Philz Coffee opens Wednesday, March 5 at The Commons, a shopping center getting a bold new look in Aliso Viejo.
A grand opening fete at 26509 Aliso Creek Road begins at 6 a.m. for all you coffee-loving early birds.
Hours at Philz are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
There are seven Philz locations in Orange County, with the Aliso Viejo cafe bringing the total to 8, according to the San Francisco-based company.
ValueRock, the owner of The Commons, is spending $115 million to convert the center from a traditional strip mall into something new and exciting. Gone is the shuttered Lowe’s, which has been chopped into smaller spaces for new tenants including Tesla, 99 Ranch Market, Daiso and Philz.
Work continues at The Commons, with the smaller retailers opening first. ValueRock reps have declined to offer a more specific timeline for merchant rollouts. Construction, which began in 2023, was being finalized in late 2024.
VSSOC opens 10,000-square-foot facility
If Fido has ever required urgent, specialized surgery, then you’re probably familiar with Veterinary Surgical Specialists of Orange County.
The Tustin hospital known for performing thousands of life-saving surgeries on cats and dogs recently unveiled an expanded facility just a few doors down from its flagship location.
“As pet owners, we recognize the critical importance of providing a contemporary surgical environment, supported by a team of skilled and compassionate professionals dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care for ill or injured animals,” said Diane Craig, a VSSOC founder and veterinary surgeon.
The 10,000-square-foot hospital is home to five board-certified veterinary surgeons. It’s open all week and features five exam rooms, 10 pre- and postoperative treatment bays, five surgical suites, 20 large canine recovery suites and kennel runs, plus a cat ward just for the felines.
A host of technology helps doctors find out what’s ailing Fido and Fifi, from digital radiograph tables and a 128-slice CT scanner, all hosted in radiology suites.
VSSOC monitors its patients 24/7, one of the few specialized hospitals with acute care.
Address: 2937 Edinger Ave.
Longtime seafood market, cafe close in Costa Mesa
Santa Monica Seafood closed its Costa Mesa market and cafe, saying goodbye in a social media post on Feb. 19.
For decades, the popular market and cafe was a go-to for all types of fresh seafood, from fish fillet to oysters to lobsters. Its cafe served some classic favorites including clam chowder, lobster rolls, crab cakes and fish and chips. A favorite on-the-go market snack featured brown-sugar-candied smoked salmon.
“For almost 30 years, we’ve served Costa Mesa. As we close our doors at this location, our hearts are filled with gratitude for your support throughout the years,” the company wrote. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon. We’d love to welcome you at our Santa Monica location.”
The closure at 154 E. 17th St. stunned longtime fans.
“Horrible news,” wrote Jennifer West. “This was by far more convenient than Santa Monica. This was the only place I respected to get seafood.”
The company, which has a Santa Monica store and headquarters 52 miles from Costa Mesa, could not be reached for comment on the closure.
Commenters on social media offered a tip to gift-card recipients: Use the company’s overnight shipping service rather than driving to Santa Monica. Users will need to create an account to set up seafood shipments.
That Santa Monica store, for those interested in making the trek, is at 1000 Wilshire Blvd., about 10 blocks from the beach and the 10 freeway.
In 2010 the company expanded the location in Costa Mesa, enlarging its cafe, oyster bar and deli section. The café sold items ranging from cioppino to sautéed scallops to oysters on the shell.
Jewelry stores open at Fashion Island
A trio of jewelry stores is opening at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Here’s a look at who’s coming or opening soon:
Caitlyn Minimalist, which opened its first physical store at Irvine Spectrum Center, is now open at Irvine Co.’s coastal retail center. Prices ranging from $19 to $50 for jewelry, $15 to $25 for scarves, and $75 to $300 for vintage watches sold only in-store. For more on the brand, go to caitlynminimalist.com
The jewelry store Monica Vinader is opening its first California boutique at the outdoor mall in April. Jewelry is crafted from recycled gold and sterling silver.
Then in June, Hyde Park Jewelers | 1916 Co opens, selling fine jewelry and timepieces, including wedding rings and watches from IWC and Omega.
Japanese novelties land at Market Place
MINISO, a Chinese retailer that sells Japanese novelty items, opened in mid-February at The Market Place on the Tustin side.
A grand opening celebration for the shop takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14. The store is near the TJ Maxx and Old Navy on El Camino Real at Jamboree Road.
The MINISO in Tustin will be the company’s second-largest in the U.S., according to Irvine Co., the retail center owner.
The retailer sells a wide variety of toys, collectibles and other oddities. Think dolls and stationary, pens, stuffed animals and wallets/purses. Miniso has some 7,100 stores worldwide.
On the move
Annette Morgan recently was named chief operating officer of City of Hope Orange County. The Orange County native has been City of Hope Orange County’s chief administrative officer since she joined the hospital in 2018. She will oversee clinical operations as well as patient access, support services, business development, project management and performance improvement.
Patricia Falzon was named executive director of the OCC Foundation on Feb. 19 by the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees. She replaces executive director Doug Bennett, who retired in December 2024. Falzon returned to Orange County after serving as executive director of Principal Giving for Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, since 2020,
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
