For anyone taking flights out of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, there's one big plus: It's often better than traveling to LAX, and it's easy to get in and out of. Does he lower it? Food options are limited and a bit boring.
That is about to change.
More than a dozen new dining options are scheduled to arrive at the international airport by the end of 2025, including many popular local restaurants such as Chaupain Bakery, Left Coast Brewing and Wahoo's Fish Taco.
Under a new 15-year contract, HMSHost, a food service company that operates dining concepts in airports around the world, will develop more than 32,100 feet of concessions in Terminals A, B and C. The new restaurants will include outposts of Cinco Vines Wine Bar, Taco's La Piña, Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza Store and Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails.
Artist's renderings of Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails, one of the new dining spots coming soon to John Wayne Airport.
(HMSHhost)
“These enhancements underscore our commitment to providing guests with a unique and memorable dining experience that showcases local favorites and beloved national brands,” airport director Charlene Reynold said in a news release.
Tourists looking to get one last bite of quintessential OC food can scratch that itch with Wahoo's Fish Tacos, an OC-born fast-casual chain known for its Baja-style fish tacos and other healthy fare.
The journey to opening a Wahoo's at his hometown airport has been a long one, co-founder Wing Lam told the OC Board of Supervisors before voting to approve the project.
“We've been in Orange County for 36 years,” Lam said. “I'm looking forward to having our flagship store represented at the airport.”
Travelers will be able to satisfy their craving for buttery, flaky snacks at Chaupain Bakery, which already has stores in Laguna Hills and San Clemente. The bakery won praise for its chocolate almond custard croissant, filled with homemade custard and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
Visitors who are in the mood for a big breakfast can opt to dine at Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails, where they can enjoy their favorites such as French toast, cookie sheet pans, and scrambles.
Additionally, there will be new retail options called OC To Go, where travelers can order hot, made-to-order pizza, Krispy Kreme donuts, Wow Bao buns and dumplings, salads, smoothies and coffee at all hours of the day.
The renovated Anaheim Ducks Breakaway Bar & Grill will feature a new look and menu.
Earlier this month, Orange County supervisors voted to approve new concessions at the airport, which serves more than 11 million passengers a year.
John Wayne Airport is consistently ranked as one of the best large airports in the United States. The terminals are easy to navigate, with a distinctly taupe suburban feel. Security is efficient and parking is easy and close to the airport.
The new restaurants will begin opening early next year, according to HMSHost representative Ashley Davidson.
Starbucks will remain, but some current restaurants will close to make room for new locations. Some of the changes: Earl of Sandwich, Sergeant. Pepperoni and Starbucks will replace McDonald's and Hudson News. Tacos La Piña will replace California Pizza Kitchen. Five Vines Wine Bar will replace Vino Volo. The new Anaheim Duck's Bar and Chaupain Bakery will succeed Ruby's and Farmers Market.
Artistic renderings of Breakaway Bar.
(HMSHhost)
Artois Belgian Bar, Hobie Sand Bar, Qdoba, OC Pizza, Jamba Juice and Ciao Gourmet Market and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will also close, making way for Aunt Annie's Pretzels, BonChon Korean Fried Chicken, Earl of Sandwich, Habit Burger Grill, Dunkin' Donuts, Panera Bread and others.
The new openings come on the heels of other local dining institutions opening outposts at the airport, including Brodard Express, the beloved Orange County Vietnamese restaurant known for its spring rolls that opened last year, and Taps Fish House and Brewery, which opened in February. .
