Cups Yogurt, Chipotle and Saruku to Open on Route 18

The new shopping mall on Route 18 is getting ready for the addition of three new stores.

William A. Lenaz, senior vice president of R.J. Brunelli & Co. Inc. in Old Bridge, said Tuesday that the Saruku Japan sushi and teriyaki restaurant, Cups Frozen Yogurt and Chipotle will all take up residence in a new section of the mall close to Route 18 and across the parking lot from the mall’s main structure.

Lenaz said Chipotle could open by the end of the month, with the others opening sometime in the next 60 to 90 days.

The eateries will join Pier 1 Imports, Five Below, Ulta, Muscle Maker Grill, David’s Bridal, Torrid, and Annie Sez as tenants next to and . In addition, Lenaz said he is negotiating with a large apparel retailer to move into a 32,000-square-foot yet-to-be built section that would connect Toys R Us with the newer portion. He also expects two tenants for a vacant 4,500-square-foot space next to Annie Sez.

Lenaz said the mall is among one of the better ones in the area, with retailers that don’t set up shop just anywhere.

“All these retailers, every single one of them, over last 3 years, these are critical retailers that don’t just pop up anywhere. There’s no reason these have to open up new stores in East Brunswick. But the East Brunswick Customer is with a middle to upper income, so its our job to educate these retailers of what a great customer base is, and the convenience of the highway network system makes it logical place to open.”