Brunswick Square Mall in East Brunswick just lost another eatery, and the shake‑up is only beginning.
Red Robin closed its doors on June 22 after the company announced plans to shutter 70 underperforming restaurants nationwide. The departure follows Bar Louie’s March shutdown next door, marking two vacancies in under a year on busy Route 18.
Redevelopment plan promises a 21st‑century shopping experience for East Brunswick residents
Developers and township officials say the closures are part of a broader strategy to modernize the 750,000‑square‑foot shopping center, which first opened in 1970. “We want to move in a direction that modernizes the whole thing,” Mayor Brad Cohen said. Who wouldn’t welcome a fresh mix of stores?
Maurice Zekaria of property owner E&P at East Brunswick confirmed he asked Red Robin to end its lease early. The goal: create a blank slate for tenants better suited to today’s retail climate. Below is a quick look at the closure timeline before the makeover gains speed.
| Date | Restaurant | Status / Note |
|---|---|---|
| March | Bar Louie | Voluntary closure |
| Jun 22 | Red Robin | Lease ended early at owner’s request |
Town council’s unanimous vote sets redevelopment of 750,000‑square‑foot site in motion
In March the township council designated the mall and nearly a dozen neighboring parcels as an area in need of redevelopment, giving officials extra leverage over site plans. The forthcoming blueprint is expected to combine refreshed retail with a modest number of residential units, including affordable housing. Still, Cohen stresses the property “will remain predominantly a retail area.” So, what can shoppers expect next?
Here’s a snapshot of who is still open while plans take shape:
- Macy’s
- JCPenney
- Old Navy
- AMC Theatres
- Barnes & Noble
- Hollister
- TD Bank
Next steps for shoppers and local businesses as Brunswick Square reinvents itself
Site plans will be drafted with the township planner in the coming months. Once approved, construction could begin in phases, allowing existing anchors to keep trading. Residents should keep an eye on council agendas for public hearings and design previews.
After decades of retail churn, East Brunswick officials hope the makeover will deliver an updated destination that matches how people “live, work and play today.” Stay tuned—the mall you remember may soon feel brand‑new.