Asian dining concept Panda Express has opened a new restaurant with a drive-thru at MainStreet NB, becoming the latest eatery to join the evolving dining component at this mixed-use, transit-oriented community.
Located at 2300 Route 1 in North Brunswick, MainStreet NB is a Garden Commercial development.
Michael Gartenberg, director of Garden Commercial, served as in-house representative for the 2,525-square-foot Panda Express lease; the tenant was represented by David Dunkelman of Soloff Realty. Panda Express currently has more than 2,500 stores across the United States and is the largest family-owned and operated Asian restaurant chain in the country. Menus feature fresh, flavorful cuisine ranging from the brand’s world-famous orange chicken to health-minded Wok Smart selections.
“High-quality fast-casual restaurant tenants like Panda Express are welcome additions to any retail development,” Gartenberg said. “This growing brand is no exception at MainStreet NB, which features an evolving range of dining options.” Other food service tenants include Chipotle, Shake Shack, Panera Bread, and The Green Turtle Sports Bar and Grill. Additionally, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Cava is set to open a new location at the property in 2025.
MainStreet NB’s retail component is anchored by Costco and Target. Located on the 212-acre former Johnson & Johnson North Brunswick campus, the development also includes a proposed NJ Transit rail station, a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and office space. Its residential component includes plans for 750 to 1,000 luxury rental apartments and duplexes as well as 750 to 1,000 for-sale condo and duplex units currently built or under construction by Garden Communities, an affiliate of Garden Commercial.
Garden Commercial commenced development of the multi-phase MainStreet NB in 2010. “Mixed-use developments like MainStreet NB are meeting ongoing demand for transit-oriented multifamily – providing easy access, diverse amenities and on-site conveniences,” Garden Commercial’s Jonathan Frieder, managing partner, said. “Bringing in quality tenants is integral to creating an unparalleled experience at MainStreet NB. Our newest dining additions are real wins both for the property and area residents alike.”
