Cheesecake Factory coming 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.

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.