Pocono Premium Outlets: These 7 businesses opened in 2023

Maria Francis, Pocono Record
·3 min read

Pocono Premium Outlets has expanded to over 100 stores with the addition of Big Chicken, the fast-casual chicken brand concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

In the past year, six other new businesses were added: Lululemon, Box Lunch, Five Below, Everyday Goods, Spencer's and UGG.

Perhaps the biggest change was was in the new name: Pocono Premium Outlets replaced Crossings Premium Outlets. It was part of a multi-million dollar renovation project that was announced in February by the owners, the Simon Property Group.

A renovation project has been ongoing to upgrade and refurbish the center, including replacement and installation of walkways, fresh paint throughout the center, new signage, upgraded seating areas, a food truck pavilion and a new children's play area.

Big Chicken, pictured on Nov. 30, 2023, celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 26 at Pocono Premium Outlets in Tannersville. It is located next to New Balance Factory Store, near the main entrance.
Big Chicken, pictured on Nov. 30, 2023, celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 26 at Pocono Premium Outlets in Tannersville. It is located next to New Balance Factory Store, near the main entrance.

According to Pocono Premium Outlets Mall Manager John Ferreira, "We are always looking to invest in our retail growth and with all the new retailers added this year, we have reached our full capacity."

The most recent addition was that of Big Chicken, which celebrated a grand opening on Nov. 26. It is located next to New Balance Factory Store, near the main entrance to the outlets. The restaurant is operated by Memo II, LLC, a local restaurant group.

Big Chicken was founded in 2018 and is backed by a team of partners: JRS Hospitality ownership group, Authentic Brands Group marketing and entertainment company and O'Neal.

Big Chicken says it "fuses O’Neal’s home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s trending flavors." Items include chicken sandwiches and tenders, sides such as Cheez-It-crusted mac n’ cheese and ice cream shakes.

Also new in food was the addition of Fries N Sides in the newly created food truck corral at Food Truck Commons. Others include Sherri's Crab Cakes, Taste Of Brooklyn and more.

The Pocono Premium Outlets in Tannersville, formerly known as The Crossings Premium Outlets, is abound with holiday spirit and decorations on Nov. 30, 2023. New stores and businesses are open and extending their holiday hours as renovations and upgrades continue.
The Pocono Premium Outlets in Tannersville, formerly known as The Crossings Premium Outlets, is abound with holiday spirit and decorations on Nov. 30, 2023. New stores and businesses are open and extending their holiday hours as renovations and upgrades continue.

On the other side of the New Balance Factory Store, the new UGG store opened in November. UGG offers footwear made of high quality leathers, suedes and sheepskin.

The much-anticipated Lululemon, "a technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training" and more, opened in October.

Five Below opened its new location in the outlets this summer. The value retailer offers trendy products appealing to "tweens, teens and beyond." It is the third store in the area, with nearby locations in Mount Pocono and Stroud Township.

Also opened this summer, next to Puma, was BoxLunch, which offers pop-culture-themed products. The company says that for every $10 spent, it "will help provide a meal secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks."

The Pocono Premium Outlets in Tannersville, formerly known as The Crossings Premium Outlets, is abound with holiday spirit and decorations on Nov. 30, 2023. New stores and businesses are open and extending their holiday hours as renovations and upgrades continue.
The Pocono Premium Outlets in Tannersville, formerly known as The Crossings Premium Outlets, is abound with holiday spirit and decorations on Nov. 30, 2023. New stores and businesses are open and extending their holiday hours as renovations and upgrades continue.

Everyday Goods is a new storefront that opened this year across from PacSun. It offers leather goods, luggage and more.

The outlets have entered the holiday season offering new extended hours. Dec. 15 to 23, businesses will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Sundays, which are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Dec. 24, stores will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Holiday activities and entertainment such as strolling carolers will also be going on through the holiday season. More information, including the store directory, can be found at premiumoutlets.com/outlet/pocono.

Maria Francis covers K-12 education and real estate, housing and development for the Pocono Record. Reach her at mfrancis@poconorecord.com.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Pocono Premium Outlets: 7 new stores, new name in 2023