This is a fairly large mall, and quite handy for the neighbourhood. It's especially handy for anyone working or studying at Algonquin College across the street. In the years I have been coming here, there have not been a lot of good restaurants to choose from in this plaza: "Chances R" has been there only for ever! But more recently, a snazzy new Kettleman's Bagel, and a Popeye's have also opened up.These last two are not sit-down-get-service types of restaurants, but they are still popular. There's also a Tim Horton's nearby. The fact that there are so many take-away restaurants that succeed in this mall says a lot about the clientele here.
Loblaws is indeed the anchor store (as Jennifer P noted). I have been frequenting their take out prepared foods counter, and I'm pleased to see the variety of take out dishes that are ready for you, such as: fresh prepared sushi, various salads: vegetables and / or potato, as well as macaroni salad. Loblaws also provides the chain store standard of a whole prepared chicken for about $8.00 (this is usually too much for me to eat alone, just before going to class!)
This mall is sort of a big box store mall, a bit like an outlet mall - although I'm not convinced that the prices are any better than anywhere else. However, there is a good selection of stores here. Lots of clothing and shoe stores. It would seem that we as Canadians really enjoy our coffee, as this mall also has a Timothy's, and across the street at the college, there's a Starbucks in the Commons building.
I can attest that the parking lot at College Square is pretty much always full! So, do drive carefully. read more