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SPECIAL FEATURE - F&B Concepts & Trends Shaver Hall, New York City, New York, US

Culinary Couture

From immersive dining experiences to tech-driven service innovations, the food and
beverage landscape is evolving faster than ever. Over the following pages, RLI explores
the latest concepts and emerging trends shaping how operators attract, engage and
delight guests in today’s ever-more competitive F&B market.

Time Out Market, Budapest, Hungary

The world of F&B is no longer just about what’s on the plate - it’s Opening later this year inside the former Lord & Taylor building,
about the story, the experience and the way it makes you feel. Today’s Shaver Hall will be home to 11 food stalls, a high-end omakase con-
diners crave more than a meal; they want a journey, a sensory adven- cept, a modern bodega and a concert stage. The upcoming 35,000sq ft
ture that lingers long after the last bite. destination is set to feature Brooklyn’s F&F Pizzeria, Korean inspired
Experiential dining is leading the way. Guests are drawn to spaces chicken purveyor Chick Chick, Taqueria Al Pastor, ZaZu, Tonchinette
that spark curiosity and engagement, where the act of eating becomes by Tonchin and Pasta Sole, known for its viral parm wheel pasta
an event. Meanwhile, as has been the case for a while now, sustain- dish. What will likely differentiate Shaver Hall from the many other
ability isn’t a trend, it’s a movement. Locally sourced ingredients, food halls currently operating around the city, though, is the concert
plant-based menus and zero-waste initiatives are now expected as stage that will be built in the middle of the space.
consumers increasingly seek ethical and environmentally responsible Friends’ Central Perk is finally getting its first-ever permanent loca-
options. Brands that embrace this mindset are not only appealing to tion in NYC - orange couch included. The modern-day version of the
conscience-driven diners but also future-proofing their businesses. iconic ‘Friends’ hangout lands in Times Square this fall, with artisanal
Beverages are evolving in step with the culinary landscape. Craft coffee, exclusive merchandise and a Tom Colicchio-designed menu.
cocktails, low- and no-alcohol options and wellness-driven drinks This isn’t just a pop-up or photo-op mind, Central Perk Coffee Co. will
like kombucha and adaptogens are reshaping menus. Consumers want be a fully functioning café at the northeast corner of Seventh Avenue
drinks that are as exciting and purposeful as their meals. and 47th Street, complete with a “cozy Orange Sofa room” inspired
Flexibility is also key. Hybrid spaces that combine dining, retail and by the iconic set piece. The concept builds on the success of the first
co-working, or seamlessly integrate delivery and takeout, are meeting location in Boston, which debuted in 2024. The project comes courtesy
the demands of modern lifestyles. The most successful F&B concepts of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Central Perk Coffee
are agile, innovative and experience-led, capturing attention and loy- Co. and CenPer Holdings. Their aim is to bring the enduring spirit of
alty in an ever-competitive market. the world-renowned sitcom to life in the city where the show was set
In addition, choice is another major factor in where the diner enjoys but never actually filmed. Beyond the novelty of ordering a cappuccino
their meal. To this end, food halls continue to increase in popularity under the glow of Times Square billboards, the café promises exclusive
across the world as they offer multiple cuisines under the same roof in merchandise only available at the New York location, alongside Cen-
a social setting and a vibrant atmosphere. tral Perk’s six signature coffee blends.
Staked with public and private investment of $3.3bn to remake one
F&B Concepts & Trends Around the Globe of the nation’s largest and most historic cities, San Antonio’s munic-
Netflix Bites opened its doors at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in ipal leadership has set out a plan to use the funds for new housing,
Las Vegas on 11 February 2025, as a full-service restaurant with a menu infrastructure and sports venues. Of course, a renovation of this mag-
inspired by popular Netflix shows. The restaurant offers a unique nitude that will draw more residents and visitors to the city has got to
S

dining experience with dishes and cocktails themed around shows re-invigorate its restaurant row, as well. To fill that need, the city ofan
like Stranger Things, Squid Game and One Piece and will operate as Antonio plans to remake its La Villita Assembly Hall - a civic hub
a year-long residency. Promising a flavourful adventure, this unique redesigned by the legendary Texas architect O’Neil Ford - into a top-
dining experience offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with each menu of-the-line food hall. San Antonio-based Escalera Capital, along with
item inspired by a hit Netflix show or movie. This one-of-a-kind res- Onset Hospitality will transform this iconic San Antonio venue into
taurant combines Netflix’s storytelling with MGM Grand’s renowned the first ever food hall on the River Walk. JLL, which handles onsite
hospitality, offering an unforgettable culinary journey crafted to give leasing, played a vital role in securing the new operator. According to
fans a new way to experience their favourite stories and characters. JLL, visitors can expect a diverse collection of chef-driven vendors,

November 2025 Retail & Leisure International 69