Queens Center Expanded Dining and Retail Options
The Elmhurst shopping destination has added new eateries and completed major store renovations.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Retail
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Queens Center has expanded its dining lineup with new vendors and updated several flagship retail spaces. These changes reflect an ongoing effort to modernize the shopping experience in the Elmhurst area.
Why it matters
Management aims to better serve the local community by enhancing retail offerings and curating a selection of shops that specifically appeal to Gen Z shoppers. This investment serves as a strategy to maintain high visitor engagement at the busy New York City location.
Macerich reported portfolio-wide sales of $919 per square foot in Q2 2026, while center occupancy reached 95.5%. Soft Swerve specifically recorded 759 transactions during its opening weekend at the center.
The players
Queens Center
Located at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard, this major retail destination serves approximately 12 million visitors annually.
Macerich
This real estate investment trust owns three retail centers in New York and manages a large national portfolio of shopping destinations.
The details
The renovation project features revamped spaces for Sephora, Adidas, and Windsor, while new dining options including Noches De Colombia, Tony's Tacos, and Soft Swerve have joined the center. Additionally, construction is ongoing for future upgrades at Garage and JD Sports.
Timeline
Dave's Hot Chicken opened in January 2026.
Macerich reported financial results in Q2 2026.
Crispy Burger opened in July 2026.
New dining and retail updates were announced in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The renovation at Queens Center follows the Macerich strategy to target Gen Z consumer preferences by prioritizing experiential retail and fast-casual dining. This move positions the center to maintain its competitive edge against evolving regional retail environments.
Shoppers in Elmhurst can now access a wider array of dining options and refreshed retail locations during their visits. These improvements are designed to increase the variety of products and services available to the 12 million visitors who frequent the center annually.
The takeaway
The addition of modern dining and retail concepts demonstrates how shopping centers are pivoting to maintain relevance in a digital-first economy. Visitors should expect a focus on convenience and curated experiences as these properties continue to update their tenant mixes.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving shopping landscape, see Retail.
More information
To learn more about current commercial opportunities, visit the Macerich property leasing information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by QNS.
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