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Closure list: O.C. Restaurants Out of Business
January 15th, 2009, 11:22 am · 167 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Last updated: 11/16
While there’s no formal data on the number of restaurant closures sweeping the nation, consulting firm Technomic estimates that at least 1,900 units have gone belly up since January 2008.
Many of those are here in Orange County. Here is an informal list of local eateries that have shut down or reduced operating hours in 2008 and 2009. The most recent closures are listed at the top.
(Note: Information is based on Register staff reporting, tips and Technomic. The date of the closure and the reason for shutting down are listed when available.
Got a tip on a closure? Post a comment here or email me at nluna@ocregister.com.
- Topz in Santa Ana and Orange have closed. Both phones have been disconnected. The concept focused on serving “healthier” lean burgers such as Black Angus, turkey and veggie burgers. Topz also offered “air-baked” fries.
- Red Mango closed in Fullerton and Laguna Niguel. New Zealand Natural Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Orange closed. See related story: Froyo Fad Fading in O.C. (11/16)
- The Juice it Up shop at University Center across the street from UCI closed Oct. 24. A representative for the Irvine-based smoothie chain said “the Irvine Company required them (to) vacate by October 31. Their lease was up and not renewed.”
- Johnny Rockets in Lake Forest closed Oct. 6.
- The Carl’s Jr. at 1301 E. Chapman Ave. in Fullerton closed Monday, Oct. 26. Carl’s Jr. officials said the restaurant was an older unit with no drive-through and the lease expired.
- Sumo Sushi in Irvine closed, according to reader sightings (lease sign spotted 11/13) and Yelp.
- Bliss Froyo in Orange closed Nov. 3. Address: 2094 N. Tustin Street. I was pretty sad about this one because owner Jewlee Yu really had a great product. She said a combination of the economy and an over saturated froyo market led to the closure.
- The Black Angus at 205 E. Imperial Hwy. in Fullerton has closed, according to the restaurant’s answering machine.
- Cold Stone Creamery in Orange in the Target shopping center and across the street from the Orange mall is now closed. The sign on the door said, “Out of business.” The nearby Golden Spoon Yogurt shop has a banner stating “Welcome Cold Stone customers.” The Cold Stone Creamery in Placentia (at Kraemer & Yorba Linda) closed in September. (11/3 update: The Cold Stone Creamery in Lake Forest closed in the same center as Johnny Rockets )
- A Mexican restaurant on Grand Avenue in Santa Ana, near the 22 Freeway, is closed. (Sorry, the lettering on the sign was ripped off, and I can’t recall the name of the place.)
- Bistro West closed Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Tustin District. Read more here.
- The Wicked Garden closed in Dana Point about two months ago, and will be replaced by Caliente Coastal Cantina in mid-November, according to various readers and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.
- Table Ten near downtown Fullerton closed in October. It was in the SoCo (South of Commonwealth) district. The owner of Heroes took over the lease, and will turn it into Joe’s. Read more here
- Mel’s Drive-in in Seal Beach said it would close Oct. 20 after nearly two years in operation. Read more here.
- Jason’s Downtown Restaurant will serve its last dinner Oct. 30. Read more here. (posted 10/13/09)
- Beach Berries in Costa Mesa closed as of October 2009. (See froyo map) (posted 10/13/09)
- Burger King at 28201 Greenfield Drive in Laguna Niguel closed in September, according to reader Wendy. Stay tuned for more details.
- Yum Yum doughnuts closed at the end of September in Costa Mesa.
- Wienerschnitzel in Mission Viejo closed.
- Go Roma at Tustin District is now closed. See full story here
- The Clubhouse at South Coast Plaza will close at the end of December 2009. Florida-based Seasons 52 will take over part of the space. Read more here
- Via de France at The Shops in Mission Viejo closed two months ago, according to the mall operator.
- Vessia Ristorante in Irvine (Crossroads Shopping Center) closed in September. Read full story
- Pasta Pomodoro in Huntington Beach at the Bella Terra mall closed in mid-September.
- Charo Chicken shutters Irvine location. It’s among 17 closures by the chain in one year. Read full story here.
- Contodo Mexican Grill shuttered in early September after six months in business. Read full story here.
- Real estate blogger and business columnist Jon Lansner reports that Z Pizza in Foothill Ranch is now closed.
- Mesa Grill in Santa Ana, near South Coast Plaza, closed in August. The former Baja Fresh restaurant is the third to close this year. Read full story here.
- Reader Lori reports that Bob’s Kabob in Foothill Ranch is now closed. The phone number appears to be disconnected.
- Sushi 5 is closed in Tustin, according to Edwin at OCWeekly.
- Stella Cafe in Corona del Mar is closed for “remodeling,” according to the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce. A reader, however, passed by the restaurant and said there’s a real estate for sale sign on the place, so what gives? Let’s just say, closed for now.
- Baja Fresh in Anaheim Hills closed in July.
- Dickey’s BBQ in Irvine closed July 20 after being in business for less than a year. Read more here.
- Zpizza in Foothill Ranch closed July 1.
- Red Robin closed in Stanton. Read full story here.
- Baja Fresh in Santa Ana (2220 E. 17th Street) has been converted to a Mesa Grill. Baja Fresh franchisee Tom Hodgson converted two other restaurants under the Mesa Grill name: South Coast Metro (3941 S. Bristol St.) and Costa Mesa ( 171 E. 17th Street.). However, the Mesa Grill in Costa Mesa recently closed. Read full story here.
- Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits in Fashion Island has closed. The fine dining eatery was a sister, seafood brand to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Newport Beach. The chain’s San Diego restaurant also closed. Note on Website: “Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits has closed, and will not be reopening. We want to express our sincere appreciation to our guests for their patronage over the years.”
- Karuta Restaurant in Buena Park, a Benihana-style eatery, closed, according to Yelp. Also, phone number is disconnected.
- Brea Mall has closed a few food court eateries during the first half of the year, mall officials confirm. Units include: Arby’s , Volcano Tea House, Teriyaki Palace. A mall spokeswoman said new tenants have not been named.
- East Avenue Bistro in Tustin closed. It was a relatively new restaurant that opened in the same spot where the failed Sevens Steakhouse once operated.
- Blue Fish in Santa Ana has closed, according to OCWeekly.
- Mustard Cafe has closed two locations: Mission Viejo and Orange. Read about Orange closure here.
- Cask ‘n Cleaver closed mid-May in Orange, at the train depot. Read more here.
- A Starbucks in Brea (2435 E. Imperial Highway at Brea Union Plaza) finally closed. The cafe was among 10 slated for closure in 2008.
- Haru Izakaya in Tustin — evicted and shuttered, according to Eater LA blog.
- Shore House Cafe in Huntington Beach and San Clemente have closed.
- Gen Kai in Irvine closed four months ago. The restaurant still has a Corona del Mar location.
- Peking Garden in Orange has closed.
- Savannah Supper Club in Costa Mesa (formerly Chat Noir) closed March 31. Read FULL STORY here.
- Yamabuki restaurant at the Paradise Pier Hotel in Anaheim closed. will close April 11. Read more at AroundDisney blog.
- Thai Spice in Lake Forest is closed, according to a reader tip, and confirmed by its now defunct listing at online ordering site, Live on the Go. The restaurant was at 23624 El Toro Rd.
- Reader Liz says the Wendy’s at Foothill Ranch is closed down. “They have taken the signs off of the building as well. They have banners that say, ‘Try our RSM location,’ reports Liz.
- Mama Gina’s in Newport Beach closed.
- Cherry Berry closed in Lake Forest after only being open nine months. Read more about the closure here.
- Just found out that a Juice it Up closed one of its smoothie shops in Anaheim in September. However, a representative of the Irvine-based chain said the shop, at the Stadium Lofts on Katella Avenue, is scheduled to reopen soon under a new franchisee.
- A tip from reader, Patti, says that R&D Deli Grill & Catering in Lake Forest is closed. However, I talked to owner, Rich Evans, this morning (3/17) and he said he’s been out of retail for nearly a year. He closed the counter-service deli in April 2008 when sales began to plummet. He now focuses on his catering business. His new website: http://www.randecatering.com/
- Black Angus closed steakhouses in Lake Forest and Tustin this week (March 8). Other steakhouses have also pared down hours of operation. (Read more here.)
- Izakaya Zero, a chic Japanese sushi tavern in downtown Huntington Beach, is closed. (Read more here.)
- Islands, a casual dining burger restaurant, closed Wednesday (3/11) after more than 20 years in Laguna Hills. (Read full story here)
- Kona, formerly Sam’s Seafood in Sunset Beach, is changing its name to Don the Beachcomber. (Read full story here.)
- East Avenue Bistro in Tustin French Quarter has closed.
- Bobby McGee’s in Brea, opposite the Brea Mall has closed.
- Ono Ono Hawaiian Barbecue in Rancho Santa Margarita has closed.
- Fresca’s Mexican Grill in Foothill Ranch closed in February. Address: 41 Auto Center Drive.
- Sizzler in San Juan Capistrano is closed.
- Juice it Up and Pasta Bravo have both closed at the Market Place in Irvine.
- Hof’s Hut in Orange will close later this year. It’s owner plans to open a fast-casual barbecue concept in that same location. (Read full story here.)
- Raku Raku restaurant in Lake Forest is closed.
- Triple S restaurant in Tustin (formerly a Sizzler at the corner of Newport Avenue and El Camino Real) closed after only being open for several weeks.
- Mama and Papa’s New York Pizza in Fullerton is closed.
- Alvarado’s Kitchen in Anaheim Hills is closed, according to local residents.
- Bristol Farms, which has a service deli, will close its Mission Viejo market in late February. Read more here.
- Aldo’s Ristorante in Orange closed this week (1/29) after operating in Orange County for more than 20 years.
- El Torito Grill in Mission Viejo also closed due to a “lease” dispute. Read more here.
- Havana Mania in Brea closed in November, 2008.
- Green Parrot Cafe, a once popular pit stop for Bowers Museum visitors in Santa Ana, shut down in late 2008.
- Pacino’s New York Pizzeria in Lake Forest “went belly up,” according to Food Frenzy blogger Niyaz Pirani.
- Oceans 33, a seafood bar and grill at The Shops in Mission Viejo, closed before Thanksgiving, according to the mall. As of January, it has not been replaced.
- Carino’s Italian Grill in Orange closed in December. A Lake Forest Carino’s also closed a few months ago. The owner, John Gantes, filed for bankruptcy in December. He also owned a Coco’s in Anaheim Hills that closed two weeks before Thanksgiving. The Register’s Ron Campbell and Nancy Luna chronicled Gantes’ financial ruin in a Jan. 12 online report.
- Bakers Square in Lake Forest on El Toro Road closed. According to the chain’s location finder, there are no Bakers Square anywhere in Orange County. Can this be true? (2/3 update: Denny’s confirms that it plans to take over the Lake Forest location.)
