The strip of retail shops at 2222 Michelson Dr. in Irvine, catering to tenants in surrounding office towers, is undergoing a dramatic change. Lincoln Properties Company and Alcion Ventures, which acquired the property in 2014, are tearing the 32,600-square-foot property apart – removing the roof to create an open-air gourmet food hall.
The landlords have signed leases with eight chef-driven tenants for their $5 million Trade Food Hall. Included will be a full-service bar and indoor/outdoor communal seating. The new venue will open later this fall.
Chef Andrew Gruel is creating two food concepts: Two Birds will offer grilled and fried chicken, and Butterleaf will concentrate on vegetarian cuisine. Chef Hop Phan also has two venues: Dos Chinos will have Vietnamese and Mexican dishes and Megadon will serve a fusion of Latin, Asian and Hawaiian.
Other fare will include sandwiches by The Sandwich Society, seafood by Portside, dessert by Sweet Comforts, Mediterranean by Gyro King. Sushi by Ootdoro Sushi and juices, bowls and coffee by KRISP.
