Food Hall DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

The recent surge in the popularity of food halls marks a significant transformation in dining culture. By departing from traditional restaurant models, food halls offer a diverse array of culinary experiences in communal settings that promote social interaction and engagement. Catering to a broad range of demographics, these vibrant spaces prioritise memorable experiences over simple consumption.  

Simon Wright, Founder and Chairman of TGP International, shares valuable insights into the factors fueling the growth of food halls, their distinctive features compared to traditional food courts, and the emerging trends that will shape this dynamic sector in the future. 

1. Why has there been such a surge in the popularity of food halls in recent years, especially in urban areas like Dubai? 

The evolution of dining culture from traditional restaurants with fixed menus and formal settings to more dynamic, experiential environments reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations. Food halls, in particular, epitomise this transformation by offering increased culinary diversity alongside social and interactive elements. 

This change is underpinned by converging trends, including the significant growth of the experiential and competitive socialising market, which has proven especially popular among Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. These spaces resonate with consumers who seek more than just a meal; they crave meaningful, in-person experiences that offer lasting memories and opportunities for social engagement, particularly in today’s digital age. 

Moreover, the focus has shifted beyond the traditional Retail, Dining, and Entertainment models in urban developments. Developers are now prioritising more integrated and holistic environments, where diverse and high-quality food and beverage offerings play a pivotal role in enhancing a space’s appeal and achieving key development objectives. 

We've seen food halls represent the golden formula for many developers.

This model allows landlords to maximise the value of their assets by creating flexible spaces that deliver strong returns, while simultaneously enhancing the overall value and reputation of a shopping centre or urban complex. By curating a dynamic environment, food halls serve as a crucial element in modern development strategies, driving footfall and creating a compelling reason for people to visit. 

2. What factors are driving the growth of Food Halls?

Several significant trends are driving their growth, making them a favorite spot for dining and socialising

• Heightened Demand for Social Interaction: Amid rising concerns about isolation and loneliness, recent studies emphasise the growing desire for in-person, non-digital experiences. Food halls meet this need by offering communal dining environments that foster face-to-face interaction and meaningful social connections. 

• Evolution of the Experience Economy: The maturation of the experience industry is reshaping adjacent sectors, including F&B and hospitality. This broader shift is elevating the appeal of food halls, positioning them as integral components of the experiential economy that prioritises engagement and immersion. 

• Proven Commercial Viability: The success of social food and beverage destinations, including food halls, is well-established. These venues have become critical drivers of foot traffic and revenue, particularly in urban developments, shopping malls, mixed-use properties, and hotel environments, making them an attractive proposition for investors and developers. 

• Changing Consumer Spending Habits: A significant shift in consumer behavior, particularly among Millennials, reflects a preference for investing in experiences over material goods. Food halls cater to this demographic by offering distinctive and memorable dining experiences that align with these evolving spending priorities.

3. How do food halls offer a unique dining experience compared to traditional food courts?

Food halls offer a unique dining experience that sets them apart from traditional food courts by blending upscale and casual elements, emphasising flexibility, creating engaging experiences, and fostering local community ties. 

• Balancing Upscale and Casual: In contrast to the predominantly fast-food-driven setups of traditional food courts, food halls provide a more curated mix of vendors, striking a balance between high-quality cuisine and casual dining. This approach attracts a wider range of customers, including those seeking gourmet options, while maintaining a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Flexibility and Evolution: Food halls are designed with adaptability at their core. By hosting multiple vendors with diverse concepts, they are able to continuously evolve and adjust to changing trends. This structure not only supports vendor collaboration but also enables the introduction of new culinary innovations and concepts to keep the experience fresh and relevant. 

• Experience-Oriented Dining: Modern food halls cater to the rising demand for experiential dining. They go beyond serving meals by offering a variety of interactive features such as live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, culinary competitions, and industry expert talks. These events enhance the overall appeal, providing visitors with an immersive and rewarding experience that goes beyond eating. 

• Community-Centered Approach: Successful food halls actively engage with their local communities, making the space feel integrated into the neighborhood’s cultural fabric. Through community events, feedback on food offerings, and incorporating local preferences into their programming, they create an environment that encourages repeat visits and fosters a strong sense of connection. 

4. What role do curated food selections and local partnerships play in the success of food halls? How do these elements contribute to their appeal? 

Curated food selections and local partnerships are essential to the success of food halls, significantly contributing to their overall appeal and distinctiveness. By collaborating with renowned chefs, food halls offer a level of expertise and uniqueness that traditional food courts often lack. For example, the partnership with acclaimed chef Alexander Smalls and other culinary talents from the African diaspora played a pivotal role in creating the first African Dining Hall in the UAE. This collaboration not only brought a wealth of culinary expertise and creativity to the table but also allowed the food hall to connect deeply with its community through authentic, story-driven dining experiences. Such partnerships add a layer of prestige and exclusivity, attracting consumers who seek out high-quality, innovative dishes crafted by esteemed professionals, and positioning the food hall as a distinguished option in the competitive market. 

At the same time, balancing both local and global trends is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and relevance.

Local partnerships are key to aligning the food hall’s offerings with the interests and identity of the surrounding community while incorporating broader global food trends. This was evident in the creation of the award-winning Al Mamlaka Social Dining, where the concept was intentionally designed to blend local culture with international influences. Such collaborations not only resonate with diverse communities but also provide flexibility for the venue to evolve, incorporating pop-ups, themed rotations, and kitchen takeovers. This adaptability ensures the space remains dynamic and engaging, consistently attracting a broad audience while staying connected to its local roots. 