- Two Fazoli’s in Orange County closed in Santa Ana and Orange. Tutto Frescoreplaced the Fazoli’s at 1333 N. Glassell St. in Orange.
- Carm’s Coneys in Costa Mesa shuttered in November. It is now a burger joint.
- The Chicken House closed after a few months in business. The chicken joint was a former KFC at the corner of Warner and Bolsa Chica in Huntington Beach.
- Two It’s a Grind coffee houses in South County shutdown in December. One was in Mission Viejo, the other in Laguna Hills. Read more here. (2/3 update: The Mission Viejo It’s a Grind has reopened.)
- At Mainplace Mall in Santa Ana: Catch 21 and Arby’s. (both in food court.)
- Togo’s closed two units this year in Santa Ana and Buena Park.
- Memphis BBQ in Foothill Ranch.
- San Clemente-based Pick up Stix closed 26 eateries in January 2008. None were in Orange County.
- Carino’s Italian Restaurant in Lake Forest closed this fall.
- Opah’s Restaurant & Bar in Rancho Santa Margarita at 22332 El Paseo closed before Thanksgiving.
- The Vineyard Room in Anaheim at Disney’s California Adventure closed at end of the summer, 2008.
- Rally’s in Tustin closed in the summer. (An Arby’s replaced it in late Nov. 2008.)
- Huntington Beach-based Charo Chicken closed nine eateries this year, including one in Foothill Ranch. Other locations were in the Inland Empire.
- Fury sushi lounge in Newport Beach closed. (Code Restaurant Lounge opened in that same spot in November.)
- Genki Living closed in Irvine.
- Café Contigo closed in Anaheim.
- Culinary Adventures in Newport Beach closed Wilhelm’s Chophouse (formerly French 75) at the Market Place in Irvine. The restaurant company also closed two Los Angeles eateries after it filed for bankruptcy protection in the summer.
- Some Black Angus eateries in Southern California recently eliminated lunch service to trim costs, including units in Fountain Valley, Fullerton and Lake Forest. The chain also filed for bankruptcy protection Jan. 15. Read more here.
- Macaroni Grill in Costa Mesa near South Coast Plaza closed recently due to “financial reasons,” a customer service representative said.
- Turner New Zealand in Costa Mesa near South Coast Plaza closed in May due to a leasing issue. (It is now a Pizzeria Ortica.)
- KFC eateries in Brea and Huntington Beach closed in the spring. The Brea closure was tied to lack of funds available to make mandatory upgrades, the franchisee said.
- Six Starbucks have closed since mid-July. The café plans to close four more in Orange county. (Locations of O.C. closures.)
- Fox Sports Grill, Ling &Louie’s Asian Bar and the Fish Market closed in 2008 at the Irvine Spectrum Center.
- The Cravery at Tustin District closed in the fall.
- The last standalone Diedrich Coffee closed Nov. 12 at the Crossroads retail center in Irvine.
- Dolcissimo cupcakes closed in Costa Mesa in July.
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There’s a Baker’s Square in Anaheim on Harbor between Orangewood and Chapman
http://gog.is/bakers/square/anaheim
bobs kabob is closed in foothill ranch, we will miss you
Yes! and the service is good. The answer though to all these closuers is simple, Internet marketing, everyone checks there smart phone to see where they’re going to eat, yes! So why not advertise there, awe, a no brainer…but how, and how much! Here’s an affordable solution!
adzpro.info
On the bright side, the non-gimmicky restaurants that just serve good food at a fair price seem to be doing fine.
I went past Ono Ono in Rancho Santa Margarita last night and it looks like their furniture has myseriously gone missing from inside the restaurant. I just tried to call them, and the phone just rang continuously.
I don’t necessarily see it as a big loss (went once and was not at all impressed) but it is a sign of the times.
That place sucked anyway! There’s another one in Santa Ana if you really liked it.
if a restaurant (or company owning restaurants) declares bankruptcy, i assume it owes money. how does it continue to operate? who sells food and supplies to someone who hasn’t paid their bills?
I’m a restaurant supplier who has been stuck by a couple of accounts who literally closed overnight and owed vendors tons of money. If someone starts to pay slower or you get word they’re going down the toilet, then you change their terms to c.o.d…get the cash or they don’t get the supplies!
The good news is there must be 1,000 new frozen yogurt stores around the county!
I seem to be the restaurant closure spotter this week - last night we pulled into a shopping center in Fountain Valley (Talbert and Brookhurst) and noticed that the Quizno’s there was closed. As in the windows papered over, etc…….
Dolcissimo reclocated to The Shops at Chino Hills, unfortuntately, outside of Orange County.
And yes, there is a Baker’s Square on Harbor Blvd. I visit there sometimes after Disneyland for some outstanding Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme pie!!!
Wow JG, you still have money left after a day at Giveusyourmoneyland? You must sneak out before they can scan your wallet….
The It’s A Grind coffeehouse at the corner of Irvine Center Drive and Culver in Irvine just closed up this past Tuesday. A sign was up thanking customers for their business. I don’t know the circumstances, but from previous chats with the owner (franchise operator) business is way down.
It’s a hard location to work, they have no street frontage, it’s directly across the parking lot from a McDonalds, and rental rates at the Irvine Company storefronts can’t be cheap.
Sizzler in San Juan Capistrano has gone.
Opah was one of the only restaurants in RSM that wasn’t crawling with screaming children. It’s a shame that it closed. The food was quite good, too. It there any place else in RSM that a group of adults can go and get a decent bottle of wine and a good meal without the Chucky Cheese ambience?
