Two Columbia Mall Tenants Leaving, Staying in Grand Forks

Maurice's and West African Cuisine are both leaving Grand Forks' Columbia Mall this fall, city officials confirm.

Maurice's and West African Cuisine Leaving Columbia Mall

The Grand Forks Herald just reported that Maurice's and West African Cuisine would be moving out of the mall, but customers can rest assured that they will still be staying in Grand Forks.

The source says several other businesses have left the mall in recent years. City Administrators say the mall has lost $23 million in value over the last 12 years, leaving it at a total value of $8 million. Many business owners have close up shop or left their mall storefronts for more profitable locations.

Maurice's commented on a Facebook post that the store would simply be relocating to the former Buff City Soap space, next to HomeGoods on 32nd Avenue South. According to KNOX.com Buff City Soaps closed permanently back in December of 2025.

West African Cuisine was the only restaurant in the mall's food court, and now it's officially moved into the Midtown District, in the old Melissa Cocina space, on August 1st.

(Also Read: Date & Vendors Announced for Bismarck's 10th Annual Deer Widows Vendor Show)

Stores Left in The Columbia Mall

With Maurice's and West African Cuisine gone, about 17 businesses will remain in the Columbia Mall. City officials say reversing the mall's declining value remains a priority as Grand Forks continues to see growth downtown and near UND.

Malls Profitability Declining Across The Country

Sadly, we've seen a similar trend all across the country. Stores are leaving left and right due to high rent and loss of foot traffic. Many malls have closed completely. We're only just now seeing this trend hit North Dakota.