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A Nostalgic Look Back at Extinct Mall Food Court Favorites
For those who spent their formative years (or any years, really) in the 1980s and ’90s, the mall food court wasn’t just a place to grab a bite—it was the place to be. A chaotic symphony of clattering trays, chattering teens, and the intoxicating aroma of a thousand different foods, it offered a dizzying array of choices and prime people-watching opportunities.
While today’s malls often feature upscale “food halls,” they lack the distinct charm of their predecessors. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the food court icons that have sadly vanished from the mall scene.
Orange Julius: Remember clutching an Orange Julius while toting a bag of fresh Wet Seal purchases? That’s peak mall nostalgia.
This frothy, sweet orange drink, invented in 1926, was a food court mainstay for decades. Although Dairy Queen acquired the brand and phased out standalone stores, you might still find Orange Julius on the DQ menu.
Karmelkorn: Sticky fingers and the scent of buttery caramel corn? You were probably near a Karmelkorn.
A popular treat long before food courts existed, Karmelkorn once boasted over 270 locations. While a few stores remain, its mall presence is a distant memory.
Hot Sam Pretzels: Before Auntie Anne’s dominated the mall pretzel scene, there was Hot Sam. These soft, warm pretzels, often smothered in nacho cheese or even strawberries (it was the ’80s), were a must-have.
Morrison’s Cafeteria: Comfort food on a budget? Morrison’s Cafeteria was the place to go.
This Southern-style cafeteria offered classics like fried chicken and meatloaf. While most locations were rebranded by competitor Piccadilly, a lone Morrison’s still operates in Mobile, Alabama.
Kenny Rogers Roasters: Even country music legends couldn’t resist the allure of the mall food court. Kenny Rogers Roasters, known for its wood-fired chicken, once boasted hundreds of locations and even earned a mention on Seinfeld. While the chain eventually folded in the US, it’s still thriving in Asia.
Harvest House Cafeteria: A touch of “mall fancy” was offered at Harvest House, a step up from the standard lunch counter. With leather booths and affordable full meals, it was a popular choice until it closed along with its parent company, Woolworth’s.
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour: Over-the-top sundaes and boisterous birthday celebrations were the hallmarks of Farrell’s. This old-timey ice cream parlor was a food court staple in the ’70s but faded away in the following decades.
Chicken George: Founded by a civil rights activist, Chicken George was once the largest Black-owned fast-food chain in the US. Financial troubles led to its closure in the early ’90s.
Bresler’s 33 Flavors: Offering two more flavors than its competitor, Baskin-Robbins, Bresler’s 33 Flavors was a popular ice cream destination. The chain changed hands several times before disappearing entirely.
The Original Cookie Company: The irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies drew mall-goers to The Original Cookie Company. This Mrs.
Fields competitor was eventually bought out and absorbed into the Mrs. Fields brand.
York Steak House: An affordable sit-down steak dinner at the mall? York Steak House offered just that. The chain declined in the ’80s and ’90s, and only one independently owned location remains.
TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt): Riding the low-fat craze of the ’80s, TCBY was a frozen yogurt pioneer. While the brand still exists, its mall presence has significantly diminished.
Blimpie: Known for its fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, Blimpie was once a food court staple. Unable to compete with Subway, the chain shrunk considerably and now primarily operates in gas stations and standalone locations.