Meadowbrook Mall lost one of its original stores this week. Tilt, which opened when the mall opened its doors in 1983, has closed.

 

Joe Bell, the director of corporate communications for the Ohio-based Cafaro Corporation, confirmed the closing of the business. When Meadowbrook Mall opened in the 1980s, Tilt went by the name Goldmine and was located near the food court. Today, the now closed store front of what Bell referred to as Tilt Studio is located on the opposite end of the mall across from Marshall’s.

 

“We sure hate to see that happen, for any business, but particularly one that’s been there since the beginning. Closing of businesses that have been around for such a long time do occur,” said Bell. “I don’t think you’ll find any shopping mall in America that has more than a couple of its original tenants still there.”

 

While Bell was able to confirm the bad news, he also was able to confirm good news as well. The 6,800 square foot space Tilt occupied won’t be empty for long.

 

“It’s a very fortunate thing from a timing standpoint, but we have a group that will be going in and somewhat soon,” said Bell.

 

Even better for those hoping something will be available on the entertainment side of the venue for youngsters, of which Tilt was meeting the need, is that it will be another entertainment venue. Bell said the group coming in its place will be Boardwalk Arcade and Confections.

 

“The owners will be remodeling the space with the theme being based on the sights, sounds and tastes you would see at boardwalks in the past such as Atlantic City,” said Bell. “In some ways, it will share some of the characteristics of Tilt with the games, but there will be a heavier emphasis on the boardwalk aspect of things.”

 

What the emphasis will focus highly on that differs is food. Bell said food will be served in a new restaurant component inside the space.

 

“It’s not a sit down style of restaurant in that sense, but you can get a bite to eat and find a place to sit while everyone is enjoying their time there,” said Bell. “It’s an interesting and unique concept.”

 

The new concept is expected to open before the end of summer. Bell said the opening is being looked at for August.

 

“It’s all worked out after we learned fairly recently Tilt was leaving,” said Bell. “Our real estate group had this group coming in already in mind. I’m not sure when we began talking with them, but it did come together quite nicely and in a timely manner. Plus, it’s a local group and we certainly wish them the best and hope for a bright future in Bridgeport.”

 

Stay tuned to Connect-Bridgeport for more stories on the new business as well as the latest on the vacant Sears space and soon-to-be-vacant Elder-Beerman sites.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the Tilt location closed for good on Tuesday of this past week, while Cafaro's Joe Bell is shown below during the mall's renovations in 2013.