Opening day at the "Gourmet Gardens" food court in 1975
Menu for "Tuesday's 1865" from 1978
Annabelle's would replace Tuesday's in May 1983
Ad for Chick-Fil-A announcing the new location at Eastland Mall - July 1975
Spring 1977 ad
December 1979 coupon ad
Eastland Mall opened on Wednesday July 30, 1975 with much fanfare. The other mall of the area (Southpark) was many years away from being the high-end mall it would ultimately become. Eastland Mall was situated on the fast-growing east side of town, featured a skating rink, had two floors, and showcased a full food court ("Gourmet Gardens")-- all things that Southpark lacked. The late-80's saw the beginning of the downhill slide of Eastland that continues today.
The main restaurant in the '70's was "Tuesday's 1865". It had an old-timey feel to it. It was located near the movie theatres and would last through the early '80's when it was replaced by "Annabelle's". "Chick-Fil-A" held the prime spot in the food court (right outside of Sears) and just recently closed for good.
1975 photo of the Tuesday's entrance from inside the mall
Ad from October 1975
Ad from Summer 1976
1975 directory from opening weekend showing Gourmet Garden's residents as well as Tuesday's and Farrell's (number 24 was Baskin-Robbins)
REVISIONS -- 1-9-09 From 1987
I had no idea Eastland had a food court when it opened. I always assumed it was added later.
ReplyDeleteBesides Chick-Fil-A, the only place I can remember when the mall first opened was Orange Julius.
ReplyDeletethere was a greek restaurant Acropolis
DeleteThe restaurant owner who ran that Acropolis now has his restaurant in Mooresville at Track Side on Main Street. :-)
DeleteI'll bet that Eckerd and the department stores had eateries. Morrison's was probably there, too.
ReplyDeleteAs a native Charlottean, I remember both these joints. Eastland used to be really nice until the mid 90's when the neighborhoods surrounding the mall changed.
ReplyDeleteMorrison's, a theater and Eckerd's soda shop were all there until the mid 90s (1995-1996 to be accurate).
It sad how the Mall has turned out. I have very fond memories of the place as my Mom worked in the JC Penny's in the late 80's and I spent a lot of time wandering the mall while growing up. The Eckerd's had great hotdogs, and I got many Icee's at the food court on my way to the Arcade.
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody remember Victoria's Station( I think that was the name) and the 9 hole golf course near Albemarle Road and Sharon Amity? How about Goony Golf on Independence Blvd? Good times.
ReplyDeleteYes. I remember them all. Great memories.
DeleteEastland was the plac to be. Skating, movies, arcade, ice cream, Dept Stores, everything. The Christmas display was great. To the person who asked about the other places. I used to live a few blocks from Goony Golf. I used to eat at Victoria Station, Flakey Jakes, Lanny's, Friday's, Darryl's, Flakey Jakes, Rock'ola Cafe, Casa Gallardo, Fuddruckers, Bennigan's Farrells. Independence And lbemarle Rd. were awesome. I love East Charlotte. I loved growing up here. I absolutely loved it. It has seen hard times, but I love it. I will never leave. Home is where the heart is
ReplyDeleteI also grew up on the East side and loved it!(Hickory Grove area)I had my 7th birthday party at Ferrels. I took skating lessons at Eastland growing up, and worked at Belk's in High school. Our hang out was Regency theater on Friday nights...then the arcade and Pizza Hut. How about Glory Days!Roll-a- The teen night club. Roll-a-round skating Rink. Those were great times..and it does sadden me that many of these old hang outs are null and void now.
DeleteI really miss Casa Gallardo. There was also one in the parking lot of Park Rd. Shopping Center.
DeleteI just stumbled onto your site while looking for recent news of Eastland Mall. I started working at Eastland on opening day in 1975. I was a junior in high school at the time. I worked for the marketing department. We put on the promotions that took place in the mall. You might remember the Jerry Lewis telethons, the pickle palace radio promotion, and of course the elaborate Christmas displays to name a few. I spent many hours working in that mall, and am still in the mall business. Those were the days.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say thanks. I wish I had some memorabilia to contribute. But, I enjoyed looking at what you have. The old menus are a trip. I ate plenty of those $8.50 ribeyes at Tuesdays, and drank more than my share of “schooners”!
Thanks for the memories.
Joe
There was an ice cream palor in Eastland Mall in the 1980's. Always a line...great ice cream sundae's, milk shakes - banana split was a specality...so big you had to share. Anyone remember the name?
