Brea News: The Orange County Register https://www.ocregister.com Get Orange County and California news from Orange County Register Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:32:22 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cropped-ocr_icon11.jpg?w=32 Brea News: The Orange County Register https://www.ocregister.com 32 32 126836891 Daxon: What’s one more gym when you have a Life Time? https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/25/daxon-whats-one-more-gym-when-you-have-a-life-time/ Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:32:04 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11316536&preview=true&preview_id=11316536 I often hear from Breans, especially after another gym opens in town, that Brea has too many gyms. Well, get ready for one more, though it is more than a gym.

Life Time Luxury Athletic Country Club will be the latest place in Brea to tone those abs and pecs and do so much more.

You’ve probably noticed that very large building under construction on the south end of Brea Mall, near the Randolph Street entrance. It is huge. So much so that many people think it is the apartment building that Simon Property Group, owner of the Brea Mall, plans to build on the mall property. No, it is where the Life Time Luxury Athletic Country Club will locate.

The two-story, 85,000-square-foot facility will span three acres of the mall property. Life Time will be a posh, state-of-the-art place for pilates, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, pickleball and racquetball courts, workout areas, a rock climbing wall and much more.

After a strenuous workout or a game or two of pickleball, you will be able to relax and treat yourself to the amenities in the hydrotherapy suite. That is where you can soothe your sore muscles in the sauna or steam room. Maybe dip into the whirlpool or in the cold-water plunge.  I think I’d pass on the cold-water plunge. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

A few years ago, I visited the Life Time facility in Irvine. I was quite impressed with its amenities for everyone, from kids to seniors, including your hardcore muscle-building folks. It has indoor and outdoor pools, rock climbing, workout rooms and a cafe like the Brea Life Time is scheduled to have, but it is not a luxury athletic country club.

A Life Time Luxury Athletic Country Club did open recently in the Otay Ranch area of Chula Vista. That facility is also 85,000 square feet and includes a beach club, water park, the hydrotherapy suite, a chiropractic center and even a café and bar.

From the buildings’ photos online of the Otay Ranch location, it looks very much like the one now under construction in Brea that is expected to open this summer.

The Brea Life Time will also feature a variety of fitness classes, even ones for kids and teens. In addition, they also sponsor 5K, 10K, half marathons, cycling events and more all around the country.

At present ,Brea memberships are not available, but you can sign up on the Membership Wait List at lifetime.life/locations/ca/brea.

If a luxury athletic country club doesn’t appeal to you or to your budget, did you know there are more than 15 other fitness venues and private trainers in Brea, including a gym at the Brea Community Center? No doubt Brea does have many gyms, from large to small, all over town.

Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at  daxoncomm@gmail.com.

]]> 11316536 2025-12-25T09:32:04+00:00 2025-12-25T09:32:22+00:00 Brea council approves revenue-sharing agreement with local developer to court a Costco https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/17/brea-council-approves-revenue-sharing-agreement-with-local-developer-to-court-a-costco/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:59:00 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11309569&preview=true&preview_id=11309569 The City Council decided Brea will enter an agreement with a Southern California real estate developer to pursue a Costco Wholesale in exchange for a portion of the resulting sales tax revenue if the big box store is landed.

Under the agreement the council approved this week, 3-1, with Councilmember Christine Marick opposed and Councilmember Blair Stewart absent, Dwight Manley promises to purchase the 34-acre property at 200 and 250 S. Kraemer St. — currently the headquarters for Beckman Coulter. Property owner Hines acquired the Beckman Coulter site in 2018, and put the property on the market in May.

Manley would then be responsible for bringing in and developing a Costco on that site. Manley grew up in Brea and has developed several properties in town, including much of Brea Downtown.

It is estimated that purchasing the site would cost Manley about $106 million.

“It’s really expensive,” Manley said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “It’s well over $100 million, and it’s gonna be an auction process. I reached out to the city, and I said, ‘This is gonna be happening here. This could go in a lot of different directions.’”

