9 Pennsylvania Food-Court Chains That Fell Flat And 9 That Locals Hope Return
Food courts can be a hit or miss, and Pennsylvania has seen its fair share of both.
Some chains promised flavor but left taste buds disappointed, while others became instant favorites that locals still daydream about.
From underwhelming fast-food spots to beloved hidden gems, the state’s mall dining scene is full of surprises.
Let’s dive into the chains that flopped and the ones everyone secretly hopes will make a triumphant return.
1. Sbarro’s Slice of Disappointment
Mall rats across Pennsylvania once flocked to Sbarro for that massive, floppy slice of pizza under heat lamps. The chain’s presence in PA malls dwindled as quality took a nosedive.
Cardboard-like crust and cheese that hardened faster than concrete became its legacy.
Even with those giant cups of fountain soda, Sbarro couldn’t maintain its foothold in Pennsylvania’s competitive pizza landscape.
2. Villa Italian Kitchen’s Forgettable Fare
Villa Italian Kitchen tried positioning itself as Sbarro’s upscale cousin, but Pennsylvania shoppers weren’t buying it.
The strombolis looked promising under those heat lamps but delivered disappointment with each bite. Their attempt at authentic Italian cuisine fell somewhere between cafeteria food and frozen grocery items.
Despite prime locations in major PA malls like King of Prussia, Villa’s lackluster offerings failed to create loyal customers.
3. Sarku Japan’s Teriyaki Letdown
The theatrical teppanyaki cooking at Sarku Japan initially wowed Pennsylvania mall-goers with sizzling sounds and flying spatulas. Unfortunately, the performance outshined the actual food quality.
Their teriyaki chicken, while generous in portion, swam in suspiciously sweet sauce that bore little resemblance to authentic Japanese flavors.
The novelty wore off quickly for Keystone State shoppers who eventually sought more authentic Asian cuisine elsewhere.
4. Charleys Philly Steaks’ Identity Crisis
Selling cheesesteaks to Pennsylvanians is like hawking ice to Eskimos. Charleys Philly Steaks learned this lesson the hard way in our food courts.
Local shoppers raised on authentic South Philly sandwiches couldn’t stomach these mall imposters with their processed cheese and suspiciously uniform meat.
The chain struggled against hometown pride and generations of cheesesteak connoisseurs who knew the real deal wasn’t found under food court heat lamps.
5. Great American Cookies’ Sugar Crash
Those giant cookie cakes with frosted birthday messages once dominated Pennsylvania mall celebrations. Great American Cookies’ downfall came from their increasingly synthetic taste and skyrocketing prices.
Mall-goers eventually realized homemade cookies offered better value and flavor than these mass-produced sugar bombs.
The novelty of watching employees frost messages wore thin when the cookies themselves tasted like they’d been sitting in the display case since last Christmas.
6. Dairy Queen/Orange Julius’ Melting Presence
Summer mall trips in Pennsylvania once meant cooling down with a Blizzard or frothy Orange Julius. This dual-concept stand gradually disappeared from our food courts despite initial popularity.
Long lines for slow service and increasingly smaller portions drove customers away.
Pennsylvania shoppers eventually questioned paying premium prices for frozen treats they could get at standalone DQ locations with drive-thrus and fuller menus.
7. Subway’s Stale Strategy
Subway saturated Pennsylvania malls in the ’90s and early 2000s, promising fresh alternatives to greasy food court fare.
The chain’s mall presence diminished as bread quality declined and prices climbed. The unmistakable smell that once attracted hungry shoppers became something of a mall punchline.
Pennsylvania customers gradually realized the sandwiches weren’t particularly fresh or healthy compared to local delis and newer fast-casual options.
8. Nathan’s Famous’ Forgettable Franks
Nathan’s Famous hot dogs carried Brooklyn cred into Pennsylvania malls, but the food court versions paled compared to their Coney Island originals.
The limp, overpriced hot dogs failed to impress Pennsylvanians accustomed to local favorites. Without the boardwalk atmosphere, these dogs lost their charm.
Mall locations gradually disappeared as customers questioned paying premium prices for what amounted to standard concession stand fare served on slightly better buns.
9. Cinnabon’s Sugar Overload
That intoxicating cinnamon smell once lured Pennsylvania shoppers from three stores away.
Cinnabon’s massive, gooey rolls became less appealing as health consciousness grew and prices soared past the $5 mark. Mall-goers eventually realized each spiral packed nearly a day’s worth of calories.
The chain’s presence diminished in Pennsylvania food courts as customers sought treats that didn’t require a nap afterward or leave them feeling like they’d consumed a week’s worth of sugar.
