East Brunswick Kmart: What's Next?

The Kmart in East Brunswick, New Jersey closed in 2017, and the building has since been purchased by TFE Properties. TFE Properties announced that the building would be divided into smaller retail stores, with the front portion housing businesses such as Launch East Brunswick, an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre, and Crunch Fitness, a gym. The entire rear of the building will be converted into a two-story self-storage facility operated by CubeSmart, with almost 1,000 storage units.

The building will be divided into smaller retail stores

The Kmart in East Brunswick, New Jersey, closed in March 2017, leaving the future of the 150,000-square-foot property uncertain. TFE Properties, a real estate and land development company, purchased the building and announced plans to divide it into smaller retail stores.

TFE Properties is known for adding value to existing properties through renovations and market repositioning. Carey Tajfel, co-president of TFE Properties, expressed optimism about the potential of the East Brunswick property, stating their intention to create an optimal mix of retail and other uses. The company already owns several other properties in the area, including the Chase Bank on Cranbury Road and the Dunkin' Donuts and Army recruitment station on Rt. 18.

The former Kmart building is located at 645 Rt. 18 and offers a large space for potential tenants. TFE Properties is actively seeking businesses to occupy the smaller retail spaces that will be created through the division of the building. The property boasts a strategic location for commuters and high traffic volume, with over 60,000 cars passing by daily.

The building's large space will be utilised in various ways to cater to different tenants' needs. The front portion of the property will house smaller retail stores, while the rear will be converted into a two-story self-storage facility operated by CubeSmart, offering close to 1,000 storage units. This versatile space can accommodate a range of businesses, including retail, office, entertainment, medical, and restaurant establishments.

Among the new businesses that have already been confirmed for the former Kmart site are Launch East Brunswick, an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre, and Crunch Fitness, a gym. These businesses will occupy the front portion of the property, with Launch East Brunswick utilising a one-story, 40,000-square-foot facility. The remaining spaces are still being marketed to prospective tenants, with TFE Properties actively seeking a mix of retailers and other businesses to create a vibrant and diverse commercial hub.

An indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre

The former Kmart on Route 18 in East Brunswick, New Jersey, is set to be replaced by an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre, among other businesses. The new owner, TFE Properties, announced that the 150,000-square-foot building will be divided into smaller retail stores.

The indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre, called Launch East Brunswick, will be located in the front portion of the property, occupying about 40,000 square feet of space. It is a franchise of Launch Trampoline Park, which has locations across the United States, with a focus on the Northeast.

Launch East Brunswick will feature a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, including trampoline courts, a 12-lane bowling alley, laser tag, a children's soft play area, arcades, virtual reality games, a rope course, and an escape room. The park will also offer early morning classes on the trampolines for mothers and toddlers, as well as corporate rooms for local businesses to arrange parties or training sessions.

In addition to the trampoline park, the former Kmart building will house a Crunch Fitness gym and a two-story self-storage facility operated by CubeSmart. The entire property will be renovated and repositioned to accommodate the new mix of retail and entertainment tenants.

The indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre is expected to open during the fourth quarter of the year, providing a healthy and engaging attraction for families in the town.

A gym

The former Kmart building in East Brunswick, NJ, is set to be replaced by a gym, an indoor trampoline park, and other retail stores. The building, which closed in March 2017, was purchased by TFE Properties, who plan to divide it into smaller retail spaces.

The gym, Crunch Fitness, will occupy over 20,000 square feet of the former Kmart building and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. Crunch Fitness offers a range of fitness options, including free fitness training and small group fitness classes. They also have franchised clubs in nearby North Brunswick, Somerset, Woodbridge, and Green Brook.

In addition to the gym, an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment center, Launch East Brunswick, will occupy around 40,000 square feet of the front portion of the property. This entertainment center will feature trampoline courts, a 12-lane bowling alley, laser tag, a children's soft play area, virtual reality games, and more. The center caters to all ages, with different attractions suitable for various age groups.

The remaining spaces in the former Kmart building will be leased to other businesses, with the entire rear of the building being converted into a two-story self-storage facility operated by CubeSmart. TFE Properties is actively seeking tenants for the remaining spaces and is in discussions with prospective tenants and brokers.

A cafeteria

The Kmart in East Brunswick, New Jersey, closed in March 2017, and the building was purchased by TFE Properties. TFE Properties announced that the building would be divided into smaller retail stores, but it is unclear what specific businesses will occupy the space. However, it has been confirmed that the front portion of the property will house Launch East Brunswick, an indoor trampoline park and family entertainment centre, and Crunch Fitness, a gym. Launch East Brunswick will feature a one-story facility with about 40,000 square feet of usable space and will include a variety of attractions such as trampoline courts, a bowling alley, laser tag, a children's soft play area, and more.

Now, let's focus on the cafeteria aspect. Launch East Brunswick will feature an in-house cafeteria that focuses on providing healthy meals and snacks to its patrons. This aligns with the overall family-oriented nature of the business.

Cafeterias often have set-up stations where customers collect empty containers for items like sodas or water, pay at checkout, and then fill their containers. This system usually allows for free unlimited second servings. Customers may be charged a flat rate, such as in a buffet, or they may pay for each item at checkout. Some cafeterias, especially in universities and colleges, offer meal plans where students pay a single large payment for three meals a day or a set number of meals per week for an entire semester.

Cafeterias are commonly found within larger institutions, such as schools, colleges, department stores, hospitals, museums, places of worship, amusement parks, military bases, prisons, factories, or office buildings. They are popular because they require fewer employees compared to traditional restaurants. While some institutions operate their cafeterias, many outsource to food service management companies or lease space to independent food businesses.

The concept of cafeterias has evolved over time, with the rise of fast food and all-you-can-eat buffets leading to a decline in their popularity in the 1960s and 1980s. However, they continue to be a convenient and efficient dining option, especially for large groups or institutions.

A two-story self-storage facility

The Kmart in East Brunswick, New Jersey, closed in March 2017, leaving the future of the 150,000-square-foot property uncertain. TFE Properties, the new owner of the building, announced that it would be divided into smaller retail stores, with tenants actively being sought.

While the front portion of the building will house an indoor trampoline park, a gym, and another business yet to be determined, the entire rear of the building will be converted into a two-story self-storage facility. This facility, operated by CubeSmart, will feature close to 1,000 storage units.

The self-storage facility will be a significant addition to the former Kmart site, providing a much-needed service to the local community. With almost 1,000 storage units, individuals and businesses in the area will have a convenient and secure option for storing their belongings.

CubeSmart is a well-known and trusted name in the self-storage industry, offering a range of unit sizes and features to meet diverse storage needs. Their facilities are known for their security, cleanliness, and accessibility, providing customers with peace of mind that their items are safe and easily accessible.

The addition of the two-story self-storage facility is a strategic move by TFE Properties, recognising the demand for storage solutions in the area. By converting the rear of the building, they are maximising the potential of the large space while also providing a valuable service to the community.

With the former Kmart building undergoing a transformation, the East Brunswick community can look forward to enhanced convenience and a more vibrant local economy. The mix of retail stores, entertainment venues, and the self-storage facility will create a diverse and dynamic hub, catering to a wide range of needs and attracting a variety of customers.

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