Back in July of last year, the line in front of the newest entry at Meadowbrook Mall’s Food Court was long and had plenty of excited faces. After all, who isn’t happy when they’re about to get something sweet.

 

Rock n’ Roll Rolled Ice Cream, a new concept on ice cream, had opened shop. The sweet treats offered, which included fried Oreos among other items, was a hit.

 

Six months later, when the lease was up, so too was the presence of the new business. According to officials at the Meadowbrook Mall’s office, the lease expired on Dec. 31, 2019 and on Jan. 1, 2020 the business was out of business.

 

The Bridgeport Finance Department has the last official day of business as Dec. 29, 2019.

 

“The way it works at Meadowbrook Mall, when you’re dealing with a small establishment that is a single operator or is its own brand, you have a bit of a greater risk. It’s the case in a lot of retail outlets,” said Joe Bell, the director of corporate communications for the Ohio-based Cafaro Company that owns the Meadowbrook Mall. “The risk is generally less when you’re talking about a chain or a franchise.”

 

Bell wasn’t sure about any particular reasons for the store’s closure.

 

Ahmed Menshawy, who is based out of New Jersey was the individual that opened the rolled ice cream venture at the mall. He said it was his first attempt at the business. Menshawy could not be reached for comment.

 

As for what’s next at the food court, which has several vacant spaces, Bell said there was nothing concrete to announce. He said sometimes the spaces can be filled quickly.

 

“There are always people with food concepts and always someone interested that may want to operate a franchise of a well-known brand,” said Bell. “Typically, a franchise can fill an existing space quickly. We continue to work not only with those with food concepts, but all businesses that may be a good fit. Our real estate people work daily on that.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the now vacant space, while the product once made their is shown being "rolled" back in July.