[The Fayette Mall has undergone numerous changes over the decades. The two biggest recent ones would be the south expansion and the former Sears remodeling. As such, I will be trying my best to describe locations in relation to the rest of the mall, but it might be a little difficult. In fact, all of the changes to this mall would be worthy for a post one of these days.]
- Mango, southwest wing, south expansion; DI: This restaurant opened at a time when my mom wanted me to try different things. I suggested this spot as a possibility, thinking she wanted to go. Turns out, she only went because she thought I really wanted to try it. It was all but empty, being new and in the early afternoon. Maybe the windows looking out onto the further construction of what would be the mall's fifth, later fourth, anchor. I had a burger and natural fries. I didn't like potato skins at all back then, so I either tried to peel them off or chug them down with a lot of ketchup. I used up about half a bottle. We never went back, but it didn't matter as it closed fairly quickly. A bunch of different stores would take over the spot. Currently, it is a Five Below. A discount retailer in a higher-end mall, when there is already one up the road at Regency center. Ugh.
- Unknown bistro/cafe, southeast wing, south expansion; DI: We stopped in this later addition during a winter trip after the expansion opened. My mom loved it, but I didn't feel for it much. I had a pastry stuffed with chicken, broccoli, and cheese. Basically, it was an upscale 'Hot Pocket,' although I hadn't eaten any at that time. (Fan fact: When I did start eating them after I opened my store in 2000, the cheddar chicken broccoli was one of my favorite varieties. Until the great reduction after the pandemic, but that is a subject for a later post.) I also got a croissant, which was very good on its own. The bistro didn't last long, and we never went again. While there is currently a pizza parlor in that wing, I don't think it is in the same spot as the bistro. That spot was empty the last time I went. [During the 90s, I did experiment with puff pastry and phyllo dough, but not enough to warrant calling them restaurant clones.]
- [Unknown coffee kiosk, southwest wing, south expansion; TO/Starbucks kiosk, south end, central courtyard; TO: I'm combing these two places, as it was only my mom who got anything at either of them. First, the kiosk in the expansion was a small place, but my mom loved the cup she got there. That is until I suggested putting the chocolate truffle she got as a freebie into it. She hated it and threw the cup away. She never went back, but the kiosk wasn't open that long anyway. There is now a juice/smoothie bar in the spot. Starbucks was just past the central courtyard in the older section of the mall. My mom stopped there once or twice, possibly abandoning the line due to a long wait. She didn't really like it, even though it may have involved her favorite, white chocolate. Starbucks closed after the pandemic eased up. A new coffee business has opened up in the kiosk recently.]
- Sbarro's, DI: After eating at so many of the same spots for a while, I suggested we try here. Not only were they a Coke only establishment, their fountains didn't provide plain water, unlike those found in most places. So, since we only wanted water, and not a large bottle of it, they had to fill our cups with regular tap water, from the back. Ugh. We didn't like the slices that much, and we haven't eaten there since.
- Burger King, DI: I was shocked when I saw that a BK had opened here, right next to the main entrance. It made for some easy decisions to eat for a few visits. I probably had my regular meal. Unfortunately, the BK would close, possibly after a fire broke out that affected just their unit. It may have actually involved the next occupant though. The Burger King further north on Nicholasville Road also closed recently, but that was years after this one closed.
- Sonic, DI: Why a drive-in would open in a mall is beyond me. I can't be sure if either this or BK came first, or which one closed after a fire. Anyhow, I believe I always ordered a burger and a side the few times I got to eat here. After both place closed, a Moe's Southwest Grill would open up. I never saw it open after a few trips. I thought it only opened later in the day, although I may have been wrong. While there is a stand-alone location just south of the mall, I didn't register that fact too often. The restaurant finally left the mall unit, and a Popeye's opened up last year. I've looked over the menu, but it currently doesn't look like I will ever eat there. What is strange is that they wanted to open here, when there is a direct competitor across the court in ....
- Chik-fil-A, DI: This has been my go-to spot for a few years now. I just find it easier to eat here than try one of the more exotic places in the court. I wasn't too thrilled the first time I ate here, seeing how my first time at one years earlier wasn't a big hit. However, I was still a fan of chicken sandwiches. I usually get the deluxe grilled chicken sandwich. Still a big preference of mine, even though many places stopped carrying them. I used to get the waffle fires as well, but I cut back on them as they aren't a big favorite. I also save some cash. I get a small water, as I try not to drink too much caffeine as early in the trip as when we eat there. (I try not to use public restrooms, so I limit fluid intake, particularly for these longer, Lexington trips.) My mom gets the original, but who can eat chicken with pickles like that? Eating at eleven is not a first choice, but we avoid the long lines that way. At least we get a large selection of sauces that I usually co-opt for home or the store.
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