Upcoming Retail Renaissance On North Brunswick's Main Street

Main Street North Brunswick is a transit village that is currently under construction. The development will feature retail stores, restaurants, and a hotel. In 2014, Costco and Target opened their doors, followed by Panera Bread and The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille in 2017. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel opened in 2019, and Shake Shack opened its first New Jersey drive-thru location at Main Street North Brunswick in January 2024. Additionally, Panda Express and CAVA are listed as coming soon to the area.

Costco and Target opened in 2014

Main Street North Brunswick is a transit village that has been under construction since 2010. The site, which was formerly the Johnson & Johnson North Brunswick Campus, is a 212-acre property located along Route 1 North.

In 2014, grand openings were held for two anchor stores: Costco and Target. The development of the transit village has been ongoing since then, with The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, Panera Bread, and Courtyard by Marriott Hotel all opening in the years since.

The first phase of the project included a mix of residential, retail, and restaurant spaces, as well as a leasing office and a piazza area. The development also features townhome residences, with 100 townhomes at The Heights at Main Street already built and fully occupied.

The second phase of housing construction has begun and will consist of 50 apartment units and additional commercial space on the ground floor on Main Street facing Route 1.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille opened in 2017

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille opened its doors in 2017, becoming the first location in New Jersey. The sports bar and restaurant is located at 211 Main Street, North Brunswick, and is open seven days a week. The Greene Turtle offers a variety of American food and beverages, including burgers, wings, sandwiches, and cocktails. The restaurant also provides outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery services.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille is part of the Main Street North Brunswick development, a transit-oriented project that aims to create a downtown centre in the township. The development includes a mix of residential living units, retail stores, restaurants, commercial office space, and a hotel. Other businesses that have opened as part of this development include Costco, Target, Panera Bread, and Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille has received mixed reviews from customers on TripAdvisor, with an average rating. While some patrons have praised the food, drinks, and service, others have expressed disappointment with the food quality and service. The restaurant's management has been responsive to reviews, thanking customers for their feedback and encouraging further comments to improve their guest experience.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille's opening in 2017 marked the beginning of a new era for North Brunswick, as the township continues to develop and attract new businesses. The sports bar and restaurant contribute to the vibrant and diverse dining options available in the area, offering a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.

Panera Bread opened in 2017

Panera Bread opened its doors in 2017, joining the ranks of other prominent businesses in North Brunswick, such as Costco and Target, which had already established themselves in the area by then. The addition of Panera Bread to the mix of stores and restaurants in the region signalled a growing trend towards creating a vibrant and diverse range of options for residents and visitors alike.

The opening of Panera Bread in 2017 was a significant milestone in the development of North Brunswick's Transit Village. This mixed-use project, situated along Route 1 North, aimed to provide a blend of residential and commercial spaces, including living units, retail stores, offices, restaurants, and even a hotel. With Panera Bread's arrival, the area started to take shape as a bustling hub, offering a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences.

The introduction of Panera Bread to Main Street North Brunswick was a strategic move by the company, recognising the area's potential as an emerging destination for shoppers and diners. By establishing a presence in this developing neighbourhood, Panera Bread positioned itself to capitalise on the expected increase in foot traffic and the diverse range of customers the area would attract. This forward-thinking approach allowed the restaurant to become a go-to option for those seeking a quick bite or a casual dining experience in a convenient location.

The year 2017 marked a turning point for North Brunswick, with the opening of Panera Bread adding to the momentum of the growing Transit Village. This new addition to the neighbourhood brought with it not just a new dining option, but also a sense of vitality and energy that comes with the arrival of well-known brands. Panera Bread's presence helped to solidify the area's reputation as an up-and-coming destination, attracting further interest and investment in the years to come.

The opening of Panera Bread in 2017 was a welcome addition to the dining options available in North Brunswick. With its diverse menu, ranging from freshly baked goods to hearty meals, Panera Bread offered something for everyone. Its arrival signalled a shift towards providing a variety of culinary choices for the community, ensuring that residents and visitors had access to a range of dining experiences to suit their diverse tastes and preferences.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel opened in 2019

Main Street North Brunswick is a transit village that is under active and continuing construction. The mixed-use development will feature retail stores, restaurants, and a hotel. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, which is Marriott's only hotel in North Brunswick, opened in 2019 and is part of this development. The hotel offers a state-of-the-art lobby, a restaurant called The Bistro, flexible working spaces, free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool.

The hotel has received mixed reviews. While some guests have praised the comfort, cleanliness, and modern facilities, others have complained about poor customer service, a lack of amenities, and maintenance issues.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is located at 231 Main Street, North Brunswick Township, New Jersey, USA, 08902. The development is situated on a 212-acre site bounded by US Route 1, Commerce Road, and the Northeast Corridor Passenger Rail Line.

Shake Shack opened its first New Jersey drive-thru in 2024

Shake Shack opened its first New Jersey drive-thru in January 2024, at 240 Grand Avenue, Main Street North Brunswick. This was the company's 19th location in the state and its 32nd location with a drive-thru experience. The new location features a digital menu board, a two-lane ordering system, and a separate pick-up window for convenience. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers dining in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery options.

The addition of a drive-thru format is part of Shake Shack's response to changing consumer preferences sparked by the pandemic. The company has expanded its drive-thru offering to over 30 locations, mainly in the Midwest, since launching its first drive-thru in Minnesota in 2021. The drive-thru stores have been a success, with the company reporting above-average weekly revenue from these locations.

The North Brunswick Shake Shack is part of a transit-oriented development called MainStreet NB, which is located on the former Johnson & Johnson North Brunswick Campus. The development features a mix of residential units, retail stores, restaurants, and a hotel. Other businesses in the area include Costco, Target, The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, Panera Bread, and The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.

The opening of the new Shake Shack location was celebrated with the giveaway of branded cold cups and keychains to the first wave of guests. Additionally, Shake Shack donated $1 for every sandwich sold on opening day to Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre botanical garden that offers educational opportunities and enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts.

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