I think there is still a Bakers Square in San Clemente off Camino De Estrella.
That has been out of business for a long time.
It’s a Grind in Laguna Hills only closed for a short time, it is up and running again!
Arby’s in San Juan Capistrano disappeared overnight.
EL CONEJO in Irvine closed about a year to 18 months ago too. 95 % of the non-asian businesses at the shopping centers at the corner of Jeffrey and Walnut left in the 5 years preceding EL CONEJO’S departure.
This is starting to get really bad, I may have actually to start cooking…yikes!!!
Not anymore, it has been closed for the past two months or so…… I live down the street. One day it was there and the next day that I drove home it was gone. It closed literally overnight. It is sad as it was one restaurant that tourists could go to via walking that was not outrageous in price.
“Julian Perrera Says:
January 15th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
There’s a Baker’s Square in Anaheim on Harbor between Orangewood and Chapman
http://gog.is/bakers/square/anaheim“
Went past the Bakers Square on Harbor in Anaheim about two weeks ago and it’s gone.
East Avenue Bistro in the Tustin French Quarter closed after being
open only 6 months. This location was formerly Sevens Steakhouse, and Tony Roma’s.
Bakers Square’s parent company, Vicorp, has made the decision to leave the SoCal market. Their commissary in Santa Fe Springs (the facility which made their excellent pies) ceased operations on Dec 23rd of last year. Half of their 44 restaurants were closed just after Thanksgiving with the remaining 22 to be closed after Christmas. Vicorp filed for bankruptcy last year and is trying to regain profitability.
I bet that your out of business restaurant list will grow, grow and grow throughout this terrible year. Anyone who does not have sufficient financial backing behind them in these times is in trouble.
What happened to Dolce in Newport Beach? It was one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Upscale but not pricey, and excellent food.
Dolce has been closed since at least early 2008. And, i don’t think that site has been replaced w/any new restaurant…Anyone else know?
Valentinos in Mission Viejo is gone.
Went to Opah’s in Aliso Viejo. NOT IMPRESSED. The staff was rude, incompetent, and the food mediocre at best. I would rather pay a little bit more and be satisfied every single time at Roy’s Seafood.
I just didn’t understand why most everyone in South County thought Opah’s was THE cat’s meow?????
I agree. Their service was terrible. I felt like it was an inconvienence for us to be there. Your also right about the food - blah at best and our server almost just tossed the plate to us. The only thing nice is that it is not saturated with little chitlins. I love my kids, I do not expect you to love my kids. Your children staring at me when I eat is not cute. It is rude. Please teach them that… Thank you.
Sounds like a recession to me folks.
Taco Bell will probably be one the last restaurants standing if things get as bad as they say things are gonna get. start stocking food now people.
You are absolutely right Linda. People need to prepare. things are going to get worse before they get better and stocking up on food, emergency supplies etc., is a good idea.
I am sad to see these places close because it means someone has lost a job and may not find one for a while.
As stated, the It’s a Grind in Mission Viejo on Marguerite closed, but reopened, and the staff is so accomodating they are almost giving the coffee away. Not! I hope it makes it.
Yes, It’s A Grind in Mission Viejo has re-opened.
Its A Grind Coffee House in Laguna Hills has re-opened with a new owner and a lot of enthusiasm. Friday night vinyl nights, live music and a fun crew make this place a re-visit must.
Thanks Ken..I’m pretty sure we updated this in another story..
I think Genghis Khan Mongolian Barbeque in the food court of Brea Mall is closed. It was totally empty during business hours.
The food court in the Brea Mall has had four open spots for months. We
walk the mall weekly for exercise and observation.
yes, Robin. These are tough times indeed. I live in Brea and it’s tough to see all the businesses in my community close.
Peking Garden at Tustin and Katella in Orange closed a week or so ago.
The Tropical Smoothie Cafe at the Crossroads in Irvine is also gone.
Fresca’s in Foothill Ranch Closed. No warning. Open one day, closed the next.
The best Italian food is at Basilico’s……..family owned……service is A+…..and the price can’t be beat for the quality and taste of the food. Tiny place open from 4pm to 10pm daily……..plan on waiting a long time….I get there when it opens to avoid the wait. They do have chairs and blankets outside to accomodate their waiting patrons. On Magnolia, just south of Garfield in H.B.
“….Taco Bell will probably be one the last restaurants standing …..”
Remember the movie line (I think it was Judge Dredd)
“….now every restaurant is a Taco Bell…….”
Demolition man…. Still Stallone - good try.
The Bobby McGee’s in Brea (across from the mall) is closed.
The note on the door is from the landlord wanting last month rent..
What a shame. Had some good times in the club there.
It wastehe top-rated club in N. OC in the mid ’80s. I noticed it was for sale several months ago. Guess it didn’t sell. Was it a franchise gone bad?
Bobby McGee’s gone. I was shocked when i saw the vacant lot. Later I saw a car lot full of cars to be sold. Guess some company rented the lot temporarily.
Cafe Europe on the corner of La Palma/Imperial Hwy in Anaheim Hills closed recently as well as the La Capilla Mexican Restaurant kitty corner to it.
Larry Larry Larry Says:
January 29th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Opah was one of the only restaurants in RSM that wasn’t crawling with screaming children. It’s a shame that it closed. The food was quite good, too. It there any place else in RSM that a group of adults can go and get a decent bottle of wine and a good meal without the Chucky Cheese ambience?
