After the post-pandemic boom, malls began making more space for restaurants.

Shopping mall operators are doubling the space for restaurants at their existing and upcoming properties after seeing consistent footfall and revenue growth from eateries with the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Food and beverages (F&B) outlets cover about 20% space in malls, up from about 10% three years ago.

“Customers are looking for unique ambiences, cuisines and experiential dining options. As a result, the earlier 12% space dedicated to F&B has now increased to anywhere between 18% and 20% depending on the size of the mall. F&B offerings also give a strong boost to customer footfall and revenue,” said Sameep Pathak, CEO, malls, Oberoi Realty Limited.

For its upcoming mall in Borivali, Mumbai, the company said it will probably maintain a similar proportion of space for F&B.

Muhammad Ali, CEO, Forum Malls of Bengaluru-based Prestige group, said the company has doubled the space given to eateries and even built a small mall having only restaurants and cinema.

“Eating out and travel has emerged as the biggest trend post-Covid and mall operators have realised the importance of dining spaces. At all our upcoming malls, we are dedicating 20% of the space for F&B outlets ,” said Ali. The Prestige group is constructing malls in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi.

“Malls have always been a go-to destination for all age groups. Hence, we understand the importance of collaborating with mall management to meet the changing demands of customers,” said Pawan Shahri, co-founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality, which co-owns and operates multiple F&B outlets. “By partnering with malls, we can create dining concepts that contribute to the overall growth and success of these properties.”