Several new stores and restaurants are opening in the Southlake Mall, where the food court will soon be full for the first time in years.
A new virtual reality gaming space and boutique fitness studio are among the recent additions to the super-regional two-story enclosed mall at U.S. 30 and Mississippi Street in Hobart, just off Interstate 65. The mall, the second-largest in Indianaafter the Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis, has recently signed more than15,000 square feet in new leases, Marketing and Business Development Manager Kristyn Filetti said.
The Zero Latency virtual reality gaming space moved into a 4,800-square-foot space on the second floor outside the entrance to JCPenney. It offers an immersive multiplayer virtual reality experience in which players can roam freely around, promising “raw thrills” and “a heart-pounding adventure.”
It also has a smattering of traditional arcade games, including The Walking Dead, Terminator and DC’s Injustice that centers around an evil Superman. Filetti said this type of venue for virtual reality is a first for the Region.
Vitamin T Fitness recently opened in a 1,046-square-foot space on the upper level by Kids Empire. It’s a boutique fitness studio that specializes in personalized training for clients. It also offers health classes and other wellness programs.
Miss A will sell beauty products and accessories in a 3,500-square-foot space on the upper level in the JCPenney wing. Swarovski, known for its crystal jewelry and gifts, plans to open in a 765-square-foot space by the center court.
Nico’s Flowers, a locally owned floral boutique, will open in a 1,408-squarefoot space across from the food court. In addition to floral arrangements, it will also offer gifts for all occasions. Snack’d recently opened in the food court, offering an array of international snacks like Thai Green
Curry-flavored Pringles, raspberry-flavored Pepsi, seaweed-flavored Lay’s, Starbucks Cheese Lattes from China and other global versions of familiar brands. It also stocks novelties like Crack Balls, freeze-dried candies and Dubai chocolates.
Noriteo will bring a modern take on traditional Korean comfort food to a 1,273-square-foot space in the food court, where it’s taking over the former Gloria Jean’s spot.
Mango Thai will bring Asian cuisine to the 607-square-foot Gourmet Cafe space in the food court. The Gourmet Cafe, which offers sandwiches, smoothies and other light lunch fare, is taking over another 630-square-foot spot in the food court this summer.
The new food court addition Incredible Burger offers specialty burgers like The Barbecue Bacon, The Nacho Man with nacho cheese and The Flaming Hot with Flaming Hot Cheetos. It offers build your-own burgers that are hand-made from scratch, lettuce wraps and free samples.
The food court has now been fully leased by a variety of national chain and local establishments that offer a variety of fast-casual fare. It previously had at least a few vacancies since Schoop’s and
Chuck Wheeler’s Vienna Red Hots moved out. Filetti said the new leases show that the Southlake Mall still appeals to shoppers as it continues to evolve in the face of a changing brick and-mortar retail landscape.
“Southlake Mall continues to evolve as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Northwest Indiana. We’re proud to attract a dynamic mix of national brands and passionate local entrepreneurs who bring fresh energy and innovation to the center,” she said.
“This leasing momentum reflects our ongoing commitment to curating an experience that meets the needs of today’s consumer while reinforcing Southlake’s position as a destination for the entire region.”