5. From a business perspective, what are the advantages of investing in a food hall compared to a traditional food court?

From a business perspective, investing in a food hall offers several advantages over traditional food courts, particularly in terms of increasing foot traffic, profitability, and community engagement. Food halls are highly effective at drawing in visitors and encouraging them to spend more time within a development. By offering a diverse range of culinary experiences, they create an environment that fosters repeat visits and greater interaction, which is crucial for the success of retail or mixed-use developments. 

Moreover, food halls play a significant role in driving profitability and adaptability for developers. With carefully curated food and beverage concepts, they enhance customer engagement, helping to meet key objectives such as maintaining consistent foot traffic and ensuring long-term financial success. The flexible nature of food halls also allows developers to adjust offerings based on changing consumer preferences, making them a resilient and adaptable component of any development. 

Additionally, the inclusion of a food hall can significantly enhance the appeal of a property or community by creating a lively, communal atmosphere. Food halls attract a wide demographic and foster a sense of connection, making the development more than just a place to live or work—it becomes a social hub. This increased vibrancy can set the development apart from competitors and make it more appealing to both potential tenants and visitors. 

6. Do food halls contribute to the economic development and tourism of a city?  

We’ve seen firsthand how food halls can play a significant role in driving economic development and tourism in cities. They’ve been instrumental in revitalising underperforming commercial spaces and injecting new life into large-scale urban projects like Expo City Dubai. When guided by comprehensive F&B masterplanning, with a strategy that aligns the right mix of food and beverage offerings to a development’s objectives, food halls can have a profound impact not only on the local economy but also on the tourism industry. 

What makes food halls particularly effective is their ability to attract both locals and tourists by offering a variety of unique dining experiences.

These spaces often reflect the local culture and provide dynamic, engaging environments, turning them into key destinations that encourage visitors to explore the surrounding area and spend more time there. This approach has proven successful in cities across the region, from Dubai to Riyadh, and we’re currently working on several projects in Saudi Arabia where food halls are central to new giga projects and community-driven developments—paving the way for stronger long-term economic growth. 

Beyond economic contributions, food halls serve as vibrant social hubs, fostering interaction and a sense of community. They act as focal points within neighborhoods, strengthening social cohesion, which is essential for creating lively, connected urban spaces where people want to gather, visit, and stay. 

7. Do you believe that the rise of food halls signals the decline of traditional food courts?  

Both consumers and developers have raised their expectations when it comes to food and beverage venues. The days of traditional food courts, often associated with low-quality, standardised offerings, are being left behind in favor of a new generation of food halls that prioritise elevated dining experiences. This shift reflects a broader change in the way people approach dining—consumers today are not just looking for a quick meal but are seeking out memorable, high-quality experiences that reflect authenticity, creativity, and diversity. Developers are responding to these evolving preferences by designing spaces that go beyond simple convenience, curating offerings that combine a sense of place with culinary innovation. 

8. What strategies can traditional food courts adopt to remain competitive in the face of the food hall boom? Are there opportunities for modernisation or niche differentiation?

To stay competitive in the face of the food hall boom, traditional food courts need to modernise by offering high-quality, diverse food and beverage choices that align with evolving consumer tastes. Their flexible layouts, which allow for the regular rotation of vendors, present a key advantage in attracting new customers with exciting brands.  

However, before implementing a strategy for long-term food and beverage curation, it's crucial to first step back and assess the venue’s broader goals. The overall vision, design, and atmosphere of the space are just as critical as the individual brands and offerings within it. 

9. How have consumer preferences and dining habits changed in recent years? What role do factors like social media, food trends, and health consciousness play in the popularity of food halls? 

The competitive socialising market has seen significant growth, with a 38% increase over the past five years while, 76% of consumers are seeking venues that combine dining with entertainment, demonstrating a rising preference for immersive and engaging experiences. This trend highlights the growing appeal of interactive, social dining environments. Simultaneously, the demand for interactive food and beverage (F&B) experiences is on the rise.

Consumers are increasingly drawn to hands-on activities like coffee tastings, cooking classes, and chef-led workshops, which provide them with unique, memorable encounters beyond the standard dining experience. 

Health and wellness have also become central to consumer choices, with an increased focus on nutritious snacking and meal replacements. The meal replacement industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.26% by 2027, indicating a broader shift towards healthier eating habits. 

Newer generations, specifically Gen Alpha and Gen Z, are reshaping the dining landscape with their distinct preferences. Gen Alpha, growing up in a digitally connected world and exposed to a wide range of cultural influences, is eager to explore new flavors. Meanwhile, Gen Z, as digital natives, is heavily influenced by social media, with 62% of their purchase decisions driven by online marketing. Their comfort with technology, along with its potential to reduce anxiety in dining settings, further influences their choices in dining venues. 

10. Do you foresee any future trends or innovations in the food hall concept? What might the next generation of food halls look like? 

The food hall concept has already undergone significant transformation, but its evolution is set to continue with the integration of more interactive and experiential features. Expect to see live cooking demonstrations, food and beverage workshops, and elements of competitive socialising becoming common attractions in these spaces. 

Looking ahead, food halls are likely to embrace even greater inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. This focus will not only enhance the dining experience but also create environments that welcome a broader range of consumers while promoting eco-friendly practices. The next generation of food halls will likely be dynamic hubs that prioritise community engagement and sustainable choices, appealing to the evolving preferences of today's consumers. 

Al Mamlaka Photography by Gavriil Papadiotis