Maker of craveable mall treats unveils huge restaurant reboot | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Many of us remember spending our teenage years at the mall. Whether it was actual shopping, hanging out with friends, or finding any excuse not to do homework, the mall was the place we could all escape to when we didn’t want to sit around bored at home.

If you’ve been shopping at malls for a long time, you’ve probably seen your share of changes, since many retailers have come and gone through the years.

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The truth is that it’s been hard for mall mainstays to stay alive given the major shift in consumer spending that’s unfolded over the past decade.

Consumers have been increasingly ditching malls in favor of online and big-box retailers. And since the days of the pandemic, malls have somehow become less of a draw.

In fact, the biggest benefit of malls is what some people would call their biggest drawback — the massive selection of stores to choose from.

Navigating a mall can be overwhelming. And sometimes, it’s a lot easier to order the things you need off of Amazon and call it a day.

A popular mall restaurant shares an exciting update.

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The mall dining experience is unique

If you have fond memories of hanging out at the mall, you’ve probably done your fair share of eating there.

Mall food courts typically offer a wide selection of cuisines. And while you’re not exactly getting the fine dining experience, it’s a good way to take a load off in the midst of your shopping or walking around.

If you’re a fan of mall food, you may be someone whose mouth waters when you see a sign for Sbarro pizza or pass a Mrs. Fields. And if cookies aren’t your jam, there’s nothing like a warm Cinnabon to make you feel like all is right with the world.

It’s also a nice thing that some of the most popular mall restaurants we all remember are still alive and kicking. But that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a refresh.

Auntie Anne’s get a serious upgrade

We can’t talk about malls and food courts without mentioning Auntie Anne’s, owned by GoTo Foods. Known for its sweet and savory soft pretzels that eat like a meal, Auntie Anne’s is a favorite among many mall shoppers.

Now, more than 150 Auntie Anne’s locations are getting a remodel that the company hopes will enhance the customer experience. Not only is the brand getting a new design, but its layout will change so that customers can get a clear view of the kitchen and watch their favorite products being made.

The Auntie Anne’s revamp also includes digital menus and a dedicated pickup area for mobile orders to alleviate congestion.

“This modernized design is a reflection of how we’re evolving to meet our guests wherever they are, while offering franchisees the flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency they need to be successful,” said GoTo Foods Brands President Michael Freeman.

“We’re building a brand experience that’s adaptable, future-ready, and deeply connected to how people snack and dine today.”

Of course, the big question is whether Auntie Anne’s will introduce new menu items as part of its brand overhaul.

Auntie Anne’s has been known to mix up its menu, whether by adding new drinks to its lineup or offering up new versions of its now-popular pretzel nuggets. It stands to reason that some fun surprises could pop up at a time when the company is working on a rebrand.

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But even if nothing changes on Auntie Anne’s menu just yet, at the end of the day, it’s that warm, soft, classic pretzel that’s really the restaurant’s greatest draw. As long as Auntie Anne’s sticks to that winning formula, customers are apt to be happy.