LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Park Plaza Mall is making some changes to its food scene.
The new venture capital owners have announced some new additions to keep the mall thriving, and they hope a new restaurant will help draw more people in.
Malls are adapting nationwide, trying to attract more shoppers, including at Park Plaza.
"A good start is the fact that someone, I guess, bought this place and has enough love for it and vision that they want to do cool stuff like that," shopper Chris Terry said.
Park Plaza recently announced a new sit-down restaurant and craft brew pub, Mr. Brews Taphouse, which will open later this year.
That's the first sit-down restaurant to open at the mall since Second Horizon Capital took ownership last year.
"We're very excited to have a sit-down restaurant here," Park Plaza General Manager Teresa Poe said. "Mr. Brews, being the first in the state of Arkansas, we welcome them to Midtown, where our customers and tenants are looking forward to a new dining option later this year."
That's not the only new addition to the mall.
Poe said they have a list of potential tenants they hope to announce soon.
Local business owner Robert Addison plans to open Turtle in the Way Cafe in Park Plaza, which will serve healthy options and Nexus coffee.
"Park Plaza has a well-known history for Midtown, and we are looking to change and evolve with that from the community needs," Poe said.
Poe said community and entertainment are big focuses for the new owners.
"New passerbys can come in and see all the small businesses that we have ongoing entertainment with marketing events monthly with health and wellness initiatives as well as family and kid-friendly events throughout the year," Poe said.
Little Rock Vice Mayor Kathy Webb said she's enjoyed participating in the mall's recent events.
"I don't think a lot of people realize that they're at 90% occupancy, which is great," Webb said. "I am very enthusiastic about the changes we've seen in their partnership with the Museum of Discovery. It has been working out wonderfully well."
She said she looks forward to seeing this trend continue.
"It's an important anchor, not only for Ward 3, but for the city," Webb said.
Mr. Brews Taphouse will be located near Park Plaza's south entrance facing West Markham and is expected to open later this year.