Dozens of new stores greet shoppers with Baybrook Mall expansion now open

FRIENDSWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- Construction on the Baybrook Mall in Friendswood started in the summer of 2014, and their goal has been to open by Black Friday. Wednesday, despite recent weather setbacks, the Baybrook Mall Expansion celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting.

Shoppers can enjoy 30 new stores, some still in the process of opening. "We've got a great lineup of retailers out here - Zara, Kendra Scott, Sur La Table, Z Gallerie, It's Sugar," said Baybrook Mall General Manager Jeff Gionnette.

Restaurants include Perry's Steak House, Kona Grill, Bar Louie, Grimaldi's, Yard House, and Maggiano's.

"We've been open for almost two weeks, and it's been a huge success. This area is drawing in everybody, the crowd is so excited to be here, and we're all excited to see what's to come," said Eric Landgrover, the General Manager of Maggiano's Little Italy at Baybrook.

For entertainment, Star Cinema opens shortly and Dave & Busters just opened on Monday. Andrew Roeskovich, the General Manager of Dave & Busters Baybrook says their team couldn't be more excited to enter the Bay Area.

"Logistically, it was a no brainer for us. This is the fourth largest city in the nation, and it's growing leaps and bounds almost every single day," he said.

Expect 3,000 new parking spaces and valet service, and Gionnette says this is just the beginning of what's to come to Baybrook Mall. A power center is now in the works.

"The power center is going to bring more than 270,000 square feet of great big box names and restaurants."