The city of Anaheim approved the 95-acre OCVibe mixed-use entertainment district in 2022. Backed by the Samueli family, owners of the Anaheim Ducks, the $5 billion development is expected to open in phases beginning in early 2027. Situated adjacent to the Honda Center and across from Angel Stadium, the project is set to introduce a variety of new dining concepts to Orange County, featuring contributions from several nationally recognized chefs.
Among the planned culinary offerings, chef Tim Hollingsworth will open a wood-fired restaurant at OCVibe in 2027. Hollingsworth, previously of Otium in Downtown Los Angeles, described OCVibe as "a great opportunity because it’s bringing people together in community." His new Anaheim establishment is expected to include a raw bar and wood-fired pizzas, with hints of "reinterpretations" of past favorites. This venture marks Hollingsworth’s initial entry into Orange County’s dining scene.
Another significant culinary addition is a ground-floor restaurant from chef José Andrés’ group, slated to anchor the SENA Hotel. The SENA Hotel, poised to be Anaheim’s first Autograph Collection property, is designed to offer more than 300 guest rooms, complemented by additional restaurants and bars operated by Sage Hospitality Group. Andrés expressed enthusiasm for the new project, stating, "My team and I are excited to bring a new restaurant into this community."
Central to OCVibe’s dining landscape is Katella Commons, an ambitious 50,000-square-foot food hall. Expected to open in 2027, Katella Commons is designed to host 21 chefs, offering a diverse array of cuisines and price points. Notable culinary figures joining the food hall include Debbie Lee, who will introduce Pado, a Korean-inspired seafood and raw bar, and an outpost of her Korean-style convenience store Mokja. Chef Roy Choi plans a location of his Best Friend restaurant, known for items such as Kogi short rib tacos and buttermilk fried chicken.
Additional culinary talent for Katella Commons includes Danielle Duran-Zecca and Alessandro Zecca of Amiga Amore, and Alex Garcia and Elvia Huerta of Evil Cooks. International talent, including chef Guoming “Sam” Xin of Noodle Man, will also be part of the lineup. Orange County-based chefs are also represented in the selection.
Nick Pacific, Vice President of Katella Commons, indicated that the selection process involved evaluating over 100 restaurants across Orange County and Los Angeles. Pacific noted that the goal was "to bring some things that are unique" to Anaheim, aiming to foster momentum and attract more chefs to the area. He highlighted that Katella Commons supports partnering chefs by providing upfront capital and managing operations.
Anthony Olheiser, OCVibe senior vice president of hospitality, remarked on the project's potential to redefine Orange County's dining reputation. Olheiser stated that "OCVIBE represents an opportunity to shift that dynamic," suggesting it will bring together nationally recognized chefs with local operators, addressing a long-standing need for a unified dining destination in the region. The overall OCVibe project is anticipated to commence its phased opening in early 2027.