Garden Commercial has officially announced the signing of two highly anticipated retail tenants at its MainStreet NB development, located at 2300 Route 1 in North Brunswick. Fast-casual salad giant Chopt and artisanal ice cream shop Nicholas Creamery have leased a combined 3,600 square feet of space, further expanding the property’s growing lineup of dining options.
Chopt will occupy a 2,500-square-foot space, while Nicholas Creamery is set to take over 1,110 square feet.
The two new additions bring distinct culinary concepts to the North Brunswick community:
- Chopt: A pioneer in the premium, farm-to-fast-casual salad industry. The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, healthy meals, including chef-crafted made-to-order salads, warm bowls, wraps, and small-batch dressings made from premium, locally sourced ingredients.
- Nicholas Creamery: Marking the brand’s very first expansion into Central Jersey, the shop is slated to open this June. Located right next to CAVA, it will feature outdoor seating. Nicholas Creamery is famous for its small-batch, artisanal ice creams, seasonal flavors, and collaborations with local businesses. It currently operates Jersey Shore locations in Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Middletown, and Wall.
“Food uses are excellent traffic drivers that contribute significantly to a mixed-use property’s tenant mix,” Michael Gartenberg, director of Garden Commercial, said. “Chopt and Nicholas Creamery are great additions to MainStreet NB, reinforcing the property’s commitment to offering both everyday convenience and experiential dining options.”
The new eateries will join an established roster of popular food service tenants at MainStreet NB, which already includes:
- Chipotle
- Shake Shack
- Panera Bread
- Panda Express
- The Green Turtle Sports Bar and Grill
The broader retail component of the development is anchored by retail giants Costco and Target.
Situated on the 212-acre former Johnson & Johnson campus, MainStreet NB is a massive multi-phase development that Garden Commercial first began in 2010. Beyond retail, the massive mixed-use hub features a proposed NJ Transit rail station, a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and office space.
The residential footprint, built by Garden Commercial affiliate Garden Communities, includes plans for up to 1,000 luxury rental apartments and duplexes, alongside 750 to 1,000 for-sale condos and duplexes that are either currently completed or under construction.
“MainStreet NB’s ongoing progress from our initial vision to one of Middlesex County’s most dynamic mixed-use developments is gratifying,” Jonathan Frieder, managing partner of Garden Commercial said. “These latest dining additions further establish MainStreet NB as a go-to destination for residents and area visitors alike.”
