News Summary
Southern California is experiencing a wave of fast-casual restaurant closures, including Cinnabon at Westminster Mall and Dave’s Hot Chicken in Costa Mesa. In response to retail challenges, Westminster Mall is planning renovations to boost its appeal, while new businesses like Face Foundrié are setting up. Community fundraisers and events are also on the rise, highlighting local engagement amidst these changes.
Southern California Faces Multiple Fast-Casual Restaurant Closures
Southern California’s bustling food scene is witnessing the closure of several fast-casual restaurants, most notably Cinnabon at Westminster Mall and Dave’s Hot Chicken in Costa Mesa. Cinnabon closed its doors on Sunday, Oct. 19, while Dave’s Hot Chicken, which opened in January 2022, has shut its location, contributing to shifting retail dynamics in the region.
Westminster Mall, the site of Cinnabon’s closure, has been struggling with challenges such as aging infrastructure and a lack of substantial retailers. In light of these concerns, the mall has announced a revitalization plan that includes the addition of a hotel, new retail spaces, and hundreds of apartments aimed at rejuvenating the shopping destination. Separately, JC Penney has also announced it will close its outlet in Westminster Mall, with operations set to cease on Nov. 21. This closure will impact the employment of 76 staff members at the location.
Background on Changes in Retail Landscape
Dave’s Hot Chicken, known for its origins as a parking lot pop-up in Los Angeles since 2017, had a significant growth spurt recently when it was sold to private equity firm Roark Capital for a staggering $1 billion in April. Its closure in Costa Mesa adds to the ongoing transformations within the fast-casual dining sector in Southern California.
In contrast to these closures, there are new developments on the horizon in the area. Face Foundrié, a luxury skincare company, is setting up shop in Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach. Maral Johnson, the franchise owner, is excited about the potential clientele and is scheduled to open the location—the first in Southern California—by January, offering various facial services.
Community Events and Fundraisers
In community news, KidWorks is slated to host its second annual Cars & Cocktails fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 13, in Irvine. The anticipated event aims to showcase rare and classic cars alongside cocktails, food, desserts, and live entertainment, raising funds to support educational pursuits for KidWorks students. The event will also recognize ECM Management and its founder, Emily Mandrup, with the Dan Donahue Leadership Award.
Additionally, the Orange Coast College Friends of the Library will be holding its fall book sale on Oct. 28 in Costa Mesa, featuring a selection of used books starting at just $1. A special “bag deal” will be available for $2 during the last two hours of the sale, with a pre-sale for members and students scheduled ahead of the general public access.
Other Noteworthy Developments
Other business developments include the recent opening of a new Goodwill thrift store on Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa, catering to those interested in second-hand shopping. On a celebratory note, Chocolate Bash has garnered recognition as the 2025 Woman-Owned Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration and aims to continue expanding its operations.
The Orange County Power Authority also welcomed a new energy compliance and contracts analyst, Lena Garvey, to improve its operational effectiveness. In the scope of public service, the Santa Ana Police Department honored the retirement of K-9 officer Kaylee after seven and a half years of dedicated service.
In another significant effort, the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking has awarded $87,000 in grants to five organizations in the area to combat human trafficking, showcasing a collective commitment to addressing social issues. KidWorks reported that it raised $900,000 through its fifth annual Festival of Chefs, which supports programs targeting students in under-resourced neighborhoods, emphasizing the community’s dedication to education and youth empowerment.
For seasonal shoppers, Spirit Halloween has opened a temporary location at Westminster Mall, operational until Nov. 1, featuring various costumes and decorations for the upcoming festivities.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: JC Penney Closing at Westminster Mall
- Wikipedia: Retail
- OC Register: Halloween Store Opens at Westminster Mall
- Google Search: Southern California Retail Closures
- OC Register: Westminster Mall Revitalization
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shopping
- OC Register: New Retail at Westminster Mall
- Google News: Westminster Mall News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA 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.
