New Salad Chain, Ice Cream Shop Coming To MainStreet NB In North Brunswick

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Two new tenants are joining the dining lineup at MainStreet NB, the mixed-use development at 2300 Route 1, Garden Commercial announced.

The development, which sits just over the South Brunswick border, includes the under-development NJ Transit rail station that would serve commuters from surrounding communities.

Fast-casual salad chain Chopt is taking 2,500 square feet at the property, while ice cream shop Nicholas Creamery will open a 1,110-square-foot location next to CAVA, according to a Garden Commercial.

Chopt is known for chef-crafted, made-to-order salads, warm bowls, wraps and small-batch dressings prepared with premium and locally sourced ingredients.

The new shop will mark Nicholas Creamery's first Central Jersey location when it opens in June. The brand, known for artisanal small-batch ice creams, seasonal flavors and collaborations with local businesses, currently operates locations in Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Middletown and Wall. The North Brunswick location will include outdoor seating.

"Food uses are excellent traffic drivers that contribute significantly to a mixed-use property's tenant mix," Michael Gartenberg, director of Garden Commercial, said in the release. "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 two new tenants join an existing food service lineup at MainStreet NB that includes Chipotle, Shake Shack, Panera Bread, Panda Express and The Green Turtle Sports Bar and Grill. The property's retail component is anchored by Costco and Target.

MainStreet NB sits on the 212-acre former Johnson & Johnson North Brunswick campus. The development, which Garden Commercial began building in 2010, also includes the proposed NJ Transit rail station, a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, office space, and a residential component with plans for up to 1,000 luxury rental apartments and duplexes and 750 to 1,000 for-sale condo and duplex units currently built or under construction by Garden Communities, an affiliate of Garden Commercial.

"MainStreet NB's ongoing progress from our initial vision to one of Middlesex County's most dynamic mixed-use developments is gratifying," said Garden Commercial managing partner Jonathan Frieder. "These latest dining additions further establish MainStreet NB as a go-to destination for residents and area visitors alike."

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