Good luck finding that and if you do, please post it for the rest of us. Parents, teach your children some manners, please, its your job.
I miss Opah too, there is a new fondue place that is a great adult atmosphere, it’s on Los Alisos in Mission Viejo, amazing martini and wine lists, called La Fondue.
Tea and Sympathy on 17th St Cost Mesa is now closed
I saw the the Dairy Queen closed in Orange(next to Cat Clinic) (Tustin Ave. and Lincoln). A sign said that a yogurt place is opening up. Like we need another yogurt place…
Restaurants are like furniture stores except restaurants don’t have liquidation sales!!!
Yes I’m sure the reccession has escalated restaurant closings but….consider where most of these restaurants are located. Rent in these shopping centers is very expensive. The restaurant business is tough, whether you’re Taco Bell or Morton’s.
I you want your local eatery to survive stop eating at Mcdonald’s.
i’m so sad that my favorite restaurants is close now…. GREAT Wrap at the block……. =(
Dont forget about EARLS IN ORANGE, used to be open 25 hours.
Will be SADLY MISSED………
A few years ago there was a place called Wok Stix in the strip mall located at Main and Chapman in Orange. They were extremely busy and the food was fantastic. They just disappeared suddenly and I always wondered what happened. Does anyone out there know anything about it??? I sure hate to see good resaurants closing down. They have gotten to be too few and far between.
Linda and Mark - It’s because Taco Bell won the “Franchise Wars” (in Demolition Man). I think that’s all I remember from that movie! LOL
Arbys on Whittier/Harbor closed in La Habra.
LarryLarry…..if you don’t want to have children around you, pay a lot more money and go out to eat later. Children make up 1/2 of this world and it is only natural that a family with children go out to dinner to eat–and it’s only natural those children will not always be perfect angels. When I have children one day I hope to never encounter someone who is rude and complains about children just being children
A common courtesy would be have children behave in public. I have three children and they were taught to behave out of respect for others. Remember, it is a place to dine, not a playground.
Yes, you are correct, children will be children. It is the parents who are no longer parenting. When your child acts up in a restaurant bothering the other patrons, it is time to parent and teach them that it is not appropriate behaviour. You do not just ignore them or smile at the other patrons with the “what can I do” smile. You take them outside and let them know that if this continues there will be consequences. If your consequences don’t scare them into behaving then you have lost the war and the child is now in control. I shouldn’t have to alter my schedule because you refuse to parent your child.
No one expects “angles” they expect that a parent is going to intervene and correct rude behavior. Teach your children manners. I do and when they mis-behave I correct it and get this ” apologize” if my children were rude. It doesn’t take much, doesn’t hurt anyone, it actually teaches my children it is OK to try and make a mends and the person who may have been upset, generally is appreciative that I made the effort.
I should not be expected to adore your children. I do not expect you to adore mine.
“Gal”
My mother’s, grandmother’s, and so on ad infinitum, adage: “Children should be seen and not heard!” I guess it’s OK for everyone in the room to be blessed with yours - when in due course they arrive on the scene..
a gal in MV………. I’m with Larry, It’s evident you do have children & ones that don’t behave, Children are taken to restaurante’s by lazy parents who are so involved with themselves, the let their little “angles” show their bad parenting skills, in my day, as a child, we sat still, never yelled or hung over the back of the booth, if you did, to the car we were sent…
LarryLarry-try Hannas in RSM…that’s where the Opah crowd has moved to…
This is the Orange County/Irvine Company lament: There are so few stand alone’s NOT located in a strip mall. Chain business takes over the landscape and sets up shop in high rent locations (because that’s all there is).
Other cities have districts where a small operation can open in a store front that might have residenttial units abaove it. Rents are cheaper. These places usually have tons of character with real owners on premise slathering lots of personal attention on guests. They can be very cool, in a downsized way.
Not so with cookie cutter chains. Big stores, big staffs, big rents, very little style. Malls aren’t “cool”.
Irvine Co. has killed the culture of incubator districts for small business. If you don’t have the scratch to open in a mall, you have no place to go but L.A. County.
hey a gal in MV….do not be so sensitive…I have children & I have been a food server & I enjoy a dinner out like everyone else…
screaming, running, roaming, bratty, rude children are NOT enjoyable to ANYONE!!! Do not kid yourself, many adults choosr to ignore their kids in public & it is a horrible inconsideration for those around. What happened to manners…common consideration? If children cannot behave [because their horrible parents allow them to be out of control] then those families need to eat at home! Playground behavior belongs on the playground.
Keep posting options for families with well mannered kids please
Yeah, leannamama! We no longer have children living at home so I’m glad you stood up for what should be common sense. Yes, children will be children and that is where the PARENT should come into play but so often does not. McDonald’s play areas, fine. Nicer dining establishments, if you bring ‘em, keep ‘em under control or GO HOME!
Let’s face it. Our county has had too many restaurants with large portions and high prices. People are over it. Mom and pop places are the best. And Taco Bell once in a while. Regarding children in restaurants, as a child I loved going to the Parasol in Los Alamitos. My parents told me if I act up, then we would all leave the restaurant. I was the model child (according to my mom).
you missed about 4 restaurants and 1 coffeehouse in cypress. it would be nice if you changed your bullets to a number list so we can have a running total.
Spiderman, thanks for reading and commenting. If you can give me the names of the four restaurants and one coffee house, I’d be happy to check on them. This list is based on tips from various sources …so I know it’s not complete. On the numbering suggestion?
