The owner of El Veganito is one of several businesses at the Grossmont Center Food Court who were notified their contract is ending late next month. “It’s a small family business and it’s a plant-based vegan Mexican food,” Victor Gamboa, owner of El Veganito said. Gamboa has been in bu siness for nearly ten years and for the last six he’s called the Grossmont Center Food Court home, but soon he’ll have to find a new place to go. Last week, they were notified they have to close down and move out from that location by August 26th. “Right now, I’m feeling eager to start looking and finding a solution because time is ticking. I feel nervous, but with a feeling of urgency,” Gamboa said. La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis said Grossmont Center is under new ownership and with it comes new revitalization efforts. Last month, Bass Pro Shop announced plans to open a new retail location at the Grossmont Center in 2028. “We’re hoping that will bring business back and that other businesses will come to Federal and come to Grossmont Center and want to open, also it’s jobs for people hopefully in La Mesa,” Mayor for La Mesa, Mark Arapostathis said. He said Bass Pro Shop is coming to the Southwest part of Grossmont Center and will replace Macy’s, extending all the way past where the food court currently is. Gamboa said in the meantime, his business is left in limbo. “My biggest concern is not finding a place in time,” Gamboa said. But the mayor said the new owner of the Grossmont Center has been in conversation with businesses to find new leases and keep those who want to stay inside the mall. For Gamboa, El Veganito is not just a dream he and his family have built together, it’s a livelihood that provides for them too. “First thing that came to my mind was my family. How we’re going to pay the bills, the house, just everything that comes with a family,” Gamboa said. Dustin Halnez has been a customer for almost as long as Gamboa has been in business. He is sad to see them go. “They’re just such good people,” Halnez said. “Him and his brother have been here for such a long time, making food, just trying to earn a living and make sure that his family is taken care of.” With an uncertain future, Gamboa is hoping for the best. “My hope is to find a place that we feel that we can start over and feel safe, and where we can just continue what we have building here,” Gamboa said. NBC 7 San Diego reached out to Bass Pro Shop for comment and is awaiting a response. ...read more read less