The Orange County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved new retail operators at John Wayne Airport. However, they will need to seek new proposals for one of the largest spaces because no company submitted a bid for it.
The board has chosen Host International Inc. to operate the food and beverage outlets, while Hudson Group and Paradies Lagardere will be the retail operators. The terms of the leases, which are still to be negotiated, will be for a duration of 15 years with planned upgrades after seven years.
Host International Inc. has proposed several concepts, including Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails, the Ducks Breakway Bar, Cellar Society, Left Coast Brewing, the Habit Burger Grill, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Perfect, Bonchon Korean Chicken, OC To-Go, Dunkin Donuts, and Panera Bread.
The Hudson concept includes PCH Provisions, MAC, Jo Malone & Sunglass Hut, Boutique Del Mar, Brookstone, and Orange Coast Magazine by Hudson.
Paradies has proposed Harbor Exchange, Market 949 + The Goods Express, The Goods @ SNA, and SoCAL Essentials.
Board Chairman Don Wagner described the decision as a “tough one.”
Supervisor Katrina Foley agreed, stating that it was difficult because all the bidders understood the board’s desire for a taste of Orange County, local flavor, and locally sourced products.
Wagner also added, “I think having the Ducks [The Anaheim Ducks hockey team] presence is a habit at the airport.”
Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee voted against the Paradies concept.
The retailers’ officials have confirmed agreements with airport workers, ensuring “labor peace.” However, when Foley suggested adding language regarding this in the lease terms, Vice Chairman Andrew Do objected, fearing potential legal issues from vendors who may challenge the board’s decisions.
“That is something we can negotiate separately, outside of the contract,” Do explained.
Supervisor Vince Sarmiento humorously remarked, “That’s what happens when you have five lawyers up here.”
Sarmiento expressed support for Foley’s proposal in spirit but recognized the technical challenges it may present. He stated that the executives had made labor agreements and trusted airport officials to resolve any outstanding issues.
Chaffee clarified, “When you say labor peace, that doesn’t mean labor agreement. It means there’s a mechanism to a labor agreement.”
The board has instructed staff to seek new bids for another part of the airport as no proposals were received for that specific space.
Sarmiento noted, “This was the former space where Javier’s was. It’s a very large space, and a lot of investment was made in infrastructure there.” He suggested a Mexican or Vietnamese restaurant concept to celebrate the diversity of the county.
Wagner also acknowledged the challenges posed by the size of the space. He encouraged a broad search and open-mindedness to bring quality operators to those spaces.
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