Great Park is getting more dynamic with every passing week.
This fall, the momentum is building with anticipated new restaurants, shops and gathering places at The Canopy, the 12-acre, open-air retail and dining hub adjacent to the tennis courts.
“The way the park is laid out makes it a perfect place for family gatherings – which is precisely what we’re about,” says Michael Dancel, one of four co-founders of Shootz. His small chain of Hawaiian-Asian-fusion comfort-food restaurants will open a location at The Canopy late this year or in early 2027. “We’re looking forward to catering to families bringing their kids for soccer practice and hosting a lot of baby showers and birthday parties.”
Drawing residents
The Canopy, slated to start opening later this year, will feature an array of shops and restaurants, catering to Irvine families, fitness buffs and foodies.
“Great Park visitors have long awaited a retail and dining hub that not only serves their needs but also enhances their everyday lifestyle,” says Dan Almquist, CEO of Almquist, the developer of The Canopy. “As the Great Park continues to evolve, we believe this location will truly become a one-of-a-kind draw for the community.”
Announced tenants include In-N-Out Burger, Philz Coffee, H&H Bagels and Osen Urban Table, a spinoff from Irvine’s popular Izakaya Osen. Visitors will be able to shop for trendy clothing, sneakers and accessories at Free People Movement and Solestage, or pick up staples at T&T Supermarket, part of a large Canadian-based grocery chain, which will occupy about 34,000 square feet for its first Orange County store.
Community connection
Osen chef-owner Damon Cho says the new spot will be approachable and modern with a menu that highlights Japanese flavors. “I love dishes that look simple but depend heavily on the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail,” he says.
“We want Urban Table to have its own identity as a neighborhood restaurant that people can enjoy regularly,” Cho says. “We are putting a great deal of thought into the food, design and service to ensure Osen Urban Table feels like a place the Irvine community can call its own.”
“We’re really excited to take our place alongside all this other talent, in these brands,” says Dancel, who created Shootz in 2019 with three friends. Shootz has since won devotees at its five Southern California locations for its signature dish of kimchi butter, served on chicken katsu and shrimp. Dancel says he created the dish one evening to spice up the fried chicken served at a dinner his parents were hosting.
The name “shootz,” as Dancel explains, is Hawaiian slang for “let’s go!” “That’s the kind of energy we used to start this brand,” he says. “We’re a lot more than a place to go get lunch.”
