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Southern California-based Passco Companies, LLC announced that Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, Pieology and Dunkin’ Donuts would all open later this year. 

“We continue to find new ways to elevate Hanford Mall, and the addition of these new eateries will provide fresh, exciting options to local shoppers,” said Joanne Doerter, general manager at Hanford Mall. 

The announcement comes on the heels of news that teen-retailer Forever 21 will permanently close on April 1. The store currently occupies 80,000-square-feet of retail space and is an anchor tenant at the mall.

Going forward, Doerter said the firm will focus more on food and entertainment and the restaurant additions are expected to help increase foot traffic at the mall.

“We anticipate that the new eateries at this property will draw new and repeat customers, and will eventually enhance the overall customer experience as we continue to deliver a high-quality shopping and dining experience to the Hanford community,” Doerter said. 

Each of the restaurants would be a first for the Hanford area, although fast-casual pizza parlor Pieology, Five Guys, and Buffalo Wild Wings have locations in the nearby communities of Fresno and Visalia. 

Last year, Massachusetts-based chain Dunkin’ Donuts announced plans to open 17 locations across the Central Valley. While the first few were rumored to be headed for Fresno, the Hanford Mall restaurant could be one of the first to open in the Valley.  

“Each of these eateries are extremely popular among customers, which will contribute to a continued enhancement of the overall customer experience at Hanford Mall. We look forward to continuing to bring new options to this local destination,” Doerter said.