Manley said other interested bidders are hoping to turn the site into “800 homes or 24-hour distribution centers like the Amazon Center,” which the city’s zoning allows for.

Manley has until Dec. 31 of next year to enter into a leasing agreement with Costco. If that deadline is not met, the agreement will be terminated.

And even if Costco proposes a site plan, the city is not bound to approve it.

But if successful, the agreement between the city and Manley, acting “in his capacity as trustee of the DVQ Revocable Trust,” would span 50 years with a percentage of the annual sales tax revenue collected by the city reimbursed to the property owner each year.

“We have not determined the method of reimbursement,” city spokesperson Liz Pharis said.

This kind of agreement is “very common for economic development,” Pharis said.

“It might not be exactly this type of agreement, but some kind of sales tax share agreement that could incentivize certain businesses coming in the city is common,” Pharis said, adding that the city has long been eyeing a Costco.

For the first two years of Costco’s operation, 100% of the sales tax revenue generated would be reimbursed by the city. That percentage would then dwindle over the next few decades to 40% for the last 10 years of the agreement, after which the city would retain all sales tax revenue.

And 5% of the reimbursed funds every year would be reserved for city programs, events and services at the Brea Senior Center.

City staff estimated in their report to the council that Costco would bring to the city’s general fund about $50,156,250 in sales tax revenue over the 50 years. The city would reimburse $83,593,750.

“So the sales tax sharing is because the person putting up close to $100 million … to get this is taking all of the risk,” Manley said, adding that he would be making less than 6% on the investment.

“That’s a low return with risk included in there,” he said, calling it “the skinniest developer deal I’ve ever heard of.”

Before taking a vote, the City Council discussed the agreement’s potential drawbacks. A majority of residents who spoke during the council meeting expressed concerns over having a Costco in their backyard, fearing traffic congestion along Birch Street, which runs north of the property and is immediately adjacent to a residential block.

When plans for the site are clearer, Assistant City Manager Jason Killebrew said the city will look to address those issues.

The council also discussed whether the deal would be financially viable for the city long-term.

“The city’s not putting up money for this. It’s Dwight that’s putting up money,” Councilmember Steven Vargas said. “So the time value of money would affect Mr. Manley, not the city.”

But Marick, the sole opposed vote, raised concerns.

“If, for whatever reason, the business ceases to operate, we’re looking for a 50-year period here,” she said, adding that though she’d “love” to see a Costco in Brea, she doesn’t see in the arrangement “a protection for the city.”

“Yes, you’re receiving some amount of sales tax,” she said, “but other uses that we don’t have to subsidize this way, we would be getting all up front.”

Sales tax in Brea is 7.750% and is the city’s largest revenue source, projected to represent about 37% of the 2025-27 budget of $77.4 million, according to city estimates. 

Last year, the city made more than $27 million in sales tax revenue.

]]> 11309569 2025-12-17T13:59:00+00:00 2025-12-17T14:18:53+00:00 Daxon: Brea has a mayor, another new business coming soon https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/11/daxon-brea-has-a-mayor-another-new-business-coming-soon/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:25:53 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11292306&preview=true&preview_id=11292306 At the Brea City Council’s annual reorganization Dec. 2 , Cecilia Hupp was elected mayor and Marty Simonoff mayor pro tem.

The vote was 3-1 with Councilmember Christine Marick absent, and Councilmember Steven Vargas’ no vote.

Mayor Blair Stewart nominated Hupp and Simonoff, with Simonoff seconding the motion. Then Vargas nominated himself for mayor pro tem, but the nomination did not receive a second, so it died.

This has happened many times before in the 15 years Vargas has served on the City Council, he was elected mayor once.

Some people may wonder why the voters in Brea do not elect the mayor and mayor pro tem. It is because Brea is a general law city, in which the mayor and mayor pro tem are chosen by their fellow council members.

It has always been that way, beginning when Brea became a city in 1917 and Jay Sexton was elected by his fellow council members as the city’s first mayor.

Hupp and Simonoff will serve one-year terms, unless one or both are reelected in December 2026.

