How Much Does It Cost to Rent Space in a Mall Food Court? (2024)

If you’d like to establish your own prepared food operation in a mall and run a lucrative business for years to come, here are the key details on renting a space in a mall food court. We’ll tell you why it’s worth renting space in a mall food court, how you go about the rental process, and most importantly, the answer to the titular question: “How much does it cost to rent space in a mall food court?”

In addition to malls, we’ll provide a number of appealing alternative options when it comes to having your own restaurant venue that you can rent on Peerspace. Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, making it easy for you to discover and book all types of unique venues.

For instance, you can rent a retail space or a commercial kitchen on Peerspace that has everything you need, minus the lease and other legal documents that go with renting a space in a mall food court. All of our spaces are owned and operated by local hosts who strive to make your experience in their spaces as seamless as possible.

So then, let’s get to the heart of the post: How much does it cost to rent these spaces on Peerspace?

We understand that it can be confusing when you need to book a mall food court space. Luckily, as the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we at Peerspace can shine a light on some of your concerns. Ahead, we’ll address everything you need to know about renting space in a mall food court. We’ll also present viable options that may be better suited to your brand, personal taste, and budget.

• Why should you rent space in a mall food court?
• What alternatives are there to mall food courts?
• Which type of event spaces can I rent on Peerspace?
• Bottom line: How much does it cost to rent space in a mall food court?

Why should you rent space in a mall food court?

Renting a storefront or popup shop in a mall food court offers numerous advantages for business owners. It’s an excellent opportunity to reach a diverse and broad audience daily. Malls attract a steady flow of shoppers, ensuring consistent foot traffic to your food stall. This visibility can be pivotal for new and growing businesses seeking to build their brand and customer base.

The communal seating area in food courts encourages longer stays, meaning potential customers have plenty of time to notice and decide to try your offerings. This setting also promotes a casual dining experience where people often decide to eat on a whim. As a result, there’s a high likelihood of impulse purchases from your business.

Not only that, setting up shop in a mall food court comes with lower overhead costs compared to renting a standalone restaurant space. Utilities and space maintenance are typically covered by the mall management, easing financial burdens and allowing you to focus more on food quality and service.

In addition, operating in a mall food court also provides built-in security, cleanliness, and ongoing mall promotions. All of these can enhance the dining experience and can attract more customers to your space. Whether you’re launching a new culinary venture or expanding an existing one, a mall food court offers a dynamic environment to foster business growth and customer engagement.

Plus, visitors can spot your restaurant as they’re getting hungry and be drawn to it. If they’re happy with their food, they may also seek out your restaurant next time they’re at the mall (and even bring their friends!), earning you return customers as well as new ones.

Likewise, in bustling cities like Los Angeles, foodies can often discover underrated and hidden culinary gems in assuming strip malls and food courts.

Check out our creative pop-up shop ideas to help enhance your event!

What alternatives are there to mall food courts?

In the pandemic era, malls are no longer the most popular spaces in towns and cities. This isn’t a huge surprise, considering that shoppers are more interested in personalized experiences versus big-box experiences these days.

Tap into this interest by hosting your culinary event in a more unique, personalized space. You can host a popup at pretty much any location as long as it has a kitchen and is sufficiently safe and clean.

But how do you find such spaces?

Look to Peerspace for all of your venue rental needs

To locate spaces with commercial kitchens, such as a cafe, search on Peerspace, the most comprehensive marketplace for event spaces on the internet. Easy to search, and easy to browse, the site offers thousands of event spaces for rent across hundreds of cities throughout the country and beyond.

There are numerous other kinds of rental spaces with kitchens for food preparation. These can make great locations for things like popup restaurants, where you build buzz for your brand by drawing in customers with delicious short-term offerings. When people know a restaurant’s offerings won’t be available in a location in the long run, they’re more likely to try to get to them when they can.

Chefs often use popup restaurants as a means of testing out longer-term possibilities. They can also showcase their skills for a gourmet-leaning audience. Alternatively, they can temporarily provide exciting, unique, and/or high-end offerings at a more affordable price. After all, long-term rent isn’t contributing to the cost of food. 

To keep up with the dizzying array of popup events, check out a helpful resource like Popup Restaurants. It helps track different ones across the country, so you can make your own popup easy to find and book.

Remember, using a platform like Peerspace allows you to easily secure a commercial kitchen and similar spaces by the hour. Ahead, we’ll discuss some wonderful options you can book through Peerspace.

Which type of event spaces can I rent on Peerspace?