I list the restaurants as I learn of them — with the newest ones at the top. I also mention more than one restaurant in the same “bullet” post if they are in the same mall, etc. So, you can see, numbering wouldn’t really work. Documented here: the count is nearly 70 since mid-year 2008, but I’m sure the actual number is much larger than that. I’ve only been tracking since fall 2008.
Thanks, Nancy
I too, have to comment on a girl from MV’s remarks. For Valentine’s day my boyfriend and I went to Todai’s in Huntington Beach. The couple behind me had a small child and a baby. The baby never once stopped crying. Of course, it’s not the baby’s fault as that’s what baby’s do. But when the baby wouldn’t stop I was appalled that the parents were so rude as not take the baby out side and try
and calm it down. It basically ruined our dinner. To me, if you can’t afford a babysitter stay home or go to McDonald’s! Parent’s now a day’s love to use “Kids will be kids” but they are not my kids and as a parent you should try and be respectful of everyone that is the restaurant.
I’m amazed that Bobby McGee’s (Brea) lasted this long, given the number of other restaurants that have opened over the years in that City. It was there back in 1977-78ish. Maybe earlier. It outlasted Rusty Pelican which was across the street (now a Claimjumper). Not that bad a run, just didn’t change much (O.K. any.) Good luck getting that back-rent, and finding a new tenant.
It appears Thai Spice in the Orchard (El Toro RD, Lake Forest) might be closed. Just went by there this evening. Signs are still up on the outside, but no signs of life on the inside.
I think Thai Spice became a cupcake shop
Um…hate to tell people this, but I’ve heard from several friends that Opah’s in Aliso Viejo is fairly well known for “swinger’s night” every Thursday. This is, of course, not officially sanctioned by Opah’s & they don’t like the swinger distinction, but it is what it is. Next time you’re there on a Thursday night, look around…and see who’s looking at you!
I used to work at OPAH…I also worked on Thurs. Nites…As far as I know, Thurs. nite was called Cougar nite cuz thats when all of the over forty and divorced, plastic surgery whores would be on the prowl!!!…
ITS PRONOUNCED O-PAH, NOT O-PAH’S
THE BEACH HOUSE IN LADERA RANCH WAS KNOWN AS THE SWINGER’S DESTINATION ON THURS. NITES!
AND IF THE SERVERS WERE RUDE, ITS PROBABLY CUZ U COMPLETELY IGNORED THEM WHEN THEY CAME TO THE TABLE TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES!
PEOPLE IN SO. OC ARE TOO WRAPPED UP IN THEMSELVES TO STOP AND THINK , HMMM…MAYBE I SHOULDN’T BE RUDE TO THE PEOPLE THAT HANDLE MY FOOD!!!!
casa del rio on ridge road has closed……but i heard from the pepsi guy that its going to re-open as casa del mar with new owners…. they had the best chile rellanos and margarhitas….. but then again, this is down the street from my house and i live in Indiana….. so you guys probably wont miss it haha……. I WANT AN IN-N-OUT BURGER ….. im from fullerton and its cool to read about all the happenings back home..
health wise, it is good, for one to cook their food at their home
it is also much cheaper
people should do it atleast 5 days per week
In Tustin: Burger King at Newport Ave and First St has closed and is now being converted into an El Pollo Loco. No more trips to Santa Ana for me.
Yep..We posted something on the new EPL on Newport
Karuta’s in Buena Park is all boarded up.
Awe. My and my boyfriend had our first date at Karuta’s. We hung out in the parking lot until way after they closed, playing air guitar to loud rock music. It is such a good memory. Now we have to celebrate our anniversary at Taco Bell???
Blue Coral in Fashion Island closed April 30, along with the sister Restaurant in San Diego. No plans for the space yet….
The great Italian restaurant in Fashion Island will move to the Orange Circle after Nordstrom’s invasion. Family-owned, begins with an “M”.
Are there any SPOON’S restaurants still around. Back in the day the one on Tustin ave in Orange was great, one down off the 55 fwy and Dyer Road and another in Fullerton on Harbor and Orangethorpe. I think there were some in Irvine and another in Santa Ana somewhere. Great fajitas, are they all gone? I have been away for a few years. I also liked Chevy’s one on Brookhurst in Fountain Valley and another in Anaheim Hills off weir canyon & Santa Ana Canyon…the BEST chips & salsa!
First Class Pizza on Main and Harvard in Irvine shut down a month or two ago.
Arbys , Volcano Tea House, Teriyaki Palace in Brea mall food court all closed 1st quarter of 2009
Fatburger in the Trabuco Grove shopping center (Irvine) was shut down when I was over there last week.
I drove by and saw The Flame Broiler in Mission Viejo on the corner of Los Alisos and Trabuco Rd. had closed up shop.
I tried to go to SanSai on Imperial in La Habra about 1.5 weeks ago and there was an eviction notice on the door. There were some guys inside scraping the name off the door
SanSai went bankrupt and most locations were either taken over by managers and renamed or shut down, We have one and it was purchased by the manager and renamed and has great food.
very sad, I like that SanSai!!!
What happened to Carmels in Lake Forest on Rockfield, I loved their nachos and Burritos!
Carmels is now Chronic Tacos.
It is mentioned that two It’s A Grind locations (MV and Laguna Hills) have closed, but I recently stopped by the Dana Point location and it was locked up and empty as well.
Red Robin on Beach Blvd. in Stanton is now closed..
