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F&B

The F&B sector has changed significantly in recent years, not only in terms of the size of the market, but also in the variety and quality of the offering. As rents continue to rise in Europe, space previously dominated by fashion retailers is now being occupied by trendy gastronomic restaurants. People have evolved from collecting “things” to collecting “experiences”, and shopping centers have adapted to this change by improving and expanding their gastronomic offerings. Food and beverage (F&B) will play an even more crucial role in the success of retail real estate.

ACROSS DISCUSS – the new video discussion format from ACROSS. According to the motto “from insiders for insiders,” we examine the top topics in the industry in exciting, entertaining discussion settings.

ACROSS DISCUSS – the new video discussion format from ACROSS. According to the motto “from insiders for insiders,” we examine the top topics in the industry in exciting, entertaining discussion settings.

As a participant and contributor to the world of hospitality for over 30 years, Will Odwarka shares in this column insights, thoughts, and concepts that represent the contemporary challenges of our industry either as part of a retail environment or as standalone operations. He will do this without sugarcoating and superficial bumper sticker statements.

The European shopping center market overvalues design and investment but needs to pay more attention to atmosphere, interaction, and service, says Will Odwarka. This hurts the centers and especially their gastronomy section. The founder and CEO of Dubai-based Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting explains in his conversation with ACROSS editor Reinhard Winiwarter why excellent, personable service is the prerequisite for everything in the field of gastronomy.

“We want to see people in our meeting places every day, so we are moving towards creating “work/live/play” retail spaces for everyone”, explains Jens Nielsen, Global Commercial & Digital Director at Ingka Centres. Following this approach, F&B has become a main focus of attention. Ingka developed the Saluhall concept to be a joyful community experience. The flexibility of the new sustainable and social concept offers people the freedom they look for, and the ability to experience life together.

Another food & beverage offering has been added to the Westfield Centro promenade: the BigChefs restaurant brand opens its second branch in Germany and becomes one of the new flagships of the food & beverage brand mix at the location. With the new addition, Westfield Centro has achieved full occupancy for the promenade located directly at the center with around 15 dining concepts.

Manifesto Market opened Europe’s largest food hub in Berlin, Potsdamer Platz. 22 restaurants spread over 4,400 sq m on two floors, and invite guests to a culinary journey through Europe, to Asia via the Middle East, and to South America. Those parameters make Manifesto Potsdamer Platz Europe’s largest food hub.

Ingka Centres, part of the Ingka Group (which includes IKEA Retail and Ingka Investments), has unveiled its new global food and beverage concept, Saluhall. Named after the Scandinavian-style ‘Market Hall’, Saluhall will reinvent the traditional shopping center food offer with a Scandinavian twist, bringing predominantly plant-based cuisine to a global audience whilst being kind to the planet. It will be Ingka Centres’ first food offer to be entirely beef-free, appealing to a global audience and reducing climate footprint.

The McArthurGlen Group, has announced the planned opening of the first outlet destination for Eataly’s concept. Opening its doors at Serravalle Designer Outlet near Milan in Summer 2023, the store will enhance McArthurGlen’s growing portfolio of food and beverage brands, offering guests a place to Eat, Shop and Learn, all under one roof.

Landsec has announced over 2323 sq m of leasing deals across Victoria as demand for prime hospitality and retail space grows. With office workers and tourists returning to central London, Victoria is increasingly becoming the prime destination for hospitality and retail brands looking to expand.

Northern Ireland-based Lynas Food Outlet will open its doors in late Autumn, with works due to start middle of May 2022 to restructure part of the mall to facilitate the large 790 sq m store.

Atrium Ljungberg has signed a lease contract for more than 1,700 sq m with Sabis, which is going to be expanding this spring and will open the new food store ‘Hemköp Sickla’ inside the shopping center Sickla Galleria.