OCVIBE, the 100-acre mixed-use development under construction around Honda Center in Anaheim, has announced six new chef-driven kitchen concepts for Katella Commons, its two-story market hall scheduled to open in early 2027.
The new additions span Mexican, Italian, Thai, and elevated American comfort food traditions, many of which have received James Beard Award nominations, Michelin recognition, and more awards.
Six new kitchen concepts at Katella Commons
The newly announced chefs and their concepts reflect a range of culinary backgrounds rooted in Southern California communities:
- Danielle Duran Zecca and Alessandro Zecca will open a “Mexitalian” continuation of their restaurant Amiga Amore.
- Alberto Bañuelos presents Burritos La Palma, a family-run concept known for its Zacatecan-style fresh-pressed flour tortilla burritos and slow-simmered beef birria.
- Alex “Pobre Diablo” Garcia and Elvia “La Bruja” Huerta will open an outpost of Evil Cooks, their heavy metal and punk rock-themed Mexican street food concept.
- Kanate Ungkasrithongkul and Anita Lin, the husband-and-wife team behind Manaao Thai Comfort Food in Tustin and Irvine, will launch Khao Soi, a dedicated concept built around their signature Thai curries.
- Zach Scherer, co-founder of DARKROOM Restaurant and Wine Bar in Santa Ana, will operate two separate concepts: an elevated New York-style pizza program using bakery-level dough techniques, and a globally inspired fried chicken sandwich concept designed to rotate flavors and influences over time.
Culinary programming for Katella Commons is overseen by Chef Rémi Lauvand. When it opens, the market hall will include 21 chef-driven kitchens and six bar and lounge concepts, positioned below The Weave office building and connected directly to OCVIBE’s central plaza and entertainment venues. OCVIBE will announce additional concepts later in 2026.
A closer look at OCVIBE
Katella Commons is part of the first phase of OCVIBE, a privately funded development in Anaheim backed by a $5 billion commitment from the Samueli Family. The project will convert 100 acres surrounding the Honda Center into a walkable, mixed-use district. Phase one, expected to open to the public in early 2027, will include Katella Commons, a public plaza, a concert hall, and The Weave office building.
The full build-out, projected for 2033, calls for more than 2,000 residences, 20 acres of open space, three miles of walking trails, 35-plus dining experiences, and three entertainment venues. OCVIBE represents one of the largest private investments ever made in Southern California.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source secretlosangeles.com ’
