The Western Mall In SF Undergoing Changes

by Jill Johnson
March 01, 2013 6:30 PM


Over the years, The Western Mall Shopping Center in Sioux Falls has evolved. While some businesses have become staples in the Sioux Empire, others have come and gone. So we ask who's staying and who's going?

Don Srstka said, "The service is great, they knew exactly what we wanted and they waited on us and they enjoyed us coming."

Srstka says he and his father have been coming to Champps Sports Bar & Grill since it opened 22 years ago. So long, that the staff knew where they sat, right down to what they wanted on their plate.

Srstka said, "My dad ordered a salad and he hated Romain Lettuce, so his salad had to be without Romain Lettuce and they knew and were careful about it."

But, as of March 31st, the long-time fixture in the Western Mall will be no longer. The owner, Alden Landreville is retiring, and so will the franchise's name, at least in Sioux Falls.

Then, there's Scheels All Sports right next door. They've already started their $25 million expansion. It will include a Ferris Wheel, bowling alley, shooting range and restaurant. The expansion is expected to be complete by the fall of 2014. But amongst all the construction, there's been rumors surrounding the bar that's right next to them.

Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse owner Kirk Kuepp said, "When it was announced that Scheels was going to be building an addition onto their building and they were going to be building to the South toward Borrowed Bucks, I think the rumors started that Bucks might be closing, that we might be selling out to Scheels."

Kuepp says although Borrowed Buck Roadhouse isn't owned by The Western Mall,  they do have an understanding.

Kuepp said, "There's no truth to it. We're not closing. We are doing some construction over the summer. Our parking lot will be done in conjunction with their parking lot."

A parking lot that they'll soon be sharing. After all, Scheels needs Bucks' space during the day and after 19-years-of doing business, Bucks still needs theirs at night.
    
"We're not going anywhere, we're going to keep doing what we're doing," said Kuepp.

The manager of Champps says the Sports Bar & Grill has been purchased by owner of The Western Mall. However, The Western Mall has yet to confirm that.

A lot is happening within the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls as well. Sephora, ULTA, Teavana, Victoria's Secret PINK and Oakley will be coming to the mall in 20-13. New York & Company is being remodeled and The Children's Place is relocating to the Macy's wing. Also, Dick's Sporting Goods, the largest sporting goods retailer in the country is planning to build a store onto the Empire Mall.