Major shopping mall upgrades food court and retail experience in Brampton

Bramalea City Centre is aiming to elevate the shopping experience for customers with a refreshed South Food Court that features new tenants, expanded seating and what management says is a renewed investment in the long-term future of one of Canada’s largest malls.

Andrew Butler, general manager of Bramalea City Centre, said the renovation is designed to modernize a space that had not seen a major update in more than two decades.

The South Food Court, originally renovated in 2002, has now been upgraded as part of a broader reinvestment in the property, which first opened in 1973 and now spans roughly 1.4 million square feet of retail space, along with additional on-site office space.

Butler said food continues to play a central role in how people enjoy shopping centres.

“Food is now a key part of the shopping experience,” he said. “What we wanted to do here was elevate the experience for our guests while also signalling to both consumers and tenants that the ownership group is prepared to invest in this asset.”

The renovation does not increase the total number of food vendors in the South Food Court, but it does introduce new additions, including Poulet Rouge and Szechuan Express.

The mall also recently added Craig’s Cookies, which opened in late 2025 and has already proven popular with customers.

In total, the South Food Court now includes more than 1,100 seats, following an expansion of about 10 per cent.

Butler said attracting new and recognizable brands is part of a broader strategy to keep the mall competitive as retail trends continue to evolve.

“We’ve got the main brands like Tim Hortons and Starbucks, but we’re also bringing in unique retailers,” he said.

Beyond food, Butler hinted at continued redevelopment potential for the property, noting the site’s size and long-term redevelopment possibilities.

He said allowable density on the site is significantly higher than what currently exists, suggesting future changes are likely, although no formal announcements have been made.

“There are lots of plans,” Butler said. “If you’re not evolving, you’re regressing.”

The comments come amid broader speculation about future development at the site, including ongoing discussions with major retailers. He noted that Victoria’s Secret will be joining the mall’s retail lineup this year as part of continued tenant expansion.

While major changes may be on the horizon, Butler said the food court remains a key draw for visitors today, serving both practical and experiential roles for shoppers.

The update comes as shopping centres across the country increasingly shift toward food, entertainment and experience-driven retail to maintain customer traffic.

Bramalea City Centre remains one of the largest enclosed shopping malls in Canada and a longstanding retail hub in Brampton.