News Summary
Chef Jason Quinn has announced the closure of his downtown Santa Ana restaurant, Detention, with its last meal set for New Year’s Eve. The decision is attributed to the expiration of the building lease and changing dining trends. Quinn plans to rebrand his adjacent restaurant, Trust, as Playground 2.0 and relocate his family to Spain for future culinary endeavors. This shift illustrates the evolving landscape of local dining and consumer behavior amid economic pressures.
Santa Ana — Chef Jason Quinn has announced the impending closure of his downtown restaurant, Detention, with plans for its last meal to be served on New Year’s Eve. The announcement, made via Instagram on September 23, marks a significant shift in Quinn’s culinary operations in the area.
Detention, also known as DTTN 2.0, operated under a membership-based dining concept that allowed patrons to enjoy exclusive benefits tailored to each membership tier. Membership fees ranged from $50 to $500, offering perks such as direct access to reservations and special events. However, the closure is primarily driven by the expiration of Detention’s building lease by the end of next year.
In addition to Detention’s closure, Quinn disclosed plans for his adjacent restaurant, Trust, which may close in 2026. Trust is expected to be rebranded as Playground 2.0. The culinary landscape surrounding his restaurants has experienced changes, with Quinn voicing concerns about decreased foot traffic and shifting consumer behavior due to broader economic challenges.
Impact of Economic Factors
Quinn’s decision reflects a recognition that his restaurant concepts may no longer align with current dining trends. As dining habits evolve, and with economic pressures influencing consumer choices, Quinn has observed a decline in patronage at Trust. The current culinary team at Trust, led by husband-wife duo Kyle and Lehena McClelland, is set to depart on October 11, after which Quinn will take over the kitchen.
Unique Culinary Endeavors
Under Detention, patrons found an array of inventive menu items such as the “Super Slutty Summer Salad” and “Tedious French Fries,” which emphasized seasonal ingredients. The approach initially favored traditional restaurant operations but shifted to a membership-based model that Quinn found successful in building customer relationships. Quinn previously garnered acclaim for his restaurant, Playground, which earned a spot among the Los Angeles Times’ 101 Best Restaurants of 2016.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Quinn plans to relocate his family to Valencia, Spain, where he intends to continue his culinary journey by conducting food tours and cooking classes. He hopes this new phase will provide opportunities for personal growth and professional development in the culinary arts.
Conclusion
The closure of Detention marks the end of a unique dining experience in downtown Santa Ana, and the transformations planned for Trust highlight the ongoing evolution of the restaurant industry. Chef Quinn’s move to adapt his establishments reflects broader trends in the dining world and personal aspirations for the future.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Detention Restaurant Closure
- SILive: Guilty Verdict in Cold Case
- Spectrum News: New Restaurant Detention Launch
- Wikipedia: Santa Ana, California
- Orange County Register: Detention to Reopen as Membership Lounge
- Google Search: Detention Restaurant Santa Ana
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
