The man behind Orange County's most progressive outdoor shopping centers, The Lab and The Camp, is building a giant upscale food center inside a historical downtown Anaheim landmark.
When restoration of a circa-1919 Spanish Revival citrus plant is complete next year, it will showcase up to 25 restaurants in an open-floor setting. Similar to The Lab and The Camp in Costa Mesa, the 42,000-square foot Anaheim dining center will shun national brands in favor of unique food vendors, bistros and cafes.
The site, along South Anaheim Boulevard, will also include a public park for festivals, picnics, produce markets, food truck gatherings and outdoor concerts.
The building's main floor will be divided into various retail spaces ranging from 300 square feet to 2,000 square feet. Dining space will be communal – with seating inside and outside the packing house. One outdoor space will have a fireplace and lawn area so diners can hang out with their drinks and food. A movie screen and stage also will be constructed for entertainment.
A grand staircase is being created to connect the main food hall to the warehouse basement, which will be a gathering space for musicians and other entertainers to perform live concerts.
"We're combining food and music cultures," Sadeghi said.
