Food court

[8] Common materials used in constructing food courts are tile, linoleum, Formica, stainless steel, and glass, all of which facilitate easy cleanup.

However, a food court at the Sherway Gardens shopping center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was constructed three years earlier.

[13] Food courts became such an integral part of culture that colleges and universities began to incorporate food-court like settings in their cafeteria, and even brought name-brand franchises (KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, etc.)

Soon after, airports, as well as many office buildings, incorporated food court layouts in their public spaces as it allows franchises and businesses to gain a wide spectrum of consumers for profit.

Time Out Market was developed to curate a selection of the city's food and drink offerings, bringing together local chefs under one roof.

According to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), a growing portion of mall space is now dedicated to food and beverage offerings, as these areas contribute to customer satisfaction.

Food courts serve as central gathering points, helping to create an atmosphere that appeals to a broader consumer base.

Modern food courts now include a range of dining options, such as healthier choices, ethnic cuisine, and high-quality dishes.

[17] In response, mall operators have curated diverse food offerings to meet these expectations, which has contributed to customer engagement and loyalty.

By using food trucks as a promotional tool, many vendors are able to brand themselves to fit the demand of local businesses in the realm of franchise competition.

One example of this is the expansion of Western fast-food chains within food courts, like McDonald’s, which provides consumers with a familiar quick service experience.

[22] In India, the McAloo Tikki Burger, a vegetarian option, was created to accommodate dietary restrictions and uphold cultural values while safeguarding the brand’s identity as an American fast-food provider.

This food court emphasizes local flavours and regional delicacies, including pastel de nata, Alentejo ham, and Bacalhau à Brás, alongside global offerings.

[26] Today chains like Edo Japan, with over 100 food court locations across Canada, US, and Australia, serve Japanese inspired sushi dishes.

[28][29] For example, Costco's hot dog vendors exist in a space where their clientele is unlikely to find many other convenient sources of food nearby.

[30] Increasingly common, though, has been the change to something resembling the British notion of food halls, where customers can find more local chains or even artisan restaurants.

Traditionally these new food court/food hall hybrids attract younger clientele, now including bars and, in the case of the malls owned by the Washington Prime Group, even adding craft breweries.