Mall Restaurant in Tennessee Shuts Down: Declining Foot Traffic Takes Its Toll

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It’s a tough time for fans of The Cheesecake Factory in Memphis. The popular chain has officially shut down its Wolfchase Galleria location as of July 14, 2024. This closure means 154 employees are now out of work, adding to the sadness for many who frequented the restaurant.

The decision to close the Memphis spot came after a thorough review and analysis, the company said in a statement. They’ve enjoyed being part of the Memphis community for the past nine years but, unfortunately, it was time to say goodbye.

Customers have taken to Facebook and Reddit to express their disappointment. Kierria Jones, a regular at the Memphis Cheesecake Factory, voiced her frustration, saying, “This is sad…. Memphis is just in shambles.” Many blame the decline in foot traffic at the mall, which they compare to a “flea market.”

The Wolfchase Galleria, which opened in 2015, has been struggling lately. Some locals mentioned that the mall has resorted to renting out its parking lot for various events like truck parking and bounce houses in a bid to boost revenue.

The Cheesecake Factory’s closure at Wolfchase comes amid the chain’s broader growth plans. They’ve been expanding rapidly, with five new U.S. locations opening in the first quarter of 2024 and plans to open up to 22 more by the end of the year.

Yet, another location will also be closing soon: the Chesterfield, Missouri, restaurant, which is set to shut its doors on August 18, 2024. This location’s lease is up at the end of August, but it will close early due to the mall’s impending demolition.

Despite these closures, The Cheesecake Factory is moving forward with new openings, but it’s clear that the challenges of mall-based locations are hitting hard. If you have memories or thoughts about the closures, share them below.