ReplyDeleteFarrell's Ice Cream Parlor :p
DeleteEckerd's had a lunch counter that I remember visiting with my nanny as a child. I have very fond memories of both Eastland and South Park Mall as a child, but my most lasting, warm memories are of Eastland, with my nanny.
ReplyDeleteFarrell's!
ReplyDeleteI remember going to Farrell's and buying those giant jaw breakers that would change colors as you ate them and they would take days and days to eat!! Does anybody remember the Record Bar?
ReplyDeleteGood times...
I definitely remember the record bar. One of the more popular stores to frequent when you were in high school, etc.
DeleteI just found this site when trying to google images of Eastland Mall... I didnt live in NC long, but when I was very little I have fond memories of these fantastic round orange and yellow lollipops sort of like a sweet "sweettarts" consistency we got at, I assume, a candy shop there...It was sometime between 1978 - 1980 - and I remember the chick fil a very well...
ReplyDeleteI remember eating a Chick fil a sandwich for the first time at Eastland Mall and thought the pickles made it taste so good...I had a birthday party at Farrell's and I have a polaroid picture of the waitress pouring a big cup of chocolate syrup on this gigantic ice cream sundae we shared...A special moment of my childhood frozen in time...
ReplyDeleteDid anyone go to Roll a Round on Delta Road (which in now Harris) in the late 70's and early 80's?...I remember we would order a "suicide" soft drink, which was a cup full of all the different flavors of soda....The pizza was great...I had a pair of black speed skates with red wheels and I thought I was something...Although I was more interested in the boys rather than the skating...It would mess up my feathered hair...lol...
ReplyDeleteI hung out there ALOT I had black speed skates with blue wheels. I loved playing foosball and slow skating with the girls. WOW I'm old.
DeleteThe Regency movie theater is where I spent most of my childhood. Along with the Roller Round skating rink.
ReplyDeleteAnybody hang out in The Drug Emporium parking lot? I would load my friends into my red Camaro and cruise up and down Albemarle Rd.
ReplyDeletei found a goony golg token wow those were the days an i will not go there ha,ha,
ReplyDeleteMy daddy and I used to bowl at the bowling ally down the road from Goony Golf and it was so much fun until the day I flung the ball backwards behind me....I was sooo embarrased, but it is funny to remember! I used to love going to South 21 and the waiters would bring your food to your car. I sure could go for some onion rings right now!
ReplyDelete1979, all of us Seniors from Garinger hung out at Farrell's almost every weekend night. Eastland was the mecca of our "good times" from ice skating to just hanging out. I remember the opening day of that mall and was so intrigued as a child to see the food court and an Ice skating rink inside a mall!!
ReplyDeleteWE USED TO HANG OUT AT EASTLAND MALL ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS AND IT WAS ALOT OF FUN. WE USED TO GO TO SPENCER'S GIFTS AND LAUGH AT ALL THE CRUDE STUFF THEY SOLD IN THERE. I MISS THOSE DAYS.
ReplyDeleteWow, what good times I had at Eastland Mall. I remember there was a mouse running around in the food court one time and this rather large woman screamed and struggled to get up out of her chair, she still had her drink in her hand! I will miss you when you go Eastland Mall, but I will keep my memories of you in my heart forever!!
ReplyDeleteMy first job was at the Arby's - 1987. What a mall - such a part of my teenage years!
ReplyDelete*sighs with a tear in my eye* my first job was there in chick fil a... I dont think anyone in our generation didnt hang out at Eastland, work there, skate there, or have a date there... Gesh what a pitty society has taken its toll..welcome to the future
ReplyDeleteI sure could use an Eckerd's hot dog right now!
ReplyDeleteSome of the other original restaurants in Gourmet Gardens included Akropolis, Orange Julius, Baskin Robbins, Taso's Pizza, and The Hungry Fisherman (with the boat on the front). I was glad to see that someone else remembered Farrell's--what a cool place to have your birthday...
ReplyDeleteThere was also a restaurant at the upper level entrance of J C Penney.
And, if I remember correctly, Eckerd had a lunch counter, as well (as a lot of them did, including the one at Milton Rd. and The Plaza)
One more thing: does anyone else have memories of the hot wings at Annabelle's?
Was there not a Morrison's cafeteria there at one time, or am I thinking of SouthPark before they became all Biff and Buffy? I remember Annabelle's but was too young to appreciate a good chicken wing.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Record Bar in the mid 80's and Eastland was a cool place. There was a place down the road called D-lights it was supposed to be a healthy alternative to fast food. I remember Victoria Station with the train cars and Goony Golf too.
