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A slew of new dining options will come to John Wayne Airport, including a bevy of familiar Orange County restaurants. With completion nearly a year away, a handful of renderings show what the upcoming eateries will look like.
Under a new 15-year contract, HMSHost (part of Avolta AG, which operates retail shops at airports around the globe) will reimagine more than 32,000 square feet of concessions space across Terminals A, B and C. HMSHost will open more than a dozen new dining venues, including outposts of several Orange County-based concepts like Chaupain Bakery, Five Vines Wine Bar, Left Coast Brewing, Mama’s Comfort Food and Cocktails, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store, Tacos La Piña and Wahoo’s Fish Taco.
Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails. (Rendering courtesy of HMSHost)
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New vending options (christened OC To Go) will offer made-to-order pizza, Krispy Kreme donuts, Wow Bao bao and dumplings, salads, smoothies coffee and more available to passengers 24/7.
The Anaheim Ducks Breakaway Bar & Grill will also get a revamp with a new look, menu and location.
“These improvements underscore our commitment to providing guests with a unique and memorable dining experience showcasing local favorites and beloved national brands,” said airport director Charlene Reynolds in a written release.
Left Coast Brewing Company. (Rendering courtesy of HMSHost)
Orange County supervisors voted to award the new leases on May 7.
“The revitalization of the restaurant and retail landscape at John Wayne Airport finally takes off, focused on providing local family-owned brands to the millions of travelers that visit our beloved community every year,” said District 5 supervisor Katrina Foley, whose district encompasses John Wayne Airport, in a written statement shortly after the vote. “Our airport will soon host a ‘Taste of Orange County’ by investing nearly $50 million to transform the entire terminal space, which expects to bring $11.4 million in annual revenue. Passengers can anticipate these exciting new dining establishments will open their doors fall of 2025, including some of OC’s staples that call District 5 home.”
Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. (Rendering courtesy of HMSHost)
In addition to local dining options, nationally recognized chains like Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, Earl of Sandwich Habit Burger Grill, Dunkin’ and Panera Bread will also open at John Wayne Airport, in addition to new retail haunts like Jo Malone and Mac Cosmetics.
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In order to make room for the new spots, several John Wayne Airport stalwarts will call it quits: California Pizza Kitchen (to be replaced with Tacos La Piña); McDonald’s and Hudson News (replaced with Earl of Sandwich, Starbucks and Sgt Pepperoni); Ruby’s and Farmers Market (replaced with the new Ducks’ Breakaway Bar and Chaupin Bakery); Vino Volo Wine Bar (replaced with Five Vines Wine Bar); Hobie Sand Bar (replaced with Panera Bread); Qdoba, OC Pizza and Jamba Juice (replaced with Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Starbucks); Stella Artois Belgian Bar (replaced with Left Coast Brewing), Carl’s Jr. (replaced with the Habit Burger Grill, Bonchon); Ducks’ Breakaway Bar (replaced with Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails), Ciao Gourmet Market (replaced with Aunt Annie’s Pretzels); and the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Dunkin’ Donuts).
The airport’s new roster of culinary offerings are expected to open sometime in late 2025.