Was sure food courts were a dead concept until I walked into Lakeside Mall in Michigan last month

Figured those old food court places would be completely empty but there was actually a line at that Chinese place that's been there since the 80s and they were making fresh food, not just reheating frozen stuff, so what other spots are still holding on?

2 comments

2 Comments

holly_craig26d ago

Nah you caught them on a good day. I went to Lakeside last month and that Chinese place was literally scooping from the same steam trays that looked like they've been sitting since 2003. The orange chicken was basically a science experiment - all crunchy on the outside and rubbery inside. Most food courts are just ghost kitchens now anyway. My local mall's Sbarro has been a vape shop for two years and the Cinnabon smells like burnt sugar and sadness. People who defend food courts are the same ones who think mall walkers are peak exercise.

campbell.nora26d ago

Food courts serve a very real purpose for families on a budget who need a cheap, fast meal without the sit-down restaurant hassle or price tag. You can get a slice of pizza and a soda for under five bucks, try something different from four or five cuisines in one trip. My grandchildren love the variety and the noise, and sometimes a busy, bright food court feels more alive than a quiet restaurant anyway.