"Before the COVID-19 pandemic, urban food halls did their biggest business serving cubicle warriors at lunch hour. Now, a lot of people are saying, 'I want to be where the people are; the people are in the suburbs.'"
"The Canteen at Midtown, an all-halal, 10-vendor business in Dearborn, was built as a regional destination with ample parking and highway access, emphasizing the importance of location in attracting customers."
"Instead of standing in separate lines at each vendor, customers at the Canteen can pay once at their table and have all their dishes brought to them, enhancing the dining experience."
"Social media is a big driver of intrigue, with food influencers regularly hyping vendors' dishes online, including popular items like Shawarma and Japanese cream sandwiches."
The trend of food halls is shifting from urban centers to suburbs, with 14 of the 20 newest food halls located in smaller towns. The Canteen at Midtown in Dearborn exemplifies this shift, featuring an all-halal vendor setup and a unique payment system. Collaborative vendor relationships and social media marketing are key to attracting customers. Metro Detroit is recognized as one of the fastest-growing food hall markets, with more openings anticipated in the coming years.
Read at Axios
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