OCVibe, the $5 billion mixed-use development surrounding the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, is expanding its culinary offerings. The Samueli family announced the addition of five new food and beverage concepts to the 50,000 square foot market hall, Katella Commons, which is set to open early next year. These newcomers include Don Churros Gomez, MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen, Mojo, Pull & Roll, and Gelato Paradiso. They complement the existing offering with Mexican, Filipino, Northern Chinese, and Italian menus, expanding the market hall to a total of 21 kitchens.
The new concepts join a growing list of partners at OCVibe, which already includes chefs behind Amiga Amore, Burritos La Palma, Evil Cooks, Manaao Thai Comfort Food, and Darkroom Restaurant and Wine Bar. Additionally, acclaimed Los Angeles chef Roy Choi will integrate his restaurant Best Friend into the area.
Innovative Partnership and Financial Support
OCVibe did not disclose details regarding the lease values or the size of individual spaces. However, sources familiar with the development stated that OCVibe is fronting the initial investment, which averages around $300,000 per stall. The project also offers ongoing operational support.
Scott Frick, Senior Vice President at OCVibe, commented on this approach: "We wanted to approach this differently than a traditional landlord-tenant relationship. Independent chefs often have to take significant financial and operational risks before serving their first dish. And unfortunately, many restaurants fail due to the high upfront investment required." The Samueli family's ownership structure allows the project to take a very hands-on approach to restaurant leasing. The ownership team funds Katella Commons all the way to kitchen equipment, saving tenants significant upfront costs for fitting out new spaces.
Frick describes the strategy as follows: "Every tenant who moves in doesn't have to raise capital for kitchen equipment - essentially, bring your own knives, and we'll switch on the menu boards." This strategy is part of a broader goal to develop OCVibe into a year-round destination, rather than just a district that only comes alive when the professional ice hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks, plays. The residential, office, hotel, and entertainment components of the project are intended to create a Monday-to-Sunday customer base for restaurants and other tenants.
Timeline and Future Prospects
Katella Commons is expected to open in early 2027, following the debut of OCVibe's 5,000-person concert venue. The Weave, a six-storey mass timber office building, is also scheduled for completion in 2027. Upon full completion in 2033, the 100-acre district is projected to feature more than 2,500 residential units, over 35 food and beverage concepts, three entertainment venues, and 20 acres of parks and open spaces.
