Looking for a bite to eat? A quick snack? How about catching a movie? If you answered yes to any of these, then you’re in luck. Recently, on Dec. 5, 2019, a Chick-fil-A opened in Wayne right next to the Willowbrook Mall. Also in Wayne next to Willowbrook, a Cinemark opened on Nov. 21, 2019. Just a town over, Wawa opened in Fairfield in November.

Students are thriving over the new eats. The opening of Chick-fil-A seemed to be the most anticipated grand opening since Playa Bowls in February 2018.

“I love Chick-fil-A but there was none really close by so I’m glad they opened one here,” sophomore Michael Babboni said.

Chick-fil-A anticipated a giant grand opening, expecting nearly 100 people to show up. Around 72 people participated in the grand opening, where 52 meals were awarded to the first 100 customers.

Across from QuickChek in Fairfield, a Wawa opened on Passaic Avenue. Students now have access to a brand new convenience store with all of the hoagies and milkshakes they want.

The final new opening is Cinemark in next to the Willowbrook Mall. Unlike the AMC Theatre only a couple yards away, the new cinema offers Starbucks, Eddies ice cream and Pizza Hut to satisfy all movie-goer’s desires.

“I think it’s better than AMC because the seats are more comfortable and they have better food options,” sophomore Ani Cocka said.

The Willowbrook Mall is arguably the number one spot where West Essex students hang out. Having these new eats at a very popular location is very beneficial. According to the 2019 American Consumer Satisfaction Index, out of 18 fast food restaurants, Chick-fil-A was ranked number one fast food restaurant with a score of 86 out of 100.

West Essex students no longer have to worry about where to eat. With these new expansions, who knows what else is next to open in the general vicinity?