“As part of an extensive remodel and an attempt to extend shopping times and maintain the energy levels of shoppers, a new food court at Tacoma Mall is slated to open April 29.The food court will be home to five new food merchants and two mall favorites. The new stores, all scheduled to be under construction soon, include:- Flaming Wok- Khan’s Mongolian Grill- Sarku of Japan- Taqueria La Fiesta- Villa PizzaIvar’s Seafood Bar will be returning to the mall’s food court after a short time away, while McDonald’s will be relocating to the food court from their mid-mall location. McDonald’s will continue operating at their current location until after the grand opening of the food court in April.In addition to providing a central eating area seating up to 495 people, the food court will include new restrooms and a family restroom facility, a women’s lounge, and a play area featuring five play elements including a lighthouse, a canoe and a killer whale.Around the mall other retailers are being added to the list of merchants including Ann Taylor Loft, The Finish Line and All American Yogurt.Ann Taylor Loft will be located between Lane Bryant and Lechter’s Housewares in the main corridor of the mall. Ann Taylor Stores Corporation is a national retailer of upscale women’s clothing targeting college-educated women between the ages of 25 and 55 employed in professional and managerial positions.The Loft stores sell more casual lower-priced clothing than Ann Taylor’s regular stores. The Tacoma Mall Ann Taylor Loft will open Friday, April 28.The Finish Line is a specialty retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s brand name athletic and leisure footwear, activewear and accessories.Originally slated to open in late April next to the mall’s Rite Aid store, Finish Line is now trying to take advantage of a strong spring sports market by opening in late March. The store is located directly across from the food court currently under construction.All American Yogurt will be opening sometime in spring 2000. It will be located next to the Radio Shack store in the mall, in the Rite Aid hallway.The Tacoma Mall hosts more than 140 merchants and is anchored by The Bon Marche, J.C. Penney, Mervyn’s, Nordstrom and Sears. The mall’s renovation began in June 1999 and is scheduled to be completed in late April. A grand opening celebration is planned for April 29 and 30.”