Widely celebrated as “Surf City” and home to the annual U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington State Beach’s newest dining destination, The Huntington Beach House and a first-of-its-kind beach-friendly recreation hub, The Sand Box Beach Essentials are now open! A landmark partnership between Prjkt Restaurant Group and the California State Park System, the two new concepts begin the second phase of a complete concession transformation of these Southern California State beaches. The contract comes five years after Prjkt Restaurant Group enhanced Bolsa Chica State Beach concessions in 2016. Led by creator Alicia Whitney and her team at Prjkt Concessions, these are the first two of four beachside concessions to open along a 3.5-mile stretch of Huntington State Beach.
The Sand Box Beach Essentials offers beachgoers access to groundbreaking lifestyle recreation vending machines, where surfboards and bikes including electric can be rented, and firewood is available to be purchased with the tap of the Brevvie app. These vending machines are accessible during all Park hours, seven days a week and include a variety of beach-friendly items to rent or purchase, such as boogieboards, Yeti coolers, frisbees, volleyballs, Bluetooth speakers and much more. The Sand Box’s vending machines are conveniently located adjacent to the Beach Volleyball Courts off Newland and Pacific Coast Highway. The front store is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 7pm.
Half a mile up the iconic “main drag” of Huntington State Beach at Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway is The Huntington Beach House. Here, beachgoers can get an unparalleled dining experience with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean. The menu boasts craveable food offerings year-round, including mouthwatering sandwiches, salads, hamburgers, and a variety of unique beverages. 13 dine-in firepits are spread throughout a sandy, separate section and a 120-foot seated counter overlooking the beach welcomes diners into a “Golden State of Mind” – also the eatery’s tagline. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday, 11am to 10pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
“I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for decades, so I’ve seen firsthand the need for elevated concessions at our state beach, and when the opportunity came for me to partner with the California State Parks system, I could not pass it up,” said Whitney, Prjkt Restaurant Group CEO. “The Sand Box is a game changer – it’s a first-of-its-kind vending machine for beach essentials. Forgot your boogieboard, a volleyball, sunscreen or firewood? Don’t own a surfboard but want to test out the waves? No problem, we’ve got you covered!”
Announced earlier this year, Prjkt Restaurant Group inked a 10-year agreement, in partnership with the California State Park System, for three new beach concessions and a re-envisioned beach rental kiosk along a 3-mile stretch of Huntington State Beach. The long-term partnership to operate concession restaurants is the first California State Parks agreement to include more than one restaurant type concession in one agreement, and only the second restaurant concession at a state park in Orange County. The contract came five years after Prjkt Restaurant Group enhanced Bolsa Chica State Beach concessions in 2016.
California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 280 park units, integrating its California State Parks Healthy Food Initiative, which encourages visitors to consume native California-grown foods, organically grown and reduced fat foods. To serve this initiative, Prjkt Restaurant Group is the exclusive caterer for both Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches.
The unique partnership with the California State Parks System has been spearheaded by Whitney, a female entrepreneur who grew up in Huntington Beach. Whitney knew that bringing interactive concessions and a first-of-its-kind recreational vending machine to tourists and locals was exactly what the California State Parks beach system needed to keep up with tourism demands.
“It’s been a pleasure seeing Alicia’s vision come to life with The Huntington Beach House and The Sand Box, and we’re excited that beachgoers now get to experience what she’s brought to the California State Parks System,” said Kevin Pearsall, State Park Superintendent III, Orange Coast District, California State Parks. “What she wanted for Huntington State Beach stood out to us when we chose her for this partnership and frankly, Southern California has needed this elevated experience for a long time. We’re thrilled we can now offer visitors more options for dining and recreation and looking forward to the future of Southern California’s beaches.”
Two additional concessions, Sahara’s Sandbar and California Fork and Spoon, will open at Huntington State Beach later this year and in 2022. Sahara’s Sandbar at Magnolia and Pacific Coast Highway, will be a beachside destination for pizza, beer, and shaved ice. Named after Whitney’s daughter, Sahara, the youthful Bohemian vibe will be a modern reflection of mixed interior design elements. Additionally, State Parks will be at the center of California Fork and Spoon, with a Redwood-carved California State Bear sculpture in front of the Brookhurst and Pacific Coast Highway concession, ideal for photo moments.