ReplyDeleteI worked at that same Record Bar from '87-88....small world! :)
DeleteReading this reminds me of how Charlotte was years ago. I moved here an 1983 (27 years ago) and Charlotte was a very different place. I remember when business' were still actually closed on Sunday's. The rush hour was from 7am-9am
ReplyDeleteand 5pm-6:30pm M-F. There wasn't much traffic to speak of other hours. Independence Blvd. was the main drag and a very busy place. I remember going to the Knife and Fork and Camelot Music allot. There were so many great restaurants too like The Drum in Dillworth, The Cupboard on South Blvd, The Clock on South Blvd, Athens on Independence Blvd (when it ran straight into Wilkinson Blvd around that big curve. The Steak Palace on Albemarle Road, Casa Gallardo on Ambemarle Road, Daryls on Albermarle Road, The original House of Pizza on Central and The Oriental on Independence Blvd. I also remember Stanley Drug on 7th street, Drug Emporium on Albermarle and South Blvd, Tropic Pets on Wilkinson Blvd, Flakey Jakes on Albemarle and Sharon Amity in the 80's. Chisolms Steak House on Albemarle, Gillio's on Albemarle Road and Chris' Deli on Independence blvd. I love thinking about those simpler times in Charlotte before it became so big and crowded and I am glad I was able to live here during those times.
thanks for mentioning Stanley drug on 7th, been trying to remember it's name, as the place I went to lunch everyday when I worked nearby in the late 80's. where else could you get a plate lunch and tea for 1.75? and don't forget the best Chinese food ever over from the drug emporium, the Golden Palace! (but NOT the best anymore....) Edw.
DeleteYes there was a Morrisons at the back of the mall..so many memories of Eastland Mall!!I met my soul mate there in the parking lot,my first job was the Burger King across the street,had a birthday party at Farrells,skated a few times at the rink,had a few birthday parties for the kids at Gooney Golf,told my 2 boys we were expecting another baby at Casa Gallardo,many Sunday nights after church were spent at RockOla,wow I could go on and on..many wonderful memories of Eastland Mall and its surrounding area...*sigh*
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody remember the black and white pictures of Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne and Groucho Marx right outside the movie entrance inside the mall? I don't know why I thought of that.
ReplyDeleteWow forgot about them. Thanks for reminding me. They are fresh in my mind again
DeleteDoes anyone remember the name of the steakhouse at the corner of Sharon Amity and Albemarle Rd around 1978? It was across the street from Victoria's Station. All these comments sure bring back a lot of memories!!
ReplyDeleteIt was several steakhouses over the years - I remember it being The Boar's Head, Chisholm's, and Lone Star. I also remember it as an Italian restaurant, but can't remember the name of it. Seems like it was Mama something.
DeleteMama Lena's
DeleteI was born and raised in Charlotte...worked at the Annabelle's Restaurant at the bar for years. It was the best place! I loved growing up in East Charlotte, there was no place like it, and there never will be. Growth and change are inevitable but it is so sad what has happened to this place...but our memories live on!
ReplyDeleteI was also born and raised in east charlotte. I remember going to Eastlands grand opening with my Mother and her friend. I was in awe. I cruised the parking lot as a teen for hours befor going in to see the midnight movie on friday and saturday nights. My sister and I would have mushroom and swiss burgers and long island ice teas at Daryl's every payday and then go shoot pool at the Paleface on tryon st. till they closed at 1 or 2 am and then go to work at Mcdonals at 5 am. I moved away in 1989 when I was 27. Never moved back. I think if things had stayed the same I would have been back in a heartbeat. I'm so glad I got the best of charlotte in the prime of my life. I wish I had a time machine.
ReplyDeleteI will miss you Eastland Mall.....I will always have fond memories of you.....
ReplyDeleteAnnabelle's Restaurant was the bomb, whatever happened to it?
ReplyDeleteWhat was the name of the movie/bar/restaraunt that was beside the original Lebos at Independence and Albemarle rd? It used to show the Rocky Horror picture show all the time
ReplyDeleteI think it was Cinema and Drafthouse
ReplyDeleteI think it was the Capri Theatre, it was right beside Po Folks restaurant. My friend and I would go to the midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and do the "Time Warp."
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I do remember the movie/bar/restaurant now, we saw Blazing Saddles there and drank draft beer. Ha Ha.
