The mall’s manager is taking pride in its increased occupancy, now reportedly housing 54 small businesses and drawing 40,000 weekly visitors.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange Park Mall is evolving, with new businesses moving in and updates underway as the shopping center looks to the future.

The mall is now 98% occupied, according to mall management, with an average of about 40,000 visitors each week outside of the holiday season.

“Customers are enjoying the new look and they’re enjoying our new retailers as well,” said Orange Park Mall General Manager Randy Bowman.



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The mall recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in October with a new look. Some of the improvements include new signage, food court tables and exterior lighting, with additional updates expected by the end of January.

Among the new tenants is Helene’s Taste of West Africa, which opened its storefront Saturday.

Owner Leo Ngoune moved to Jacksonville three years ago and has been working to build a following for his West African cuisine. Originally from Cameroon, Ngoune said his passion for cooking started at a young age while spending time in the kitchen with his mother.

“I was always around my mom, always around the kitchen. I didn’t think about doing that because that’s what she wanted to do and unfortunately she got sick. She has dementia so she couldn’t perform and do what she wanted to do, but she was always cooking for people,” Ngoune said.

Ngoune is known for dishes including jollof rice, fufu and egusi.

Before opening his storefront, Ngoune operated a food truck outside the mall as part of a trial this month. Following its success, he was offered a permanent location inside the shopping center.

Helene’s Taste of West Africa is among several businesses opening or preparing to open at the mall.

Lavash Fusion opened in July, while 2nd & Charles is expected to open Thursday. Hungry Bee Subs is expected to arrive in November. Mall management also says a Thai restaurant and a bookstore are expected in the future.

Bowman said the mall currently has 54 small business owners operating inside.

“So we have 54 small business owners in the mall currently they are our pride. They’re my pride. I enjoy seeing them be successful,” Bowman said.