STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You won't find Applebee's half-priced appetizers and margaritas served at Empire Outlets.

In an effort to create a unique upscale dining experience, Empire Outlets principals have decided not to pursue a lease agreement with the family-friendly restaurant chain.

It was announced last year that Applebee's would lease space in the new outlet center taking shape on the St. George waterfront.

"We are creating a dining experience unlike anything anyone has ever done in a shopping mall," said Joseph Ferrara, a principal of BFC Partners, Empire Outlets' developer.

He said he received negative community feedback via social media after he announced that Appleebee's would be coming to the outlets.

"Even though Applebee's is a wonderful company and is very successful, and they are in every other single mall in America, we aren't like any other typical outlet mall. I decided not to do the deal (with Applebees)," said Ferrara.

RESTAURANTS COMING TO EMPIRE OUTLETS

Last year, BFC Partners announced that Yong Kang Street, an Asian fusion restaurant with Las Vegas locations, will open a new casual eatery at the retail complex.



In December, Ferrara broke the news that an artisanal food hall, the Marketplace at Empire Outlets (MRKTPL) would be opening at the outlets.

"We will have about 25 to 30 different purveyors in the artisanal food hall," said Ferrara.

"The artisanal food hall we have coming switched the whole mood of what we are doing. We want to elevate the culinary talent offered to Staten Islanders and visitors coming (to the outlets)," he added.

One fast food option that will be offered at the outlets is Nathan's Famous.

OTHER LEASES SIGNED

With half of Empire Outlets already leased, the project is expected to open in mid-2017.

On Wednesday BFC Partners announced that a large-scale jewelry exchange -- to be operated by Jewelers on Fifth -- had leased space in Empire Outlets.



Other national brands that have signed leases at Empire Outlets include: Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Francesca's, Starbucks, U.S. Polo, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, White House Black Market, Columbia Sportswear Company, Guess Factory Store, Wilsons Leather, G.H. Bass & Co., Lids, Obey Your Body, Innovation Luggage, Walgreens, Haagen Dazs, and Krispy Kreme.

Located directly adjacent to the St. George Ferry Terminal and the future NY Wheel, the multi-million dollar Empire Outlets project will include 340,000 square feet of prime retail space, a 190-room hotel featuring a rooftop venue with expansive waterfront views, a 1,250-space structured parking garage, and a 40,000-square-foot food and beverage deck that will provide views of the Manhattan skyline.

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