U.S. market in the New York City metro area.
Dave Colebrook, president of LSR and Emerging Brands with New York Fries parent company Recipe, joined the latest episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches to talk about how this brand plans to reconquer its original homeland and why malls are its real estate sweet spot.
In this conversation, you’ll learn more about why:
- Malls are not dead
- Sampling is the perfect marketing for high foot traffic destinations
- Speed of service is everything in busy destinations
- A strong product plus good economics helps a brand transcend borders
Contact Sam Oches at [email protected].
