Grab Your Shopping Bags, We’re Going to the Mall Food Court
By Taylor Zabloski (Guest Contributor)
We’re back with another piece highlighting the food and beverage audio stories that make our mouths water.
Remember the mall? I spent many childhood days running around the clothes racks, and a few teenage years hoping to look cool by the fountain. At the center of it all was the food court. So, forget where your car’s parked, and let’s step into the heyday of shopping mall delights — audio-style!
The Entryway
Anne Beiler: The Incredible Story of Auntie Anne’s
That sweet, doughy smell welcomes you through the door, and you’re helpless to its delicious charm. Pretzels… A mall classic. What’s more impressive than those pretzels in the mall, however, is the story of their founder, the real Auntie Anne. From growing up Amish to intense personal trauma, Anne’s perseverance in business and life finally found its way to our taste buds.
The Founder Hour gives Anne the microphone, and her inspirational journey is oh-so-sweet. This will take you back — way back — to walking through those double-wide mall doors and into the heady aroma of those fresh-baked twists.
The Food Court
Chef Jimmy Wang
After hauling some hefty bags, the time has come for you to grab lunch. All your favourites are there: Opa!, Orange Julius, KFC… With so many options, how do you choose? This episode from Beyond the Plate catches up with the Head Chef of Panda Express, Jimmy Wang. He explains the origin of the “American Chinese” dining concept, and everything needed to create a new dish. Don’t forget the fortune cookie!
The Last Minute Snack
Dippin’ Dots: Curt Jones
You’re about to leave the mall when a snazzy sign catches your eye: “Ice Cream of the Future.” After hours of walking in circles, playing arcade games, and trying on clothes, you have room for more. You’ve got to try some Dippin’ Dots. Will they live up to the hype?
Guy Raz chats with Curt Jones, a scientist from Illinois who turned his strange experiment into a multi-million dollar brand. As with all innovation, there’s bound to be speculation, and Curt touches on the lawsuits and patent infringement in the company’s later years. It’s a riveting tale for such a small treat.
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I hope it’s been satisfying to soak in the nostalgia and learn some more about the foods and brands in our shopping malls. Who knows, once the era of online shopping draws to a close, the food court may even step into the spotlight once again. What are your favourite podcasts about the food industry?
If you’re looking for more drool-worthy food and beverage show recommendations, check out this post.
