East Bakersfield is set to gain a significant new retail and dining hub with the development of the 350,000-square-foot City Lights complex. The project, slated to open in spring 2027, will feature major retailers and restaurants, including popular chains In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A.
The development is transforming the site of the former East Hills Mall, which originally opened in 1987 before experiencing a decline in the late 2000s. Developers acquired the abandoned property for $7.2 million in 2021, and the remaining structures were demolished in 2022. The new complex will also include stores such as Ulta, Boot Barn, Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, and Five Below.
City officials previewed the outdoor shopping center in an interactive social media video, showcasing the planned business lineup. Mayor Karen Goh announced the project during Bakersfield’s State of the City address, emphasizing it as a product of extensive community collaboration. City Manager Christian Clegg indicated that this development is one of several positive outcomes for the city.
The inclusion of In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A is anticipated to be a significant draw for residents on the east side of Bakersfield. Chick-fil-A, founded in 1946, has over 3,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction. In-N-Out, which opened its first drive-thru stand in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948, has over 400 locations and has been expanding its presence outside of California. The new City Lights location will mark Chick-fil-A’s third in Bakersfield, and In-N-Out’s fourth.