‘A necessity lost’: Workers lament closure of sole regional shopping centre food court

The sudden closure of the food court at Peter Pond Mall has sparked speculation about what could replace it, while some mall employees say the loss leaves a huge gap for shoppers and workers alike.

The food court, which housed several vendors serving Asian cuisine, recently shut its doors. Solid white walls now barricade the area, offering few clues about what may come next.

Sept. 30 was the official closing date for the entire food court, based on a social media post from one business owner.

The closure leaves just two food-related businesses operating within the mall: New York Fries and Freshly Squeezed Bubble Tea. Together, they serve a shopping centre that is home to more than 50 businesses and welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors annually, according to Peter Pond Mall management Primaris REIT.

Located at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Hardin Street, Peter Pond Mall is Fort McMurray’s only regional shopping centre. Built in 1964 and renovated in 2010, the mall contains over 50 stores and serves as a major retail hub for the region.

For Jade Gillgower, an employee at The Treasure Chest Gifts & Décor, the food court’s closure is disappointing.

Gillgower, who was born and raised in Fort McMurray, has worked at the store for nearly two years. The business relocated from Centennial Drive to the mall in February after struggling with visibility at its previous location.

“We were previously on Centennial Drive. We didn’t have a storefront location. It was upstairs, so a lot of people didn’t really know about us,” she said. “Since we’ve been in the mall, it’s been really good. We love it here.”

Still, she said losing the food court changes the shopping experience.

“Honestly, it sucks,” said Gillgower. “When you think about going to the mall, spending the day shopping or bringing your kids, there’s nowhere to sit down and have a drink or a meal with your family.”

She noted the closure could be particularly difficult for seniors, families, residents with accessibility needs and others who may need a break while shopping.

“Not everybody is able to walk around for long periods of time,” she said. “For people with a bunch of kids, it’s nice to have somewhere to stop and rest.”

While encouraged by the arrival of new retailers, Gillgower said she hopes mall management introduces another gathering space.

“Maybe (the management) can do a seating area or bring in a coffee shop with some tables,” she said. “It’s strange that it closed right before Christmas, when the mall is usually busier.”

Miranda King, an employee at La Vie en Rose, said a food court is essential to any shopping centre.

“If you’re going to call it a mall, a mall needs to have a food court,” King said. “I feel like that’s a necessity.”

King said the closure has reduced food options for employees working full shifts.

“If I’m on a 30-minute break and need to grab something to eat, there aren’t as many choices anymore,” she said.

Originally from Halifax, King said she has never seen an entire food court permanently close without a clear replacement plan.

“I’ve seen food courts close for renovations or because stores were changing over, but I’ve never seen an entire food court close and not know whether it’s coming back,” she said. “That’s concerning.”

In a statement, Primaris REIT said it is continuing to review future opportunities for the space.

“Primaris is committed to enhancing the shopping experience for our customers and strengthening our tenant mix at Peter Pond Mall,” the company said. “As part of our ongoing efforts to support the long-term success of the centre, we continuously evaluate opportunities and explore potential leasing initiatives and look forward to sharing updates with our community when there is a formal announcement to make.”

No timeline has been announced for a replacement tenant or future use of the former food court space.

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