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MAY 8, 2008

The garden of eating and leisure
Anaheim’s GardenWalk promises entertainment, aesthetics and side-by-side restaurants to please all palates.
By Judy Asman

While Mickey or Goofy gadgets and gear might not dominate the highly anticipated GardenWalk in Anaheim, an upscale bowling alley, luxury movie theater, and gardens promising Zen-like serenity or live music are sure to make OC’s latest outdoor shopping and entertainment center a worthy companion to “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

Celebrating its grand opening May 31 and June 1, GardenWalk developers will honor the completion of the project’s first two phases, which include retailers and six restaurants along Katella Avenue. The third and final phase will feature lodging boutiques and a timeshare property. It’s scheduled for completion in 2010.

The project has haad to clear numerous hurdles since its early stages in 1999, including land acquisition issues. “The complex is long overdue,” says Elaine Cali, vice president of communications for the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau. “And the result will be a luxury destination experience for locals and business travelers alike.”

Some of the attractions include 300 Anaheim, an edgy bowling scene created by AMF; trendy and niche shopping venues; and a nouveau club by Ultra Lounge.

And the complex is in a hot spot for both locals and out-of-towners: near Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center, off Clementine Street, and between Disney Way and Katella Avenue.

“Business travelers, especially, want a walk-able area offering upscale shopping, dining and leisure,” Cali says. “The center is a 15- to 20-minute walk from the convention center and hotels.”

And they’ll get just that with Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, The Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., PF Chang’s China Bistro, McCormick & Schmick’s and California Pizza Kitchen lining Katella Avenue.

Eat a weekday lunch there, and you’ll catch badge-wearing convention-goers among hip locals and office folks. And the upscale vibe picks up at night.

“At GardenWalk, we’ve put tenants in place that will address almost every individual,” says William Stone, principal of Excel Realty Holdings, a developing partner. “We can accommodate the family visiting Disneyland Resort, as well as the business crowd. ... It’s pretty easy to find something you like.” OCM

Judy Asman is OC METRO Business Magazine’s leisure columnist.

What will you discover at GardenWalk?



The Grand Opening of GardenWalk, OC’s newest outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment hot spot, will be May 31 and June 1.

GardenWalk’s first phase, which is now open, includes:
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Cheesecake Factory
• McCormick & Schmick’s Grille
• P.F. Chang’s
• Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
Total planned restaurant space: 46,050 square feet

Phase 2 will feature more than 80 high-end retailers and entertainment venues, including:
• Chico’s
• Banana Republic
• Bar Louie
• Harley Davidson
• Heat Ultra Lounge
• White House/Black Market
• XP Sports
• Cinemapolis, a 14-screen theater
• 300 Anaheim, an upscale bowling lounge
• Hollister
• Anne Taylor Loft
• George Yu
• O’Neill Sports
• Pop the Cork

Phase 3 of GardenWalk will include two hotels – more than 805 guest rooms combined – with an additional 400-unit timeshare to open mid-2010.

GardenWalk
321 W. Katella Ave.,
Anaheim
anaheimgardenwalk.com


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