ReplyDeleteThe Capri was beside the Po Folks restaurant near the Eastway Dr overpass. They didn't have a bar. Probably a good thing too, lol. Spent many nights doing the "Time Warp" too! In 1987 the Capri had an all night showing of the Friday the 13th movies and you were supposed to come dressed in your pj's!!! If you stayed all night you got a free movie ticket. I walked away with a stack of tickets, thanks to a very cute manager!!!!
ReplyDeleteBottom line : 1981 -1987 Charlotte,NC and the Albemarle Rd / Eastland Mall area was the greatest memories of a lifetime!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes!!! I grew up in Charlotte, too. I had my 7th birthday party at Ferrels.
DeleteTook Ice-skating lessons as a kid, and worked at Belk's in High School. (Go BIG I)
How about hanging out on Friday's at the Regency theater, then heading to the arcade and across the street to Pizza Hut! Or Roll a Round skating Rink
with "You Drop the Bomb on Me" or "Another One Bites The Dust" playing in the background. Anyone remember the teen night club "Glory Days"? Those were the days!!!!
Wow, I agree with you Chris Holland. I miss my youth, I may have a mid life crisis....
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe what has become of East Charlotte....it may have not been Disney World....but it was close, and in some ways, maybe even better. I'm glad I lived and worked there in the glory days. The place, time and people are always a constant thought. I ran thru Eastland before it closed....and thought of all the time I had spent there, and how the Albemarle road area was changed forever. No more Lanny's, Darryl's, Regency, and on and on. Glad we all shared some of the greatest times in this once grand area better known as East Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteAs one of the great hair bands from the 80's (Cinderella) sang in a song, You don't know what you've got til it's gone....
Deletefrom all the wonderful comments I've read it seems most of them grew up in this area, but believe me when I say it has nothing to do with the perception of youth. I moved my family to east charlotte off lawyers rd. in '84 till '92 at the age of 37, and I found this area to be like living in some kind of ''magic kingdom''. cant remember a time in my life when there were so many great restaurants and stores and fun activities to go to. we even joined a ymca hidden behind some trees on albermarle rd just a short ways down from shoney's. with an indoor and outdoor pool. it was like a small country club. something about this area I cannot explain causes me to think back on it often and wish there was some way to go back in time. really miss those days at Eastland!
DeleteI worked at Arbys in eastland mall anywhere from 1984 to 1987. My name is jean Norris. Anyone work with me or remember me ? I worked with Lorenzo there. Sadly I can't remember his last name correctly. I would love to catch up with him. We were such great friends & great memories. He married Megan I believe. If anyone remembers me or him please contact me at jnorris233@gmail.com. I moved from.charlotte in 1997 to Ohio. I do miss charlotte. I graduated from west charlotte in 1983.
ReplyDeleteI worked at the Rubins Burger Treats around 1974.
ReplyDeleteIt was the store in pic 4 of the revisions 1989 row of pictures.
Either the store in the picture or the store to the left of it.
Always swamped in the courtyard on the weekends and steady traffic all the rest of the week.
I was 14 15 or 16. Rode my 10 speed about 8 miles to work that job. Coolest mall I have ever been too with that skating rink.
I remember this boy about my age would come up and ask for a sandwich so I'd ask the boss and he say ok so I'd fix him the best rubin burger we had.
Good times.
I went by there in December and the Mall is officially gone.
It is a sin that so many live in poverty but 3 or 4 million dollars can just be pushed into landfills.
The real sin is on Charlotte, they cheated the owner out of the property and then bulldozed it. What a bunch of RATS!
I didn't grow up in Charlotte, but when you lived in the west end of Stanly County, Eastland Mall and the surrounding area was kind of like our own "Disney World" adventure. In high school I remember hanging out at the mall all the time, we even used to skip school on occasion for a day trip to the Mall just to see what went on there while we were sitting at school bored out of our minds. We just knew there HAD to be something going on that we were missing out on lol even after multiple failed attempts to figure out what we were missing, it was still an adventure just to be missing school! My five place to eat was Tuesday's and later, Annabell's. I also liked eating at Darryl's on Albemarle road. And my BFF & I used to go to the dollar movies at...I think it was the Regency? On Albemarle road. Great times! Oh, and our fave store at the mall was Spencer Gifts. Later, as a young mother in the mid to late 90's I used to love taking my daughter to the mall to see the Christmas decorations. I hate those days are gone, but at least we have our memories. Thanks to whomever posted this cause I was having a hard time remembering the name of my fave restaurant at Eastland Mall, Tuesday's!
ReplyDeleteTHANGS sure do change over
Deletethe years.