CENTER TWP. — It’s going to be a great start to the new year for the Beaver Valley Mall, according to its general manager.

Tim Mascari confirmed Wednesday morning that a company is building three “escape rooms” in the mall. Called Conquer the Clock, the escape rooms will feature teams using clues and strategy to solve puzzles and riddles in a set amount of time.

Escape rooms have been exploding in popularity in the last several years, with several of the new entertainment venues popping up across western Pennsylvania. Mascari said the new Conquer the Clock will be located near the former Macy’s store in the mall and should open for business sometime next week.

Also, Mascari said the popular Mexican restaurant El Paso will open a new location at the mall in the space formerly occupied by Bocktown Beer and Grill. El Paso, which operates a restaurant in Chippewa Township, is expected to be open in four to five months, he said.

Like other malls across the country facing a decline of retail outlets, Mascari said, Beaver Valley must try to reinvent itself by bringing in new entertainment and dining options.

“I’ve been looking to add an escape room for the last few years, knowing how much attention they get and how busy they can get,” he said. “It’s something else to add for entertainment, and entertainment is the largest growth segment of retail. The escape room is the right business at the right time, and the owners have the wherewithal to get it done.”

As for El Paso, Mascari said the restaurant has a “good reputation” locally, and “we’re excited to have them.” He said the owners of the restaurant have signed a lease to occupy the space, and construction could start inside the former Bocktown location as soon as this week.

In addition, Mascari said a new spa will open inside the mall in the coming months. Featuring facials and waxes, Ondrea Burton Esthetics will go into the space formerly occupied by Candy Express.

Like any mall, Mascari said Beaver Valley has had some closures recently. He said the Lids hat store is closing, as is the Kitchen Collection store. The general manager said he has several prospective tenants lined up to take the place of Lids.

“Sometimes you take a step back but then take a few steps forward,” he said. “With the movie theater already here (located at nearby Township Marketplace plaza), and the new escape rooms and new restaurant, we’re right up where we need to be.”

El Paso and Conquer the Clock will be locally owned establishments, Mascari said.