Rideau Centre bringing in plenty of new restaurants

Construction on the Rideau Centre's new food court started last October. The new space will seat 850 people and house 16 restaurants. (Photo: Tyler Fleming/CTV Ottawa)

The Rideau Centre’s $360-million expansion is all about big name brands…and a better selection of food.

Offering a tastier selection means moving the shopping centre’s dining hall from one end of the mall to another, and up a floor, in a space that used to be Sears.

“We have a very diverse customer base here. Lots of tourists, lots of students, lots of business people…and they are all looking for something different,” says Cindy VanBuskirk, General Manager at the Rideau Centre.

The 35,000 square foot dining space will house 16 restaurants including: MLTDWN Gourmet Grill Cheese, Big Smoke Burger, Crepe Delicious, Amaya, Green Rebel, Grillades Torino, Place Tevere, Shanghai 360, Umi Sushi Express, Thai Express, Subway, New York Fries, KFC, Jimmy The Greek, and A&W.

Customers will also be greeted with a greener dining experience by using reusable plates, glasses and cutlery while eating in. A scullery is being installed to keep up with the steady need of clean dishes. All take out dished and utensils will also be biodegradable.

The new dining hall is expected to be opened on August 1.