WhatNow Orange County

Wild Strawberry Café is planning a new location at 520 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach, according to an Orange County plan review for the property. The proposed address would add another location for the café along Newport Center Drive, where the company already operates three sites. The plan review identifies the project at 520 Newport Center Drive, but the provided record does not establish a public opening date.

Purrs In Paradise is slated to open at 2981 Bristol Street, Suite B3, in Costa Mesa, according to the company’s website. The business’s official site lists the address as its Costa Mesa location and currently shows its operating hours as to be determined. Founded by Ben and Michelle Lioe, Purrs in Paradise grew out of their experience rescuing two feral kittens, Dozy and Leia, in 2020.

San Diego-based Mr. Moto Pizza featuring New York City-style gourmet pizza has opened its second Irvine location, taking over the former Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza space in Oak Creek Shopping Center at 5613 Alton Parkway. This marks the fourth Orange County store overall, joining Costa Mesa, Irvine (The Square), and The Village at Orange. All four Orange County openings have occurred in the last 11 months.

One Twenty-Three Burger Co. is moving from a food truck operation into a permanent brick-and-mortar location in Upland, preparing to open at 507 N. Mountain Ave. The business announced the update on social media this week, sharing the accomplishment and encouraging customers to stay tuned for opening details. Owner Joe Silva told What Now OC that this is the latest evolution for his concept.

Five Below is coming to Eastvale Gateway, taking over the former Party City space at the shopping center, 12339 Limonite Ave. Lewis Retail Centers, which manages the complex, announced the upcoming tenant this week in a post on social media. It will join the existing lineup of businesses, which includes major retailers, restaurants, personal services, and other businesses.

White Rooster, the Dana Point restaurant from chef-owner Michael Campbell, is expanding to Corona del Mar, according to posts from Jeff Butcher, owner of Pacific Coast Realty Group. The forthcoming eatery is planned for 2931 East Coast Highway, where it will replace the recently closed Mayur Cuisine of India. This will be the second location for the emerging concept, which debuted its Dana Point flagship in January. White Rooster serves brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

AutoZone is planning a new retail store in Ontario, with construction documents on PlanHub outlining a roughly 7,160-square-foot building the company is working on at 2450 S. Vineyard Ave. The brand is in the pre-development process, seeking bids for contractors until the middle of September. The project calls for new construction with associated site improvements near S. Vineyard Avenue and E. Walnut Street. New asphalt, curb ramps, landscaping, and a fire sprinkler system will be added as well.

Black Rock Coffee Bar is preparing a new location in Rancho Cucamonga, with the company planning a fall debut at 8736 Base Line Road. According to a recent Black Rock Coffee Bar hiring listing, the company is already recruiting baristas for a Rancho Cucamonga location at the address, indicating that preparations are underway ahead of the planned October opening. The Rancho Cucamonga opening is one of several new Southern California locations the company is developing.

Cowboy by Nick’s is slated to open at River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano, taking over the space at 31904 Paseo Adelanto. The new restaurant is scheduled to open in fall 2026, according to River Street Marketplace, while the Cowboy by Nick’s website currently lists the concept as Coming Soon. Cowboy by Nick’s will focus on fire-cooked steaks, cocktails and a Western-influenced dining concept.

Coach will debut a new location at The Outlets at Orange as part of a broader revitalization project underway at the Orange County shopping center. Simon, which owns and operates the property, announced that Coach will be among the center’s new marquee additions, with the store planned to include a Coach Coffee Shop and patio. The location will be at The Outlets at Orange, an open-air shopping center at 20 City Blvd. W.