Cheesecake Factory comes to mall

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Freehold Raceway Mall's parent company, Macerich, and The Cheesecake Factory have announced that the popular restaurant will anchor the mall's lifestyle expansion in a 10,300-square-foot "casually elegant" space at the entrance.

Beginning with a family recipe, the original Cheesecake Factory opened in 1978 and has grown to become an award-winning upscale casual dining concept with locations across the country. Guests can choose from more than 200 menu selections and 40 desserts, including the famous cheesecakes, according to a press release.

The Cheesecake Factory is the second company announced as part of the new lifestyle expansion at Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 9. Previously announced Borders Inc. will open in a 25,150-square-foot space opposite The Cheesecake Factory at the expansion's entrance.

"People today are seeking a multifaceted experience when they visit a shopping center," said Ben Kaplan, vice president of Macerich's National Restaurant Leasing Group. "They are seeking inviting and engaging venues that offer great shopping, dining and entertainment that responds to their needs and those of their families. The Cheesecake Factory is a perfect match and is at the top of most shoppers' lists when it comes to dining."

Scheduled to open this fall, the 100,000-square-foot lifestyle expansion at Freehold Raceway Mall began in early 2007. The renovation of the 1.4-million-square-foot center's interior is expected to be complete in spring 2008.

"When we select a new location, we look for an environment that matches the relaxed sophistication of The Cheesecake Factory," said Howard Gordon, senior vice president of business development and marketing for The Cheesecake Factory Inc. "The environment being created at Freehold Raceway Mall will have a wonderful synergy that blends the existing shopping center with the retail offerings and amenities of the new outdoor component. This dynamic setting is exactly what we look for in a location."