PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 7, 2025 – JLL announced today that it has leased 27,532 square feet of retail space to food and beverage operators across northern New Jersey, underscoring the strength of the sector as brands look to scale quickly in markets that can support high-traffic dining concepts.

According to insight from JLL’s ‘A new era of expectations’, the food service industry has transformed more than any other retail sector in the past few years, and is now setting the benchmark for what’s possible in brick-and-mortar space. With instant gratification one of the top reasons consumers choose to go to physical locations, food and beverage brands are leading leasing activity across the US and often showing a preference for turnkey space.

Managing Director David Townes, who leads JLL’s northern New Jersey retail leasing team with Vice President Alana Friedman, said, “Food and beverage operators want to move fast, capture momentum and deliver on today’s consumer appetite for speed and convenience. Over a busy few months, we’ve seen them set the tone for retail and anchoring new developments, making them one of the most dynamic drivers of leasing activity today.”

Among notable recent transactions, Townes and Friedman arranged the following leases:

• Tokyo Grill – 9,997 SF, 407 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ. Taking over the former TGI Fridays location, JLL negotiated directly with the tenant.
• IHOP – 3,750 SF, South Cove Commons, 211 Lefante Way, Bayonne, NJ. JLL negotiated directly with Frank Alessi of the Alessi Organization.
• The Gyro Project – 2,300 SF, Northvale Square, 269 Livingston St., Northvale, NJ. JLL’s David Townes and Alana Friedman represented the tenant; The Goldstein Group represented the owner.
• OMGyro – 1,880 SF, Marketplace of Elmwood Park, 430 Market St., Elmwood Park, NJ. JLL represented both the owner and the tenant.
• Holy Cow Burgers – 1,600 SF, Campbell Plaza, 125 Dolson Ave., Middletown, NY. JLL represented both the owner and the tenant.
• Shahs Halal Food – 1,800 SF, Walkill Plaza, 400 Route 211, Middletown, NY. JLL represented the tenant and negotiated directly with owner Brixmor.
• Shahs Halal Food – 2,600 SF, College Town, 1377 Mt Hope Ave., Rochester, NY. JLL represented the tenant; CBRE represented the owner.
• Azteca Mexican Restaurant – 1,350 SF, 59-71 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY. JLL represented both ownership and the tenant.
• 787 Coffee – 1,200 SF, 706 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ. JLL represented the owner; Meridian Retail represented the tenant.
• Papa John’s Pizza – 1,055 SF, 1930 NJ 57, Hackettstown, NJ. JLL represented the tenant; Jeffery Realty represented the owner.
   

“We’re seeing a diverse mix of tenants in the market, from established national brands like IHOP expanding in Bayonne, to regional favorites such as Shahs Halal Food, which is growing in both Rochester and Middletown,” said Friedman. “Up-and-coming, fast-casual operators are also staking out new ground and second-generation, restaurant-ready spaces are being repurposed by concepts like Tokyo Grill. Collectively, these restaurants highlight both the resilience of traditional brands and the creativity of emerging concepts as they anchor vibrant community retail centers.”

JLL is a leader in the New Jersey tri-state commercial real estate market, with more than 4,800 of the most recognized industry experts offering brokerage, capital markets, property/facilities management, consulting, and project and development services.

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