Yeah son’t understand that one..place was always packed when we went there..even though you never got a hot burger from there..usually was just warm..ha ha
Wife and I had a late lunch today at Fashion Island. Split Maui Onion Rings ($2.35) at Wahoo’s while sitting out at the patio facing Red Robin. Good rings, but saw a better presentation on a skewer at Red Robin. After eating, checked out Red Robin’s menu. Price for nearly-equal amount of onion rings? $7.99!!
Die, greedy pigs!
At the Los Alisos and Santa Margarita shopping center, by Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo, 3 restaurants closed this week, a Thai restaurant, a chinese food restaurant and an Udon Noodle restaurant. In the last couple of months a pizza and wings restaurant disappeared there and an italian restaurant next to Henry’s. That’s 5 restaurants in this shopping center this year. Blockbuster left too.
Why don’t these guys just lower the rent to pre-bubble prices? Duh.
I emailed Bakers Square through their website to ask where any remaining California locations are located, and they confirmed:
“All locations in CA have closed.”
So it’s not just Orange County or Southern California, it’s the entire state.
the Wendy’s in Foothill Ranch is no loss. The last time I went there, the girl behind the counter could not speak or understand english. I had to point at what I wanted for her to take the order. I never went back after that.
what happened to el terasco in Newport
Does anyone know what happened to mimi´s Donuts on Katella and Brookhurst ?
Is it closed or has it opened somewhere else ?
The Wendy’s in Foothill Ranch is becoming Chick-fil-a (much better). Sad to see Hof’s Hut go but the owner (the son of the original founder) started Lucille’s and he is slowly turning all the Hof’s Hut into Lucille’s. So they aren’t really closures.
I just ate at the new Olamendi’s in Foothill Ranch that replaced Fresca’s and it was absolutely TERRIBLE! The service was awful, food was bad, price was high and ambiance was lacking. I’ve eaten at Olamendi’s before, but this was horrible. The place was empty. I was sad to see Fresca’s go, but still visit the other location in Lake Forest often. They’ll shudder in 6 months….hopefully.
I’ve been to Olamendis near the new hooters that will be opening, and I agree, it was awful. I went with a group, though, and most of them liked it.
You know, if there is going to be a new fad, after donuts, yogurt, cupcakes, coffee, smoothies, I hope the next one is CHOCOLATE! I wouldn’t mind Chocolate Cafes opening up everywhere..
What happened to Roly Poly on MacArthur in Newport?
Mojo Yogurt on Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano closed some time last month.
Arby’s in San Juan reopened about a month after closing.
Wow, Bobby McGee’s was around forever. We had my mom’s 50th there about 5 years ago, a shame. Hof’s Hut…uh-oh…couple families I’ve known for years are gonna go nuts over that. The Black Angus’ are going to dwindle to about 2 I guess! Yes, it seems this “Yogurtland” is all over the place now.
Can’t believe my local Yoshinoya has survived this long and is even mailing coupons out now.
The Thai Spice in Lake Forest (Orchard Center) did become a cupcake shop as of 7/2/09.
It’s called FROSTINGS.
Mediocre Thai restaurant to excellent cupcake place — all in all, a very worthwhile trade-up.
Dickie’s BBQ on Jeffrey in Irvine closed down effective today 7/20/2009–Terrible location GREAT FOOD–it’s a shame.
Mazottis on 19th in costa mesa closed and is now a Thai Tastee, not sure if its the Thai Tasty Corner since that is gone and is going to be Carms Coneys
Quiznos in the Quail HIll shopping center in Irvine is gone as in sign down and looks like a vacant space.
Greedy landlords charging absurd rents (and usually NNN) could be at the nexus of restaurants going out-of-business. Thin margins, market saturation and ever-changing consumer taste patterns are also a contributing factor to their demise.
the a&w in buena park is gone now
Are there any left?
There is one in Orange on North Tustin. (was there last month!)
Vie De France has moved out of the Mission Viejo Mall. They are moving to Laguna Hills as California Crossiants.
Roebeks Juice opened and closed at the Brea Promenade in a matter of months!
That’s too bad. Hope fully some other food eatery will replace it soon.
Ths Shorehouse in H.B. is now the 2nd location of Alessa’s, first one is on PCH in Newport Beach. Great food, haven’t tried the new location.
“Smuggler Jim’s” Opened in Anaheim, and closed again four months later.
It’s a really bad time to try to open a new independent restaurant.
Who cares all these restaurant’s suck.
If you ask me, I’ll have El Pollo Ranchero anytime over these crappy spots.
Nothing like a good home cooked meal. If most of you that eat in these places could see how the food is stored and how dirty areas in the back are you would not be eating food there.
First, let me say that this list is useful to me and probably a lot of other people. It gives me a go to list of closures. I might find my favorite or a place I frequent on the list and I’ll know not to head over there.
Now to the point of my post. I hear this argument all the time “If most of you that eat in these places could see how the food is store and how dirty areas in the back are you would not be eating food there” I don’t get this argument. So what is happening to me? I am secretly sick and with food poisoning and don’t know it? Is this something that will catch up with me later? I don’t get it. But also, are you aware that ‘these places’ are monitored MUCH more than your own home ever is? I bet you that your own home wouldn’t pass a health department inspection. Actually, I can almost guarantee you it wouldn’t. I know you’ll argue that it’s clean and you’re super clean, etc. But the way restaurants have to store, prepare, dispose, etc. of their food is so far beyond what you would do at home you’d never pass the test.
Chico’s Antojitos closed in December, Santa Ana has lost a great place to eat/hang out!!
Miss you Chico!
It looks like the Baja Fresh in Costa Mesa (Harbor Bl. in Target center) has closed. Anyone know?
