Orange County Register

A popular upscale restaurant opening Monday at Anaheim’s GardenWalk is taking its concept down a notch to cater to Disneyland tourists.

McCormick & Schmick’s Grille will be the latest restaurant to open at the still under construction retail and entertainment center on Katella Avenue, south of Disneyland. But, this time around, the Portland-based seafood chain — known for its affordable but fancy fare — has added “Grille” to its name. For the uninitiated, the restaurant’s flagship brand is called McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant.

The company said it went with the more casual “grille” moniker to attract leisure travelers and families that will likely be the restaurant’s core demographic. The new restaurant will feature an expanded menu for children and adults. For example, the eatery will offer “more meats, pastas and salads to accommodate the diversified audience of travelers and their desires,” general manager Joe Luby said.

Though it sounds like the 64-unit M&S is watering down its concept, I believe it is probably a good move. After all, the casual dining competition is already heating up at GardenWalk. So far the lineup includes California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. And, coming soon is PF Chang’s.

McCormick & Schmick’s operates two restaurants in Orange County. One is in Irvine, the other is in Santa Ana at the new City Place development.

Related links:

• GardenWalk movie theater might offer bar service
• Local chain, Bubba Gump, finally opens first O.C. eatery at GardenWalk
• GardenWalk parking structure floods
• CPK shutters ASAP concept near GardenWalk

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