Two traders at Mad Giant Food Hall- Patty Shack & Todo Taco- pledge to remain in Preston despite venue closure

Two traders currently operating at Mad Giant Food Hall in Preston’s Animate have pledged their commitment to stay in the city, despite the food court’s closure.

Yesterday, Mad Giant Food Hall announced it will close for food on Sunday night (September 27), after less than year of operation.

The venue, which only opened in October 2025, took to Instagram to confirm the sad news as well as revealing they will be holding a weekend long farewell party.

In the wake of Mad Giant’s announcent, the team behind two of the food hall’s current vendors- Patty Shack and Todo Tacos - has announced they intend to stay in the city even once Mad Giant has closed.

Owner Owen Haggith-Khonje said: “We want Patty Shack and Todo Tacos to stay in Preston. We’ve already had the privilege of feeding more than 7,000 people, and we look forward to feeding many thousands more.

“We have submitted a proposal to the incoming tenants and Preston City Council for both brands to remain at Animate, supported by a new menu and concept. We believe that, working together, we can create a genuine food destination and put Preston firmly on the map.”

News on who may take over the space has not yet been announced, with Preston City Council - who operate Animate - merely confirming that Mad Giant Food Hall were offically leaving.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “Preston City Council can confirm that Mad Giant Foodhall is vacating the Animate leisure and entertainment complex. The Council is currently progressing the necessary legal process relating to the surrender and exit from the premises, and therefore unfortunately cannot comment further at this stage. All other venues at Animate remain open.

“Since its opening, Animate continues to be a great success and a vibrant addition to the city’s cultural Harris Quarter, enhancing the city’s leisure and entertainment offer as a go to visitor destination for the whole family.”

Preston's Mad Giant Food Hall opened in Animate in October 2025 but had a rather rocky start- losing all its original food vendors by April 2026.

After a temporary closure, the food court returned at the end of that month but only four months on, it appears the doors are to close for good.

In an Instagram post on Friday night, a spokesperson said: “Sadly, this Sunday night will be our last ever night at Mad Giant. 💔

“We’re going out with a bang, so come down, grab a few farewell drinks and help us give Mad Giant the send-off it deserves including our final Open Mic Night this Saturday! 🎤

“A huge thank you to every single person who has walked through our doors, shared a drink, danced, laughed and supported us along the way.From all of us at the Mad Giant team, thank you. ❤️

“Come and say goodbye and let’s make these final few nights ones to remember.”