Metro Java in San Juan Capistrano has closed. Long time, much loved coffee house.
Maybe a repeat but Pomodoro in Bella Terra just closed on Sunday 9/13..
Pomodoro Corona closed on Tuesday, 10/6/09. Next on the block in this chain is the Orange location supposedly in December, with all Southern California locations set to vanish within a year or so.
Do you mean Pasta Pomodoro? That’s the one at Orange mall/Village.
Yes, Pasta Pomodoro, although the Southern California locations seem to be simply referred to as Pomodoro. Heard yesterday that the Irvine location is closing this month, but that seems awfully soon, so don’t know about that one… As for the rest of them, they are supposedly for sale individually without the name- so essentially just buying the location itself, with possibly the furnishings/equipment, so I would guess it will take them longer than a year to unload that many.
The Clubhouse in the South Coast Plaza is closing at the end of 2009. They just sent me an announcement yesterday. I went there for lunch recently and had to wait in line, but I have to say the food was not as good as in the past and the service wasn’t, either.
If you notice in asian communities all non asian places will close sooner ot later because chinese restaurants food is fresh and real. Seafood is still a live and fresh. No process foods , Rowland Heights became 85% asian with supermarkets that have great produce fresh & cheap. .. Monterey Park is another place, next is Irvine. Already with great bakeries, supermarkets, & restaurants, I love the chinese small places ro eat in Irvine and Sam Woo with it’s fresh seafood. Bakeries are very fresh. These places will beat the hard times because food is fresh and price is great! Go to Jamboree in Irvine & visit the new Diamond shopping center and you cannot find parking all restaurants are pack, until late in the evening. This place is alive with engery! Great bakery and restaurants. I drive 20 minutes to Irvine or I go to LA to eat.
Asians do love the suburbs, that’s true.
That Bugerking in LN had illegals working the register who take your cash then cancel the sale and pocket the money. This also happens at most of the Wendy’s in OC…happens to me almost every time at the one off crown valley in Laguna Niguel. How could the owners/corp be so stupid not to notice??? Never happens at INandOUt burg where they hire legal citizens.
In-N-Out and Ruby’s are the only fast food places that get my business.
That’s because they hire clean cut kids who work hard at their job. And because the restaurants are kept clean.
I got tired of how dirty McDonalds, Burger King and KFC had become and how I had to repeat my order several times so the 40 year old from El Salvador could understand it.
I am really disappointed that Grand Burgers in Santa Ana has closed and is for sale now. I think they had awesome hamburgers and I went there every week. Has anybody else heard what happen to them?
Jason’s Downtown Restaurant in Santa Ana will stop serving dinner on October 31st. They will still do private parties and catering. Their dinners were good, but I don’t think they had enough business based on their location.
What happened to Mr. Burrell?
Hi. If ANYONE knows of any companies going out of bankruptcy, let’s HELP them. Let’s get their promotions, discounts, and spread them and help our local businesses survive during the recession. We’re doing a huge initiative for Irvine, but need to work together for the OC!
wHY IS cAFE wAVOS IN nEWPORT bEACH CLOSED?
Now you tell us: I just called the Wavos number and got a voicemail. Not necessarily a sign of closure, but did you see a “closed” sign.
The restaurant’s website it is “under construction”…and the voice mail said the restaurant is now open until 9 pm. But, that could be an old message.
Open Daily from 7 AM - 5 PM
We are located at:
325 Old Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA. 92663
Is Newport Burgers still around, down on PCH & Orange street in Newport?
Mama Gina’s in Newport Beach (Bayside & PCH) was replaced by Sol….Mexican food… and was full to the rafters last time I was there.
Went there to get breakfast yesterday and they are G O N E gone! ;-(
Now you tell us ? Which restaurant are you referring to?
Restaurants should offer little bites like the Spanish,
spelling problem, Tepas or Tepes ?
For a not to be ripped off price, one buys a little
delicious snack.
The restaurants are committed to sell an entree then
a beverage, then a desert etc. It all adds up.
So no one goes to restaurants.
Restauraqnts should offer little bites like the Spanish,
spelling problem, Tepas or Tepes ?
For a not to be ripped off price, one buys a little
delicous snack.
The restaurants are committed to sell an entree then
a beverage, then a desert etc. It all adds up.
So no one goes to restaurants.
Nancy– Cafe Wavos is now closed but I dont know why?
Went there to get breakfast and they are G O N E gone! ;-(
Bistro West at the District in Tustin closed today
The Mexican Restaurant on Grand near the 22 Fwy was called Azteca, I think a few doors down from the now defunct Grand Burgers.
We are very sad to see Bliss Yogurt shop in Orange closing and also our favorite Lebanese restaurant Meejana - very sad
Isn’t Bliss in the same general area as the Cold Stone that just closed down? That area is unfortunately a little depressed and run down. The Golden Spoon Nancy spoke of must be REAL happy now.
What happened to the Key West Seafood Grill on Ortega Hwy. in Capistrano? We were hoping to have dinner there Friday night, but when we got there, the furniture was all stacked up, the windows and doors were papered, and the place was empty!
Posts like this are super informative but make me sad!
PastaGina in Woodbury Town Center (Irvine) appears to have closed. Probably not much of a loss…the place always looked kind of skeevy
Topz in Orange off katella and tustin has closed
Sumo Sushi in Irvine closed about a year ago!
Yes, I know, but it wasn’t on my list.
How come I never hear about a Subway closure? It’s always a Quiznos or Togos?