13 Mall Food Court Staples That Shut Down
Many well-known mall food court chains have shut down after years of declining sales and reduced mall traffic.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Mall food courts used to be filled with familiar restaurants that attracted shoppers of all ages. Over the years, changing consumer habits, economic pressure, and the decline of shopping malls forced many of these chains to close. What remains are a few scattered locations and the memory of how important these spots once were to mall culture.
1. Orange Julius
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
Orange Julius became famous in the mid-20th century for its frothy orange drinks. The brand expanded into malls nationwide and became a recognizable food court option. However, as smoothie competitors grew and mall visits decreased, many stores closed. Only a small number remain, often paired with Dairy Queen.
2. Sbarro
Famartin on Wikimedia Commons
Sbarro was once one of the largest mall food court chains in the United States. It was known for selling pizza slices and Italian-style fast food. The company filed for bankruptcy multiple times due to declining sales and high operating costs. Many mall locations shut down as a result.
3. Hot Dog on a Stick
TaurusEmerald on Wikimedia Commons
Hot Dog on a Stick began in California and became known for lemonade and hand-dipped corndogs. It was a popular food court choice during the 1980s and 1990s. However, as mall traffic slowed and new fast-casual restaurants grew, the brand lost ground. Today, only a fraction of its original locations remain.
4. Chick-fil-A (mall locations)
Altairkh on Wikimedia Commons
Chick-fil-A first grew through mall food courts before expanding into standalone restaurants. As the brand expanded beyond malls, many of its mall-based outlets closed. The closures reflected how the company shifted its strategy toward freestanding stores with higher traffic. The chain itself continues to expand nationally.
5. Panda Express (mall closures)
Coolcaesar on Wikimedia Commons
Panda Express originally relied on malls as a major growth strategy. Over time, it moved into standalone restaurants in more convenient locations. Many mall outlets shut down as shopping centers saw fewer visitors. The brand continues to operate successfully outside malls.
6. Mrs. Fields
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
Mrs. Fields cookies became a mall staple during the 1980s and 1990s. The company faced heavy competition from new dessert and bakery options. Declining mall traffic further reduced its sales. As a result, many mall stores closed, leaving only limited locations.
7. Auntie Anne’s (mall closures)
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
Auntie Anne’s was long associated with soft pretzels in malls across the country. The brand has expanded into airports, outlets, and convenience locations. Many mall stores have been shut down in recent years due to falling sales. The company continues to operate but with a reduced mall presence.
8. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
OldTimerBillySlater on Wikimedia Commons
Arthur Treacher’s was once widely known for fried fish and chips served quickly in malls. By the early 2000s, it had already begun a steep decline. The brand struggled to compete with other seafood and fast-food options. Today, only a handful of locations remain.
9. Wetzel’s Pretzels (mall closures)
m01229 on Wikimedia Commons
Wetzel’s Pretzels grew during the 1990s as a direct competitor to Auntie Anne’s. It had a strong food court presence but suffered from the same mall decline. Many of its locations shut down as malls lost customers. The company now operates more outside traditional shopping centers.
10. Manchu Wok
Saalebaer on Wikimedia Commons
Manchu Wok was a Canadian-based Chinese fast-food chain that expanded into U.S. malls. For decades, it was a common food court choice. The rise of more modern Asian chains reduced its popularity. As a result, many locations shut down.
11. Dairy Queen (mall closures)
N-Lange.de on Wikimedia Commons
Dairy Queen soft-serve ice cream and hot foods were once common in food courts. Over time, the company moved away from mall-based stores to standalone restaurants. Many mall outlets closed during this transition. The brand remains strong but has little presence in malls.
12. Cajun Grill
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
Cajun Grill offered Cajun-inspired dishes in malls across America. It was never as large as some of the other chains but was a common sight in food courts. Declining malls and competition reduced its footprint. Today, only a few remain open.
13. TCBY
Amebrahtu1997 on Wikimedia Commons
TCBY, which stands for The Country’s Best Yogurt, was a pioneer in frozen yogurt. It grew rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s with mall-based outlets. As frozen yogurt trends shifted and competition increased, sales dropped. Most mall locations have since closed.