Also at the Dec. 2 council meeting, during Matters from the Audience, Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush gave a mini-presentation of the nonprofit organization and announced that it is coming to Brea in January.

She further explained that Working Wardrobes will be located and join with the OC Workforce Solutions Center, 675 Placentia Ave., in Brea. Working Wardrobes offers business clothing free to people who need appropriate clothing for work and especially for those all-important job interviews.

The clothes are in good shape and were donated to Working Wardrobes for its retail shops.

“This location will not include a retail shop,” said Pomush, “Instead will serve solely as a hub for delivering our mission to help people overcome barriers to gainful employment.”

They plan the location, along with the American Job Centers of California and OC Workforce Solutions job centers, to be a one-stop location for community members who need help in seeking employment, such as laid off employees, folks who have been unemployed for an extended period, veterans, people with disabilities, older workers, those who need to complete their high school education and women and men seeking a path to a new career.

All of those people and others can receive no-cost basic career services through the OC Workforce Solution center. Those services include skills assessment, referrals to support services, information on job prospects, free career workshops. Access to onsite computers, Internet, phones and copy and fax machines is always free.

And when the job seekers are ready to land a job, staff at Working Wardrobes has personalized styling appointments for that perfect interview outfit and, I think this is really important, capsule wardrobes.

A capsule wardrobe consists of several days of interchangeable pieces that let the new worker have more than one outfit to wear at the new job. The Working Wardrobe stylists show them how to mix and match the pieces so they get several days of outfits. Has to help the self-esteem.

If you have business clothes you no longer can or want to wear, take them to Kona Cleaners on Rose Drive in Placentia. They clean and deliver them to Working Wardrobes. A win-win for sure.

Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at  daxoncomm@gmail.com.

]]> 11292306 2025-12-11T10:25:53+00:00 2025-12-11T10:26:09+00:00 Photos: Events in Brea, Garden Grove and Irvine help spread holiday cheer https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/07/photos-events-in-brear-garden-grove-and-irvine-help-spread-holiday-cheer/ Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:28:20 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11292185&preview=true&preview_id=11292185
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Liam, Noah and Sophia Reyes enjoy a bouncy snow globe Saturday. Merrymakers celebrated the holiday spirit at Garden Grove’s annual “Winter in the Grove” event Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Festivities included sled runs carved into 50 tons of snow, carnival games, dancer troupes and choirs–culminating with the lighting of a 24-foot tree and visit from Santa. (Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)
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Holiday cheer is spreading through Orange County.

Cities have been gathering their residents for festive celebrations; Santa Claus has been cruising the county, joining in to take photos and notes for his naughty and nice lists.

Over the weekend, snow fell in Garden Grove as families shared in the fun during Winter in the Grove. Irvine leaders threw the switch on the city’s tree and all the decorations at the Great Park, which will glow nightly through the end of the season.

And, members of the Brea Senior Center danced and sang during a raucous holiday party.

There are still lots of community events planned, check out our list here.

]]> 11292185 2025-12-07T15:28:20+00:00 2025-12-07T16:43:24+00:00 Steve Fryer’s Orange County football Top 40 rankings, Dec. 2 https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/02/steve-fryers-orange-county-football-top-40-rankings-dec-2/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:27:51 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11283454&preview=true&preview_id=11283454 Here is how I voted this week in the Orange County Top 25, plus teams I consider to be in the Nos. 26-40 range.

