Are malls making a comeback? The answer why might surprise you. [Video]

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — New research shows restaurant chains and food concepts are helping shopping malls regain their footing. They are driving consumers to the once-struggling spaces.

The data comes from Yelp and is showing promise here in Northeast Ohio, according to local experts.

News 5 has covered countless stories about malls struggling, re-branding and re-imaging the shopping experience. Or just doing away with shopping altogether, like at the outlet mall near Lodi.

Workers are transforming a dying Medina County outlet mall into an industrial park

However, restaurants have become a driving force in this ever-changing retail landscape. Data shows restaurants are helping catapult visitor numbers above pre-pandemic levels at malls.

Shoppers are then spending their money at various businesses before and after they dine out—creating a bounce-back effect for what has often been dubbed a “struggling industry.”

The days of packed shopping malls are beginning to return.

But they …