So what types of mall food court space alternatives can you discover on Peerspace? Here are some great examples of event spaces with commercial kitchens.

Soak up the natural light in a bright food hall venue in Long Beach, CA

For a versatile spot near Los Angeles, look no further than this food hall venue in Long Beach. Between the inviting ambiance, rustic exposed brick walls, and large arched windows, it’s easy to feel at home in this beautiful space.

The venue has quite a few glowing reviews, including this one from a Peerspace reviewer who booked the place for an event: “Amazing staff, everyone was very friendly and helpful. Great space and it is very clean and accommodating!“

Serve up pretty pastries and coffee in a pastel cafe in London, UK

What’s not to love about the aesthetics of this airy, 1970s cafe in London? Abundant natural light fills the space, and there are a handful of small tables and chairs for an intimate popup event, tasting, or any other occasion.

This space can be temporarily yours for £75 per hour with a four-hour minimum rental.

Treat guests to upscale bites at a second-story Manhattan marvel

First off, how about this cool street-level studio event venue in Midtown Manhattan? It’s perfect for popup restaurants and shops and includes tons of seating, wireless internet, sound system, and even a piano.

Just check out what a business owner like yourself had to say about their experience here: “Working with Hanna for our recent event was a fantastic experience! He was very accommodating and helpful throughout the booking process and on the day of the event. The PA system at the venue worked flawlessly, which was a major plus as we needed reliable audio for presentations. I brought along two microphones and an XLR cable, and everything integrated smoothly with their system. Overall, the venue met all our needs, and Hanna’s professionalism made the experience even better. I would definitely book this space again for future events! Highly recommended.”

It is only $59 per hour and has a three-hour rental minimum.

Get your business started with a super chic popup in Chicago

Are you located in the Midwest? Then how about this chic, intimate space ideal for tastings, popup events, and demos in the greater Chicago area? It comes with a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, high-tech gadgets for demonstrations and presentations, and ample natural light.

Overall, one Peerspace reviewer summed up her experience here as: “Amazing space and wonderful host! Very responsive and helpful. 10/10 would book again!”

It is $400 per hour and has an eight-hour rental minimum.

Get cozy in a splendid clubhouse in San Francisco

We also love this Clubhouse with full kitchen setup in San Francisco’s Design District. It’s a stylish venue for up to 50 guests that includes plenty of comfy seating, a decked-out kitchen, TVs, pre-set music stations, and an outdoor patio.

Take it from someone who booked this space for a brunch event: “Overall the experience with the clubhouse went great! Very spacious, accommodating. The staff was helpful and communicative. I will definitely use this place again for another event.“

It is $120 per hour and has a two-hour rental minimum.

Enjoy all the amenities in an industrial loft venue in Atlanta

This Beltline modern loft space in Atlanta makes an incredible spot for a commercial kitchen event. It boasts a black-and-white palette, space for 50 guests, an open floor plan, and of course, a massive professional kitchen. The host is happy to help redesign the space to suit your event.

Check out what a chef said in their Peerspace review after booking this event space: “Wonderful space + experience, worked perfectly for my pop-up dinner. Hosts were available and helpful, had tables & chairs ready for the event. Space was clean and in a great location, would 100% book again!”

It is only $25 per hour and has a two-hour rental minimum.

Unwind in a truly elegant business lounge in Toronto

Finally, check out this gorgeous corporate event space in Toronto, Ontario. It’s an exclusive business lounge available for your private event after 5 p.m. Along with the fully functional kitchen, you can make use of the bar and the comfy seating while enjoying the city views.

It is CA$250 per hour and has a four-hour rental minimum.

Learn more about where to rent a commercial kitchen by the hour!

Bottom line: How much does it cost to rent space in a mall food court?

Now you know everything about renting space in a mall food court and its alternatives. And don’t forget about the option that offers you more versatility and less of a lasting commitment: a stunning Peerspace rental! After all, there are so many fabulous spaces to be found on Peerspace — the only limit is your imagination.

So, how much does it cost to rent space in a mall food court? It all depends on the location you’re aiming for, the square footage of the space, and type of venue. And you can browse through an impressive selection of spots on Peerspace.

You can book a retail space or storefront by the hour that includes all the pro equipment and space you need. And since there are no contracts, membership fees, or commitments, you can book as frequently or infrequently as you like! Plus, if your venue needs anything extra, contact the venue’s local host and see if they will arrange for it on your behalf.

Figuring out how much it costs to rent space in a mall food court and actually doing it can be challenging. However, Peerspace makes booking practical and beautiful spaces a breeze.

Find unique retail shop venues on Peerspace