1. Santa Margarita 10-3

2. Mater Dei 8-3

3. Mission Viejo 9-2

4. Servite 6-5

5. Orange Lutheran 3-9

6. Los Alamitos 12-2

7. San Clemente 9-5

8. JSerra 3-7

9. Tustin 9-2

10. Yorba Linda 8-3

11. Corona del Mar 9-2

12. San Juan Hills 2-10

13. Edison 7-6

14. Crean Lutheran 10-1

15. Huntington Beach 8-3

16. La Habra 11-3

17. Capistrano Valley 8-3

18. Laguna Beach 9-2

19. Villa Park 7-6

20. Dana Hills 10-2

21. Aliso Niguel 8-4

22. Troy 10-2

23. El Modena 5-6

24. Western 6-6

25. Orange 6-5

–

26. Tesoro 3-7

27. El Toro 6-5

28. Trabuco Hills 4-6

29. Newport Harbor 3-7

30. Beckman 11-3

31. Fullerton 9-3

32. Brea Olinda 10-4

33. Irvine 9-4

34. Foothill 3-7

35. Pacifica 8-4

36. Marina 6-5

37. El Dorado 4-6

38. Cypress 3-7

39. Portola 6-5

40. Segerstrom 8-3

 

]]> 11283454 2025-12-02T18:27:51+00:00 2025-12-02T18:28:00+00:00 Daxon: Bravo for Brea’s own Curtis Theater https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/27/daxon-bravo-for-breas-own-curtis-theater/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:50:55 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11265735&preview=true&preview_id=11265735 Remember when Black Friday was only the Friday after Thanksgiving? Not any more.

We’ve been bombarded with early Black Friday sales for weeks. It’s more like Black Friday Month.

After getting the best Black Friday deals visit Brea’s Curtis Theatre and enjoy great entertainment with “Christmas with The Alley Cats,” Nov. 28 to 30.

The award-winning, super popular Alley Cats ring in the holidays with their do-wop tunes and comedy, complemented by their very festive attire. The Alley Cats are a holiday tradition at the Curtis, and if you haven’t seen them before, now is the time.

More performances to get you into the holiday mood include the AC Dance Showcase, Dec. 14, and  “It’s a Wonderful Life — a Live Radio Play” Dec. 18 to 21.

You can buy tickets for all of these Curtis Theatre performances and season tickets by going to cityofbrea.gov/1594/Curtis-theatre or at the Curtis Theatre box office. It is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. and during Friday and Saturday performances.

I’ve been to the Curtis Theatre many times and wondered why a live theater in Brea’s Civic and Cultural Center was named after Dr. Glenn Curtis, the town’s very popular country doctor who had his practice in Brea from 1927 to 1959.

According to Theater Coordinator Kerri Hellmuth, “From 1980 to 1982, the theater was simply known as the Performing Arts Center at the Brea Civic Center.”

Then in 1982, it was rededicated in honor of Dr. Curtis. But why?

Curator Linda Shay of the Brea Museum explained that Curtis was also a very dedicated supporter of the arts. In addition, his wife, Bernice, was an accomplished pianist who performed at many of Brea’s civic events.

“The city named the theater after him because he was so beloved,” Shay said.

So in 1982, the theater was renamed the Curtis Theatre and continues to thrive with great entertainment that includes a curated season and a youth theater program. In addition, the 199-seat theater is also available for rental for everything from dance studios, school productions and musical recitals to corporate events. Busy place.

Each season includes guest artists, plays and musicals, plus partnerships with other local theater companies and the Page to Stage Playwrights Festival. Also, Brea’s Youth Theater partners with Stagelight Productions twice a year.

The Curtis Theatre is owned and operated by the city and staffed by Brea employees. It is part of the Community Services Department and overseen by Brea’s Cultural Arts Commission, whose members are appointed by the City Council.

Want to view a Curtis Theatre performance for free? Be a volunteer usher.

“We welcome ushers age 14 and over,” said Hellmuth.

Besides the age requirement, Curtis ushers must wear a white top, black pants and solid-toed shoes. No clogs. And don’t forget, ushers get to view the performances for free. Sounds like a good deal.

Hellmuth added that, on occasion, they use volunteer stagehands and crew members. “It’s as-needed, and usually at the discretion of our technical director, Heather Harless,” she said.

The Curtis also gladly accepts donations. One way to donate and honor the theater lover in your life is to sponsor a theater seat. It requires a one-time, minimum donation of $400. You select the seat and a plaque with the donor’s or honoree’s name will be on it forever.

Every season brings exciting family entertainment to Brea’s Curtis Theatre, and theater tickets make perfect holiday gifts. One size fits all.

Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at  daxoncomm@gmail.com.

]]> 11265735 2025-11-27T09:50:55+00:00 2025-11-27T09:51:24+00:00 Mall dining: The refined guide of where to eat at Brea Mall https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/21/mall-dining-the-refined-guide-of-where-to-eat-at-brea-mall/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:15:53 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11266843&preview=true&preview_id=11266843 In the midst of a multimillion dollar redevelopment project that promises a slew of new marquee restaurants, Brea Mall already offers a bounty of choice eats.

Ranging from independently-owned eateries to Taiwanese favorites to chain staples, this premier retail destination keeps shoppers from North County and the nearby Inland Empire well-fed as they navigate the complex’s Italian tile walkways, vaulted skylights and fountain (no mall is complete without a fountain).

Hungry? Sign up for The Eat Index, our weekly food newsletter, and find out where to eat and get the latest restaurant happenings in Orange County. Subscribe here.

With over 175 shops and more than two dozen eateries, Brea Mall is already a choice spot for dining in addition to satisfying the retail-therapy itch. Though it first opened in 1977, the mall recently kicked off a multiyear expansion effort to further cement its reputation at North County’s retail destination. The overhaul will include a new 119,000-square foot outdoor streetscape featuring brands like William’s Sonoma and Rivian, and most importantly, a fresh batch of new restaurant concepts including Din Tai Fung and North Italia, to name only two.

ALSO READ: The ultimate guide to eating at South Coast Plaza

Until those much-anticipated spots cut their ribbons, here is your essential guide to the best dining you can grab right now. For this guide, the focus is on either locally owned eateries and/or new food and drink spots that merit your immediate attention. The bulk of the mall’s chain stores — e.g., Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Panda Express, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Red Robin, et al. — while tasty in their own right, won’t be mentioned in this guide in favor of locally owned eateries and/or new food and drink spots.

The Alley serves Taiwanese-style bubble tea at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Alley serves Taiwanese-style bubble tea at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Alley

Located in the newly developed area (the comparatively sleeker part of the mall), this spot serves up refreshing Taiwanese-style bubble tea. The tea beverage purveyors have become a global phenomenon for their unique flavors, especially the Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk (their take on brown sugar boba). For something a bit different, check out the Ube Taro Milk or a Passion Fruit Green Tea.

Find it: Lower level

The Taiwanese fast-casual restaurant Bafang Dumpling at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Taiwanese fast-casual restaurant Bafang Dumpling at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Bafang Dumpling

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable yet tasty bite, this Taiwanese fast-casual spot is the place to go. Bafang specializes in freshly made potstickers and dumplings. Its classic Cabbage and Pork Potstickers are a staple, while the Kimchi and Pork offer a nice twist. Don’t miss out on a side of crispy Fried Noodles or the Beef Dry Noodle dishs.

Find it: Upper level

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A line forms outside Chagee Modern Teahouse at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Chagee Modern Teahouse

The first Orange County location of this popular modern tea spot, which opened in early November, uses whole-leaf tea and milks to create its signature lattes. Highlights here include a floral Jasmine Green Milk Tea, Longing Black Milk Tea and Pu’erh Black Tea. During a recent visit on a Wednesday afternoon, lines were already out the door. An airy and modernly designed teahouse that pairs perfectly with its next-door neighbor, the equally airy and modernly designed Apple Store.

Find it: Lower level

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The spicy jumbo crunchy shrimp from Kura Revolving Sushi Bar at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Simply referred to as Kura, this sushi spot is a must-visit for its sheer fun factor alone. It features an interactive dining model where sushi, side dishes and desserts constantly glide by on a revolving conveyor belt. (Especially ideal if you want to eat solo and gaze hypnotically at the Neptunian fare passing by.) Be sure to try the Seared Salmon with Japanese Mayo, the Tuna Tataki and the Salmon Skin Hand Roll.

