Westfield Topanga, a prominent shopping mall in the Los Angeles region, has relaunched its food hall, Topanga Social, in an effort to revitalize the space left vacant by the closure of Sears. The food hall, which initially opened in 2023 with upscale dining options and an enhanced atmosphere, struggled to attract and retain customers, leading to the departure of most original tenants.
In response, the mall underwent a substantial overhaul during the summer of 2024, introducing new management and a fresh lineup of eateries focused on nostalgic and innovative food offerings. The new approach features a rotating roster of local chefs and corporate-sponsored pop-ups, including unique creations such as Cheez-It-flavored cheesesteak sandwiches. According to Westfield Topanga’s general manager, Logan Abbene, these strategic changes have begun to yield positive results, with visitors spending more time in the food hall and activity levels increasing weekly.
The transformation reflects a broader trend among American malls seeking to reinvent themselves as culinary destinations amid changing consumer habits. With many shoppers opting to browse and purchase goods online, physical retail centers have pivoted toward upmarket food halls and sit-down restaurants as a way to boost foot traffic and remain relevant. Food hall consultant Phil Colicchio notes that this format continues to perform on par with or better than traditional restaurants and highlights its resilience and flexibility within modern hospitality. There are currently more than 450 food halls operating in the United States, with over 100 more planned.
Topanga Social occupies a portion of the former Sears space at Westfield Topanga, adjacent to the mall’s traditional food court on the second floor, which still hosts familiar brands like Panda Express, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Jamba Juice. The original food court dates back to 2007, following the closure of the mall’s ice rink, which had been a central feature since the mall’s opening in 1964.
When Topanga Social debuted three years ago, it included outlets such as Fat Sal’s, Mini Kabob, Burrata House, Poke Me, and Shrimp Daddy, alongside bars, live music, and DJs. However, some customers voiced complaints about noise levels, food quality, pricing, and the centralized ordering kiosks, which many found inconvenient. The recent relaunch has addressed these concerns by eliminating the centralized payment system and kitchen, while bringing in diverse vendors to operate on temporary rotations.
One notable new tenant is Chain, a pop-up restaurant with Hollywood ties, co-founded by actor and writer B.J. Novak. Chain’s menu offers upscale reinterpretations of popular fast-food items, developed with input from Michelin-starred chefs. Signature dishes at Topanga Social include chef Mei Lin’s $17 Mapo Wagyu Cruncho Perfecto and chef Calvin Eng’s $16 Crispy Cantonese Fishwich. Chain also experiments with branded collaborations, such as the Cheeze-It Court, which featured snacks infused with the iconic cracker’s flavor, and partnerships with General Mills to create cereal-inspired desserts.
Looking ahead, Topanga Social plans to add Kura Revolving Sushi, while the wider mall is preparing to introduce Din Tai Fung, a top-grossing global restaurant chain, in mid-2027. The restaurant will occupy a reconfigured space created by merging four retail units and relocating a Tesla dealership.
Despite these innovations, the existing food court remains popular, according to Abbene. “No one stopped going to the food court,” he said, suggesting that Topanga Social’s evolution complements rather than replaces the mall’s longstanding dining options. The ongoing efforts to recalibrate the food hall underline the challenges and opportunities facing malls in adapting to shifting consumer preferences and dining trends.