10. Roy Rogers’ Comeback Campaign
Pennsylvania’s love affair with Roy Rogers and their legendary Fixins Bar created generations of loyal fans.
The chain’s disappearance from mall food courts left a fried chicken and roast beef-shaped hole in shoppers’ hearts.
Those perfect biscuits and the freedom to load your burger exactly how you wanted made Roy’s special.
Recent rumors of expansion have Pennsylvania mall-goers crossing fingers that the cowboy might ride again in Keystone State food courts.
11. Steak Escape’s Grilled Greatness
Steak Escape’s theatrical grill shows and customizable cheesesteaks once dominated Pennsylvania mall food courts.
The sizzling sounds and fresh-cut fries created sensory experiences that modern food courts lack. Shoppers still reminisce about those perfectly seasoned sandwiches loaded with peppers and onions.
With renewed interest in food hall concepts, Pennsylvania mall-goers are campaigning on social media for Steak Escape’s triumphant return to their local shopping centers.
12. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips Nostalgia
Long before food courts offered sushi, Arthur Treacher’s brought British-style seafood to Pennsylvania malls.
Those crispy fish planks and malt vinegar bottles created distinctive mall memories for generations of shoppers. The chain’s distinctive nautical-themed stands have all but vanished.
Pennsylvania seafood lovers frequently name Arthur Treacher’s as the food court option they’d most like to see make a comeback, especially in coastal and lakeside communities.
13. Hot Dog on a Stick’s Colorful Comeback
Those striped uniforms and energetic staff making fresh lemonade created food court theater Pennsylvania shoppers still talk about.
Hot Dog on a Stick’s hand-dipped corn dogs and fresh-squeezed drinks were mall staples before their retreat from the Keystone State.
The chain’s vibrant aesthetics would bring welcome color to today’s beige food courts.
Pennsylvania mall-goers regularly cite the brand as a nostalgic favorite they’d welcome back, particularly for those legendary fresh lemonade stations.
14. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s Island Escape
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue briefly introduced Pennsylvania mall-goers to plate lunches and macaroni salad before retreating to primarily coastal markets.
Their hearty portions of teriyaki chicken and kalua pork offered unique flavors in the standard food court lineup. The chain’s brief Pennsylvania presence left shoppers wanting more of those tropical flavors.
With renewed interest in Hawaiian cuisine nationwide, locals frequently mention L&L as a food court option they’d enthusiastically welcome back to bring some aloha spirit to Pennsylvania malls.
15. Great Khan’s Mongolian Grill’s Fiery Show
Great Khan’s massive circular grills once gave Pennsylvania shoppers dinner and a show as cooks wielded giant chopsticks over flames.
The build-your-own stir-fry concept let picky eaters and adventurous diners both leave satisfied. That theatrical cooking experience disappeared from most Pennsylvania malls years ago.
Food court nostalgists frequently cite Great Khan’s as the interactive dining experience they miss most, particularly the satisfaction of watching your custom creation transform from raw ingredients to sizzling meal.
16. Taco Time’s Authentic Appeal
Before Taco Bell dominated food courts, Taco Time offered Pennsylvania shoppers a slightly more authentic Mexican fast food experience.
Their Mexi-Fries (seasoned tater tots) and crisp burritos developed a cult following during their brief Pennsylvania mall tenure. The chain retreated to western states, leaving Pennsylvania fans without their fix.
With Mexican cuisine more popular than ever, local food enthusiasts frequently mention Taco Time as a brand they’d welcome back to bring some spice variety to Pennsylvania mall dining options.
17. Rubio’s Coastal Grill’s Fresh Factor
Rubio’s briefly brought California-style fish tacos to select Pennsylvania malls before retreating to coastal markets.
Their fresh ingredients and beach-inspired decor offered a refreshing alternative to typical food court fare. Those citrus-marinated fish tacos with white sauce created brief but passionate fans.
Pennsylvania shoppers frequently name Rubio’s as the chain they wish would return, especially as health-conscious dining options become more important to modern mall-goers seeking alternatives to fried food standards.
18. Great Wraps’ Healthy Alternative
Great Wraps offered Pennsylvania shoppers a healthier option before “fast casual” became trendy.
Their fresh-grilled sandwich wraps and frozen fruit smoothies created a loyal following among mall employees and health-conscious shoppers.
The chain’s gradual disappearance left a gap in Pennsylvania food courts for lighter options.
With renewed focus on balanced eating, locals frequently mention Great Wraps as the food court option they’d most welcome back, particularly for those spicy chicken options that somehow managed to be both satisfying and relatively guilt-free.