INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Head to Independence Center mall and you'll notice some changes. The popular mall will be sold in a foreclosure sale. A popular restaurant has already closed its doors.
The mall officially goes up for a foreclosure sale tomorrow and, today, Applebee's restaurant removed its signs.
We reached out to the franchise owner, Apple Central, LLC, for comment. Our calls were not returned. This comes after a woman claimed she was racially profiled at the restaurant.
We also called city leaders in Independence. They didn't want to talk about the restaurant or the future of the foreclosed mall on camera. They told 41 Action News the mall has 90 percent occupancy and they're optimistic that a new buyer will take over. Shoppers are equally as hopeful.
Jessica Funk recalls going to Independence Center as a teen.
"Even now, I'll come over for lunch or to do some shopping. I'm not too worried that it would close. At least, I hope not," said Funk.
Mike Russell is a commercial realtor. He says an auction could drive up the price of the property.
"Once the reserve price is met, that means the person with the highest bid is required to buy that property," said Russell.
The owner has not released any more information about the foreclosure sale. It's scheduled for Friday.