Find it: Upper level

Marketplace Café at Nordstrom

The luxury department store’s dedicated eatery, Marketplace Cafe offers guests a casual/high-end dining experience. Expect such menu items as Skirt Steak, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Spicy Wild Shrimp Pomodoro, Wild Salmon Niçoise, Chicken Lemon Pesto Gnocchi and more. Features indoor and patio dining

Find it: Lower level/upper level

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Philz Coffee at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Philz Coffee

Another new addition to the mall, San Francisco-born Philz Coffee, famous for its meticulous “one cup at a time” pour-overs, is the spot to go to get your brain battery jolted back to life. You can’t go wrong with its signature Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, but the Ecstatic Iced Coffee or Mission Cold Brew (my regular order when I, fittingly, lived in San Francisco’s Mission District)) are also topnotch. Of course, they serve hot coffee and tea too. Philz also offers a bevy of sandwiches and burrito options, as well as a handful of decent sweet and savory pastries.

Find it: Outdoor lower level

Roll & Co

Make your own bowls and spring rolls at this food court spot. High marks go to its Shrimp Rolls and shatteringly crisp Egg Rolls. And don’t miss out on the Grown Up Chocolate Chip Cookie (care of Dough and Arrow), a small-batch cookie with dark chocolate, brown butter, espresso, wafer crunch and Maldon sea salt.

Find it: Food court

A wall of ramens at Seoul Street in the Brea Mall. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A wall of ramens at Seoul Street in the Brea Mall. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Seoul Street

At this Korean convenience store concept, guests can select from an expansive wall boasting a bevy of ramens from which to choose (why, yes, they do carry the “K-Pop Demon Hunters” ramen), purchase at the register, then prepare it at an automated station. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is the belly. Seoul Street is currently a pop-up shop, but plans for permanent roots could possibly be in its future.

Find it: Lower level

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Tang Bar at the Brea Mall in Brea, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Tang Bar

Only two months old (Brea Mall has really upped its gastronomic game as of late), Tang Bar offers a dynamic, self-serve, build-your-own experience centered on hot pot and malatang dining. It’s simple: You grab a bowl and load up on fresh ingredients (like mushrooms, beef brisket, mushrooms galore, lotus root, wafer-thin wagyu and more) before choosing a soup base or savory dry sauce. It’s also ideal for customizing your preferred level of spiciness, with endless combinations.

Find it: Lower level

North Italia restaurant at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 is still under construction. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
North Italia restaurant at the Brea Mall in Brea on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 is still under construction. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The next wave

The upcoming additions to Brea Mall are poised to completely change the dining landscape in North County. Get ready for these highly anticipated openings:

The Melt (slated to open early 2026): This fast-casual favorite will bring its comforting cheese sandwiches to Brea. Highlights include the popular Melt Burger, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, fries and mac and cheese.

Din Tai Fung (opening 2026): On the heels of its Downtown Disney location, this globally lauded institution is known for its Xiao Long Bao, with each soup dumplings containing 18 precise folds.

North Italia (opening 2026): This brunch, lunch and dinner spot will offer freshly made Italian and Italian American favorites. The menu at its Irvine location includes Tortellini al Pomodoro, Braised Short Rib Lumache, Trottole Chicken Pesto, Strozzapreti, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe Arancini and more.

Kalbi Social Club (opening 2026): This upscale Korean restaurant is best known for, as its name suggests, kalbi (short ribs) alongside tableside grilling service.

]]> 11266843 2025-11-21T12:15:53+00:00 2025-11-21T12:17:51+00:00 Steve Fryer’s Orange County football Top 40 rankings, Nov. 18 https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/18/steve-fryers-orange-county-football-top-40-rankings-nov-18/ Tue, 18 Nov 2025 23:31:49 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11260742&preview=true&preview_id=11260742 Here is how I voted this week in the Orange County Top 25, plus teams I consider to be in the Nos. 26-40 range.

