Hong Kong F&B leases hit 155,000 sq ft record in second quarter
Food and beverage operators secured a record 155,000 square feet of space in the second quarter, doubling Q1 uptake. Industry experts note this growth stems from a shift toward experiential dining trends.
Hong Kong food and beverage operators signed leases totaling 155,000 square feet of new floor space during the second quarter of this year. This figure represents a record high for the sector and exceeds more than double the amount registered in the first quarter. Property consultancy CBRE data indicates that existing and new players together snapped up 230,000 square feet of space in the first half of the year. Lawrence Wan, executive director at CBRE Hong Kong, stated that selective recovery has pushed brands to adopt novel tactics to attract consumers. He observed that operators are enhancing their offerings by incorporating unique experiential elements into the dining journey. Examples include live music performances, native language staff in Korean restaurants, traditional drinking games led by chefs in Japanese eateries, and curated vintage furniture from Europe. The trend reflects a shift where food is viewed as part of the total experience rather than the sole focus. JLL noted that innovative offerings are visible at venues such as Le Petit Chef and The Magic Table at Grand Hyat.