Rediscover Your Favorite ’90s Food Court Treats You Can’t Find Anymore – Daily Meal

For many of us, a trip to the mall in the ’90s meant a stop at the food court. These lively spots were filled with tempting smells and delicious quick bites. Today, though, they seem to be fading away as more people shop online. Fast food isn’t as central in our lives anymore, and full-service dining has taken the lead.

Yet, some of our childhood favorites still linger on. Chains like Mrs. Fields, Arthur Treacher’s, and Corn Dog 7 have seen better days but still hold a place in our hearts.

Mrs. Fields Cookies

Most of us remember the warm, inviting scent of Mrs. Fields cookies wafting through the food court. This cookie haven started in 1977 and quickly became a staple. Unfortunately, by the time the 2008 financial crisis hit, many were tightening their budgets. Mrs. Fields filed for bankruptcy but still operates in a few locations today.

Corn Dog 7

Corn dogs were a food court classic, and Corn Dog 7 was one of the best spots to grab one. While mainly overshadowed by rivals, it still remains a beloved memory for many. Although it now has only three locations, you might just get lucky if you’re willing to search a bit.

Blimpie Subs

Blimpie was a big name in the ’90s, aiming to compete with chains like Subway. It thrived primarily in transit locations, hoping to offer quick meals for busy shoppers. Today, you’ll have a challenge finding one, as most are in colleges or gas stations.

The Great Steak & Potato Company

This place was the go-to for Philly cheesesteaks back in the day. The Great Steak & Potato Company dominated during the ’90s but has significantly declined since. Only 63 locations remain.

Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips

If you craved fish and chips, Arthur Treacher’s was the place to go. At its peak, it had over 800 locations. Today, however, only a few remain, leaving many nostalgic for the signature deep-fried dishes.

Manchu Wok

Remember Manchu Wok? It was another option for American-Chinese dishes. While it had hundreds of locations just a few decades ago, you can now find only a handful in the U.S. as it struggled against giants like Panda Express.

Smoothies from Surf City Squeeze

Smoothies were a booming trend in the ’90s, especially at Surf City Squeeze. Although it continues to operate, it has drastically reduced its locations. With so many home blenders today, there’s just less reason to visit a food court for a smoothie.

Boardwalk Fries

Fries had a moment in the ’90s, and Boardwalk Fries made them special by cooking them to perfection. While it started strong, the chain failed to innovate and now holds a fraction of its former glory.

Miami Subs

Miami Subs brought a taste of Florida to food courts nationwide. By the late ’90s, it faced challenges that eventually led to a rebranding into Miami Grill. Though it’s still around, its reach is much smaller now.

Flamers Burgers

Flamers was known for its flame-broiled burgers, providing a unique experience at food courts. Unfortunately, as shopping habits changed and malls declined, so did Flamers, leaving just a few locations today.

The food court landscape tells a story of change. Once bustling with favorite foods, many of these chains now exist only in memory, making their past a sweet nostalgia for those who grew up during their heyday. Social media, with its myriad posts reminiscing about these foods, shows just how beloved they still are. As the world moves forward, the flavors of our past remain fondly in our hearts.

For more insights about the shifts in dining trends, check the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 report on consumer behavior!

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