1. Santa Margarita 8-3 overall record

2. Mater Dei 8-2

3. Mission Viejo 9-2

4. Orange Lutheran 3-8

5. Servite 6-5

6. San Clemente 8-4

7. Los Alamitos 10-2

8. JSerra 3-7

9. Tustin 8-3

10. Yorba Linda 9-2

11. Corona del Mar 9-2

12. San Juan Hills 2-10

13. Crean Lutheran 10-1

14. Edison 7-5

15. Huntington Beach 8-3

16. Capistrano Valley 8-3

17. La Habra 9-3

18. Laguna Beach 9-2

19. Dana Hills 10-2

20. Villa Park 8-4

21. Troy 10-2

22. Aliso Niguel 8-4

23. El Modena 5-6

24. Western 6-5

25. Orange 6-5

–

26. Tesoro 3-7

27. El Toro 6-5

28. Trabuco Hills 4-6

29. Newport Harbor 3-7

30. Beckman 8-3

31. Fullerton 10-2

32. Irvine 8-3

33. Foothill 3-7

34. Pacifica 8-3

35. Marina 6-4

36. El Dorado 4-6

37. Portola (6-5)

38. Segerstrom 8-3

39. Brea Olinda 8-3

40. Calvary Chapel 10-1

]]> 11260742 2025-11-18T15:31:49+00:00 2025-11-18T15:31:00+00:00 Brea gallery tasks artist with bringing process to life https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/17/brea-gallery-tasks-artist-with-bringing-process-to-life/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:40:40 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11258602&preview=true&preview_id=11258602
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Five-year-old Ezra Fenn gets to touch hands-on art at Brea Gallery’s Yo Gabba Gabba! exhibition on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The exhibit features various artists’ 2025 work paying homage to the animated musical children’s show that debuted in 2007. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Southern California artist Alex Gano invited visitors into his creative process over the weekend, sharing how he turns fabrics and textiles into his art pieces.

Gano participated in the Brea Art Gallery’s Fresh{AIR} event this weekend. The Artist in Residence program had him answering questions while he created a new art piece right in front of gallery visitors.

His work is part of the gallery’s “Yo Gabba Gabba!: The Super Art Friends Show,” which will be on display through Dec. 12. The gallery show is celebrating the cultural phenomenon with roots that trace back to Brea. The children’s show was developed by two Orange County fathers, Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz.

The gallery located in the Brea Civic Center is open noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays throug Sundays and costs $3 general admission. Information: breaartgallery.com

]]> 11258602 2025-11-17T15:40:40+00:00 2025-11-17T15:40:00+00:00 Bushfire Kitchen opens a new restaurant in Brea https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/14/bushfire-kitchen-opens-a-new-restaurant-in-brea/ Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:24:25 +0000 https://www.ocregister.com/?p=11253489&preview=true&preview_id=11253489 Bushfire Kitchen continues to grow its footprint in Southern California.

The fast casual chain opened its 10th location on Nov. 7 in Brea Marketplace. It is at 765 E. Birch St., No.101, in a space formerly occupied by Rubio’s Coastal Grill. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

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The fast casual chain prides itself on scratch cooking with healthy ingredients. The menu includes several bowls with free-range chicken, grass-fed beef and mixed vegetables; salads with choice of protein; burgers and sandwiches. Prices for an entrée range between $12.75 and $21.50.

Sides include grilled veggies, fries, roasted cauliflower and brown or jasmine rice.

Seasonal specials include Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes, a Chipotle Braised Beef Bowl, and an Apple Maple Refresher, made with iced tea, cider and maple syrup.

The chain is known for its savory and sweet empanadas, including a rotating empanada of the month. Its seasonal empanada is Pumpkin Pie.

ALSO SEE: New and seasonal items at restaurants this autumn

Bushfire Kitchen was founded in Del Mar in 2012. It has four restaurants in Riverside County and one in San Bernardino County.

It made is Los Angeles County debut in Long Beach in July.

The first Orange County location opened in June 2024 at 24420 Alicia Parkway, Suite D, Mission Viejo.

Bushfire’s next restaurant will open early next year in Rancho Bernardo, south of Escondido on the I-15 Freeway.

Information: bushfirekitchen.com

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