Mall dining was once defined by hurried bites and simple food court offerings, but Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus is transforming that traditional perception by launching its first-ever Foodie Week. The multi-day promotional event is designed to spotlight the broad range of dining options currently operating inside the major North Jersey retail destination.
In past eras, a typical mall dining experience rarely reached beyond quick drink stands like Orange Julius or complimentary toothpick samples of chicken teriyaki. Today, shopping centers across North Jersey have transitioned into culinary hubs featuring high-end dining chains, specialty kiosks, and independent eateries. The quality and variety of food have grown to the point where many visitors now travel to the mall primarily for a meal before doing any retail shopping.
Scheduled to take place from September 16 through September 27, the 10-day culinary showcase highlights 24 different dining venues situated throughout the property. The event provides patrons with an opportunity to sample diverse cuisines while taking advantage of special pricing, customized multi-course menus, and promotional giveaways.
William Lewis, marketing director for Westfield Garden State Plaza, described the event as an effort to celebrate the variety of culinary talent gathered in one shared location. Lewis noted that the 10-day program brings together discounts, special promotions, and unique offers from two dozen eateries operating under a single roof.
According to Lewis, the participating lineup includes flavors tailored to virtually any taste, spanning both sweet and savory categories. He explained that visitors searching for a complete fine dining experience can reserve tables at premier spots like The Capital Grille, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, or Seasons 52, while guests seeking a quick, convenient meal can take advantage of specials throughout the food court.
Several upscale establishments are anchoring the higher-end offerings of Foodie Week with structured multi-course menus. The Capital Grille is providing a two-course lunch menu featuring a starter and an entrée for $32. The steakhouse is also hosting a dedicated wine tasting experience on September 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., complete with light bites for attendees.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is taking part in the campaign by offering a Maine lobster roll paired with a featured wine selection for $38, alongside lunch and happy hour promotions. Nearby, Seasons 52 is serving seasonal dishes and seafood selections through a three-course lunch priced at $30 and a three-course dinner priced at $39.
Department store dining is also featured through The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus. The restaurant has crafted a $40 three-course menu that includes truffle fries, Mandarin orange soufflé, shrimp fra diavolo, and a selection of dessert options.
Guests seeking a traditional steakhouse feast can visit Fogo de Chao, which is offering its full dining experience for $54 per person. The prix-fixe option includes continuous service of various meats, traditional side dishes, and unlimited access to the restaurant's Market Table.
Fast-food and fast-casual brands are also getting creative with prix-fixe concepts. Chick-fil-A is serving a special platter priced at $16—or $16.50 for a spicy version—that includes a chicken sandwich, five nuggets, two chicken strips, small waffle fries, and a sample of either a s'mores milkshake or a cold brew coffee.
Asian cuisine concepts across the shopping complex have introduced an assortment of price reductions and bundle offers. E.A.K. Ramen is reducing all food purchases by 25%, while Yong Kang Street is extending a 10% discount across entire orders. Bao Babies is offering a buy-three-get-one-free promotion on character bao buns with a complimentary sticker on orders of $25 or more, and Dumpling Café is gifting a regular sushi roll to guests spending at least $40. Tojo's Kitchen has introduced a $21 combo meal featuring a drink alongside a choice of ramen or rice bowl.
Counter-service staples throughout the mall are participating with menu discounts and complimentary add-ons. Popeyes is reducing prices across its entire menu by 10%, while Shake Shack is providing a free milkshake with any order of $10 or more. Firehouse Subs is offering a free soda with the purchase of any sub, and both Bourbon Street Grill and Ruby Thai are providing complimentary beverages with combo plates.
Specialty snack and dessert vendors have established minimum-purchase incentives for the event. Baked By Melissa is providing $5 off orders of $20 or more, Häagen-Dazs is handing out a free mini cup with any $20 purchase, and Wetzel's Pretzels is pairing a $20 order with a complimentary lemonade. In addition, Carlitos is including a free side of churros with orders totaling $35 or more.
Beverage and Latin-inspired counters round out the Foodie Week promotions. Hey Tea is offering complimentary samples of two signature beverages along with a 5% discount on purchases. Meanwhile, Tropical Juice Bar is offering two empanadas and a lime juice for $6.99, as well as a complimentary side of fries with any patacon or smoothie order.
The comprehensive 10-day event highlights the ongoing transformation of traditional retail properties into full-scale culinary destinations, illustrating how modern shopping malls are utilizing diverse dining options to draw visitors.
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