Wonder, a new kind of food hall, opens its first Westchester spot July 18
Wonder, a new food concept that offers more than 15 restaurants under one roof, has landed in Westchester. The Manhattan-based company, with plans to open three locations in the next few months, opens its first spot — in Larchmont — July 18.
It's their 13th in just over a year.
According to Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations Jason Rusk, the company plans to have 35 by the end of 2024. And that includes West Harrison (at 105 Corporate Park Drive) in late August and, come early September, Scarsdale (at 652-654 Central Park Ave.).
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Explain the concept behind Wonder
Think of a kitchen that's preparing a curated menu of food from famous chefs, as well as dishes from other well-known restaurants from across the U.S., and you have Wonder ? which bills itself as a "a new kind of food hall." The company claims to be "revolutionizing the food industry by creating a mealtime super app and pioneering a new category of 'fast fine dining.'"
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That means fried chicken and waffles from Marcus Samuelsson's Streetbird; brisket from Tomball, Texas-based Tejas; filet mignon from Bobby Flay; salad from Nancy Silverton; and pizza from award-winning pizzaiolo Michele D'Amelio.
Restaurants for the Larchmont location include Limesalt, Yasas, Royal Greens, Fred’s, Burger Baby, Mainstay, Alanza, Streetbird, Tejas, Bobby Flay, Wing Trip, Detroit Pizza, Alanza Pizza, Di Fara, and Room for Dessert.
What makes Wonder stand out, said Rusk, is that customers can experience any combination of these chefs and restaurants all together in one order for the first time.
Delivery is the mainstay of the business
What's most important to know is that Wonder it's primarily a delivery service. And while you have the option to eat in ? there's eight seats in Larchmont ? you're really getting dishes to go.
Another important feature of the company is that food is delivered relatively quickly ? that's something they pride themselves on. Everything is made-to-order and delivered in under 30 minutes. The goal, said Rusk, is for customers to enjoy an elevated, curated dining experience.
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Let's talk food
So what's on the menu? Pretty much everything From Mediterranean cuisine to barbecue to burgers, bowls, sandwiches, salads and pizza. From Tejas, for example, you'll find pork ribs, salt-and-pepper rubbed beef brisket, pastrami sandwich and a carrot souffle made with carrot, eggs and vanilla bourbon paste. Alanza Pizza features a Bolognese pie, pesto pizza and arugula salad while Yasas by Michael Symon offers spanakopita, hummus, and a falafel and feta salad.
Tell me more about the company
The startup business began in 2018 and initially featured a fleet of trucks that delivered made-to-order meals directly to customers’ homes. In early 2023, they shifted to a model of brick-and-mortar locations. Wonder dining establishments can be found throughout New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Reason behind the name?
Rusk said Founder Marc Lore, the former president and CEO of Walmart U.S. eCommerce who at one point headed Diapers.com and Jet.com, loves one word names but he thinks another reason behind the name is its array of possibilities.
"Imagine something you've never been able to get or do before; that's what Wonder stands for," he said.
It's all about the tech
A Wonder press release said they'll continue investing in faster cook times, software enhancements, new menu items, new chefs and iconic restaurant partnerships. And they'll continue to invest in proprietary technology to drive operational efficiencies across its system, including back-end technology to drive down food waste and ensure customers’ orders never wait.
If you go
Address: 1298 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, wonder.com.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Good to know: Delivery zones include zip codes 10528, 10538, 10543, 10580,10583, 10605, 10709, 10801, 10804, 10805.
Coming soon: Post launch, Wonder will add two new restaurants including Walnut Lane and Maydan.
Grand opening deals: Grand opening is set for July 18 with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. The first 100 customers will get a $15 free meal voucher, a spin on the prize wheel for a chance to win exclusive Wonder swag and Wonder cash and samples from Limesalt, Bobby Flay Steakhouse, Maydan and Tejas BBQ.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Wonder food hall restaurant opens in Larchmont July 18: A first look
