Remember your youth in Michigan when the mall was THE hangout? Gen X probably knows the vibe better than anyone. We weren't there just for shopping; we were there for freedom from parental supervision and romance under the fluorescent glow of the food court.

That familiar feel in the food court may be what revitalizes Michigan's malls. Many are already home to experience-based retailers offering indoor go-cart rides and axe throwing. According to Restaurant Hospitality, former anchor stores that once housed Montgomery Wards have been remodeled into trampoline parks.

Why Michigan Malls Are Going All-In on Food and Fun

A food court in an indoor shopping mall is seen along with an outline of Michigan and a remodel symbol featuring a building with a paintbrush circling around it.
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Back in the day, you'd grab a slice from Sbarro, a cookie or five from Mrs. Fields, and hang around Record Town until they asked you to leave. But today's malls are leveling up, swapping basic food courts for entire hallways filled with dining options.

CNBC reports that major restaurant players usually relegated to major downtown environments see the appeal of indoor dining and entertainment 'experiential' locations. Imagine the Cheese Cake Factory as an anchor store in your favorite mall. Some malls in Michigan dedicate as much as 30% of their floor space to food. That's a far cry from grabbing a pretzel at Hot Sam's before going back-to-school shopping at JCPenney.

The Future of Michigan Malls: Dining, Drinks, and Climate Control

Clockwise beginning with upper left hand image: Indoor go carts racing, a woman readies an ax to throw in an indoor range, a child jumps on one of several indoor trampolines, and a hand reaches up from a colorful ball pit.
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With the vast majority of Michiganders becoming increasingly comfortable shopping online, brick-and-mortar retailers continue to struggle. Taking a page from downtown environments, whose social districts allow you to shop and walk the streets while having an adult beverage, malls could offer a similar experience without dealing with the weather.

RELATED: 46 Stores That Are No Longer at Jackson, Michigan's Westwood Mall

Sure, we Gen Xers might miss the glory days of the mall, but this evolution feels right. Michigan malls are becoming what we always wanted as kids: a place to hang out—only with better food.

DEAD MALLS of Michigan: Flint's Courtland Center (Eastland Mall)

Originally named Eastland Mall when it opened in 1968, Flint, Michigan's Courtland Center has undergone a few renovations that have changed the original architecture and character, making it a classic Midwest mall of the era. Here's a look at how it looks today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

DEAD MALLS of Michigan: Jackson's Nearly Empty Westwood Mall

Jackson, Michigan's Westwood Mall once boasted 72 tenants and a lush retail environment. Today it sits with well over 20 vacancies and an empty anchor store. Here's a look inside the nearly empty halls of Jackson's Westwood Mall.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

DEAD MALLS of Michigan: Battle Creek's BLEAK Lakeview Square Mall

Opened in 1983 by Forbes/Cohen and anchored by Hudson's, Sears, and JC Penney, the Lakeview Mall was once Battle Creek's meeting place. Face forward to today, and you'll find nearly entire wings void of shoppers or merchants. Here's a look at the empty storefronts, corridors, and halls of Battle Creek's Lakeview Mall.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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