What would I need to open a business in the mall? What are the usual steps?

Question

Wanting to open a dessert type of shop. Small like the Mrs. Fields or pretzel locations in the mall. I know that a cooler in front to place certain items on display is needed and something such as a refridgerator. Oh and the drink machine. Anyhow, does the mall supply those things or do we rent them or purchase them? And how? Any information no matter how big or small is appreciated. Knowledgable people who truly know are preferred to answer this question. Where do we start? This is totally new.

Answer 1

Malls are commerical buildings with leasing agents running them.  Like everyone else you apply for rental space. The agent will let you know if there is any available space for the type of business you have in mind. Some malls have contracts to allow only a certain number of such business allocated to a food court.

If you are successful in obtaining a lease, all the leasehold improvements, equipment, licenses, utility expenses and phones are on you.  It won't matter how big your city or town is, be prepared to pay.  You have to considerthat if there is no space in 'ready to move in mode' that you can use to limit your set-up costs, you have to deal with the months you will pay rent with no business while you get set-up. The only way to get pass the hassles, is if you can take over an existing business of the same kind and still you have to get your own licenses, set up bank accounts, phone accounts and maybe a direct billing for your electricity if it not adjusted in your lease agreement.