Mall culture’s comeback inspires Cheez-It pop-up

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Mall culture’s comeback inspires Cheez-It pop-up

26 Aug 2026

Lily Cota

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

CHICAGO — This September, Cheez-It is bringing mall nostalgia back by teaming up with Chain — the American Pop Cuisine brand founded by celebrity actor B.J. Novak — to debut the Cheez-It Court, a branded limited-run food court stall, at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Los Angeles.

“Following fan experiences like Studio Cheez and the Cheez-In Diner, Cheez-It fuels unforgettable snack moments with real experiences that bring to life the versatility and flavor of Cheez-It crackers in new ways,” said Nicole Sorensen, VP of marketing for Cheez-It. “The debut of the Cheez-It Court combines our beloved snack, made with 100 percent real cheese, with the unmistakable nostalgia of food court classics, transforming it into the ultimate gathering place for our consumers and their closest friends over their favorite snack.”

With Cheez-It-themed twists on classic food court staples, the immersive experience taps into the nostalgia of mall culture.

“Malls are back, and it’s not just nostalgia; it’s a younger generation discovering something an older generation kind of took for granted: that hanging out somewhere in person, with nothing to do but gaze and graze, is actually really fun,” said Nicholas Kraft, chief creative officer of Chain. “This collaboration with Cheez-It at our six-month pop-up is the quintessential mall food court experience.”

Open every day from Sept. 2-30, the custom-branded food court stall creates a “third space” with throwback-inspired employee uniforms, vibrant, cheesy cracker-patterned counters and Y2K design details.

The limited-edition Cheez-It Court menu includes three reimagined classics:

Cheez-Y-Bun – This mall-inspired treat starts with a warm cinnamon roll swirled with a Cheez-It Extra Cheesy-seasoned cream cheese frosting, finished with a shortbread crumble, salted caramel crunch and topped with a crunchy Cheez-It cracker.

Crunchy Cheez-Dog – Inspired by the viral Korean corn dog, this cheesy creation on a stick coats a Wagyu hot dog in a crispy panko and Cheez-It cracker crust and finishes it off with mustard and ketchup, a pickle, Cheez-It Extra Cheesy crackers and a dusting of the cracker’s seasoning.

Cheez-Steak – This tweaked staple includes sliced ribeye, American cheese, grilled onions and pickled jalapeños stacked onto a toasted Cheez-It Extra Cheesy seasoned hoagie roll. Complete with a dill pickle aioli and a Cheez-It Hot & Spicy cracker and chive crumble.

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