Dining opportunities continue to grow for visitors and shoppers of Wilmington’s Independence Mall. A variety of new eateries has popped up over the past year following the mall's recent large-scale transformation.

Joining Jersey Mike’s Subs and First Watch is Masa Sushi & Eastern Kitchen and Aye! Toro, which both recently opened. A California-based chain called Dave’s Hot Chicken will open its doors for business in March. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken is just that: hot and spicy. For those who like spicy foods, this fast-casual restaurant has a range of heat options. The menu from the chain’s website spans from "no spice" to "extra hot" all the way up to what it calls the “reaper.” Sides include mac and cheese and cheese fries. For a special drink, Dave’s Hot Chicken serves milkshakes.

Founded in East Hollywood, California, the chain is opening several new stores across the U.S. in 2022.

Next door to Dave’s Hot Chicken is Masa Sushi & Eastern Kitchen, located within a new structure built as part of the mall upgrade project. The establishment opened in October and features items such as seaweed salad and harumaki (Japanese spring rolls).

General manager Ashleigh Heredia said the restaurant is a place to try for those who prefer traditional Japanese.

“Our owner Jun Li is also the chef. He has extensive knowledge of preparing traditional Japanese for many years and enjoys perfecting meals for diners,” Heredia said.

Masa Sushi & Eastern Kitchen has a wide variety of menu items and for the COVID-19-weary, also has online ordering on its website.

Heredia said Li and his staff love the midtown area of Wilmington and were excited to be able to join the other new retail and dining offerings at Independence Mall.

Spurred by the renovations and new buildings, Independence Mall is going through a rebirth of sorts. In addition to its main anchors of Belk and JCPenney, the new section of the mall facing Oleander Drive is filling up with storefronts quickly. The external retailers are mostly restaurants but more recently, Spectrum opened a new storefront as well.

The new restaurants join mall food court staples and the stand-alone Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, which opened last summer.