Remember when the mall food court was the epicenter of teenage social life? It used to be a spot where we met our friends, long before pocket cellphones existed. From Sunday brunches with the family to first dates, our local mall food courts have seen it all. In the time and age of the now-dead malls, we can’t help but miss these 10 food court classics.
10. Orange Julius
Remember how Orange Julius dominated food courts? It actually started in Los Angeles as a juice stand, but by the ’60s, they boasted 400 locations across America. In 1987, they became a subsidiary of Dairy Queen, but soon, their locations changed into Dairy Queens. It was in 2018 when all stand-alone locations turned into Dairy Queens. You can still find them (if you’re lucky) at a few Dairy Queen locations.
9. China Coast
China Coast found its home in Orlando, Florida, in 1990. Its parent company was General Mills Restaurants Inc., which also owned big chains like Olive Garden and Red Lobster. They serve classic Chinese American dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, egg rolls, and their popular China Coast Bread. While they had 51 locations by 1993, their spread also led to their downfall as they struggled financially with competition from locally owned Chinese restaurants. By 1995, all China Coast locations closed down.
8. Steak Escape
While Steak Escape still exists, it’s both the same and a completely different one. Since their glory days as a food court staple, they have transformed from a free-standing place serving grilled subs. Since they disappeared from malls, people said that they haven’t been the same since. Their popular menu item was their cheesesteaks and fries. Since many people are longing for them, copycat recipes online started emerging.
7. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Kenny Rogers Roasters only existed in select Seinfeld episodes, but dining here was a childhood memory for many of us. They first opened in 1991, but struggled to open up due to competition. By 1998, they faced bankruptcy until their last location in California closed down in 2011. If you miss their rotisserie chicken and muffins, then a trip to Asia will delight you, as they’re everywhere in shopping malls.
6. Morrison’s Cafeteria
Morrison’s Cafeteria was one of the oldest food court places back then, as it first opened in the 1920s. It was the place to be if you’re craving Southern classics. The rise of shopping malls helped expand Morrison’s Cafeteria to food courts. As the chain continued to grow, they also acquired Ruby Tuesday in 1982. However, Ruby Tuesday would outlive them as consumers lost interest in cafeteria-style dining, and they were sold to rival chain Piccadilly Cafeterias. Today, Morrison’s Cafeteria only exists in Alabama.
5. Kamelkorn
When we think of mall popcorn, Kamelkorn is the one we think of. It was founded in 1929, long before indoor shopping malls existed. As malls started becoming the center of entertainment during the mid-1900s, Kamlekorn quickly expanded their place. By the ’80s, Dairy Queen acquired Kamelkorn, where they sold them alongside Orange Julius drinks. However, they closed down due to the decline of malls and a lack of support from their parent company. If you miss them, you can still get a bag from their online shop or locally in Nebraska.
4. TCBY
Way before Pinkberry and Menchie’s, TCBY was the leading mall yogurt. Its peak reached 1,800 locations by the early 2000s. Mrs. Fields Cookies acquired the froyo chain; however, new and trendier chains like Pinkberry started to emerge. Soon enough, TCBY started to close down a few of its locations while it managed to stay open throughout the 2010 froyo craze. Today, there are still a few TCBY locations open, and if you happen to have one in your city, then this is your sign to scoop up.
3. Mr. Fables
This one’s niche is Western Michigan malls. It’s like a fast food burger chain known for their Olive Burger. They first opened in 1929 as a location for another burger chain, Kewpee. With that, the owner’s son bought the location together with his cousin in 1963 to open Mr. Fables. Soon enough, they opened in popular malls around the area as they expanded to 17 locations. The cousins sold the chain to Colonel Chicken Inc. in 1988 for their national chain dreams. Sadly, they didn’t reach the national level as the business declined with their final location closing in 2000.
2. Hot Sam Pretzels
Hot Sam Pretzels only existed in Netflix’s hit show, “Stranger Things,” in the fictional Starcourt Mall. But long ago, they were the leading pretzel place from the ’60s to the ’90s. Their success caught the attention of Mrs. Fields, who eventually bought the brand in 1995. In the same year, Mrs. Fields also acquired Pretzel Time (now Pretzelmaker), where they focused their attention. Many Hot Sam locations became Pretzel Times, while a few closed down. By 2005, the last Hot Sam locations shifted to Pretzel Time.
1. York Steak House
Speaking of food court classics, we couldn’t end the list without York Steak House. Found in 1966, it features a cafeteria-style diner with cuts of pork chops, rib-eye, and cold side dishes. It was acquired by General Mills Inc. in 1976 as it continued to expand to malls. After a decade, locations started to close down as the preferences of mall-goers started to change. The last York Steak House location is found in Columbus.