Coradino: PREIT has definitely been ahead of the curve with introducing high-caliber chefs to the mall environment. At Moorestown Mall, we started talks with Marc Vetri of Osteria and that led to a conversation with Jose Garces who opened Distrito there a year ago; then we started working with Dave Magrogan who brought his Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar to Moorestown, too. They've been fantastic additions that draw shoppers to Moorestown Mall, which is located just over the bridge from Philadelphia, making it a more convenient – but still high end – dining experience for our shoppers.

GlobeSt.com: What effects do restaurants have on the existing retail in a shopping center? Are they major competition?

Coradino: Restaurants make excellent tenants because they're a creative solution for deep spaces and don't compete for the retail dollar. Actually restaurant sales at some of our malls exceed the department stores. Additionally, studies show that those who dine in a mall typically extend their stay and have a higher propensity to spend more.

GlobeSt.com: Along those lines, are you considering adding grocery stores to your malls as anchors?

Coradino: We consider uses that make our malls stronger assets within the communities they serve. For example, at Plymouth Meeting Mall, we have a Whole Foods Market as well as a state of the art healthcare facility, so shoppers there satisfy many needs in just one visit – offering them something today's shopper really needs: convenience.

GlobeSt.com: Any more big names to announce in terms of new leases?

Coradino: We have a vision that includes bringing more unique dining experiences to all our malls as part of our effort to enhance our portfolio across the board. Right now we're really excited about opening Yard House soon at Moorestown Mall, another great dining addition to the center. As soon as we can say more, we'll be happy to get the word out.