The redevelopment of Brea Mall continues to add new merchants as work continues on a multimillion-dollar addition taking place at the former Sears.

Property owner Simon, recently announced nine new retailers are opening at the mall this spring.

The Irvine-based electric-vehicle maker Rivian is opening a showroom.

A bevy of fashion brands, including the Japanese label UNIQLO, also are debuting. Those stores are:

Purificación Garcia: fashion that includes accessories, womenswear and menswear

The redevelopment of Brea Mall continues with the addition of 11 new retailers in spring 2025. Work is “progressing” on a multimillion-dollar addition coming to the mall’s former Sears and its parking lots. (Rendering courtesy of Simon)

The North Face: outdoors gear and apparel

Alo Yoga: luxury activewear

H&M: Swedish fast-fashion brand

Evereve: designer brands for moms

Tumi: travel gear

Chagee Tea Bar: teas with an array of flavors

Shoppers should note that PotteryBarn and Lululemon are expanding and relocating within the mall.

Other restaurants and shops already announced include North Italia and Kalbi Social, a Korean barbeque concept, plus dumpling favorite Din Tai Fung, Zara, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Philz Coffee and HeyTea.

The new wing — which will feature an apartment complex — also will be home to the luxury gym Life Time, Din Tai Fung, Zara and North Italia.

Construction there is “progressing,” mall reps said.

Pasta Sisters opens at Costa Mesa food hall

A Los Angeles purveyor of pasta has ventured south to Orange County, opening a ghost kitchen at the Costa Mesa Kitchens food hall.

Pasta Sisters makes all kinds of pasta dishes to go or for delivery. The storefronts, which include locations in Los Angeles and Culver City, are not meant for dining in.

“We’re excited to begin our expansion outside of Los Angeles with Costa Mesa Kitchens,” said Francesco Sinatra, the founder and CEO of Pasta Sisters. “This is a great way for us to bring authentic and affordable pasta to our Pasta Sisters’ fans in Orange County…”

The pasta is made daily on-site. Pasta dishes are priced $19 and up and include a variety of noodle styles (spaghetti, tagliatelle, pappardelle, penne and gnocchi) with meat, veggies and sauces. Entrees feature meat and fish, with sandwiches, salads and dessert also available.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1750 Newport Blvd.

Check out the menu online at tinyurl.com/27oox5bl

Golf tournament fundraiser is April 7

The Kevin Armstrong Memorial Sports MD Foundation’s 15th annual golf tournament is being held Monday, April 7 at Tustin Ranch Golf Club.

The foundation provides under-resourced students in Santa Ana with athletic gear and opportunities such as running shoes, paying registration fees to marathons, providing bus transportation to events, snacks and T-shirts.

The entry fee includes lunch, dinner and the golf.

For more information and to register for the tournament, go to armstrongmdfoundation.org.

Address: 12442 Tustin Ranch Road

KidWorks’ Women’s Pickleball for a Purpose returns Thursday, April 3 to the pickleball courts at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach Country Club. Pictured are some of the members of the KidWorks Women’s Pickleball for a Purpose event committee, from left to right, Beth Hallett, Kathy Ursini, Lori Junkins, Jill Schriber, Sharon Rinker, and Kyle Team. (Photo courtesy of KidWorks)

Pickleball for a Purpose is April 3

KidWorks’ Women’s Pickleball for a Purpose returns Thursday, April 3 to the pickleball courts at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach Country Club.

The event runs from 10:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. Last year, the event raised nearly $80,000 for the KidWorks College and Career Programs.

KidWorks, founded in 1993, helps children, youth and families living in under-resourced neighborhoods in Santa Ana.

For more information, go to kidworksoc.org/pickleball.

On the move

Shaheen Husain is the new chief executive officer at the nonprofit Executive Coaches of Orange County.  A member of ECofOC for four years, she helped coach and mentor OC’s nonprofit leaders on management and leadership issues. “Executive Coaches of Orange County has been one of the best-kept ‘secrets’ in the OC nonprofit landscape for the past 23 years,” said Husain. “As the incoming CEO, I’m committed to raising awareness for the invaluable services that ECofOC provides to local nonprofit leaders and their organizations for no cost.” Husain previously was chief development officer with the Girl Scouts of Orange County and before that she was vice president of Donor Relations at Orange County United Way.

Heather Dy is the new dean of the Math and Sciences Division at Orange Coast College, replacing Tara Giblin, who is now OCC’s vice president of Instruction. Dy joins OCC from Long Beach City College, where was a professor and held leadership roles, including faculty professional development coordinator, guided pathways coordinator, and department head.

On board

Rebecca Hall, president and chief executive officer at the public relations firm Idea Hall, was appointed chair of the board of directors at Orange County Business Council. Larry Chung, vice president of the Customer Engagement Division at Southern California Edison was elected board chair elect. Nicole Suydam, president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, is OCBC’s new board treasurer.

Dave de Csepel, co-founder and managing partner of Veritas Realty Investment Group, recently was elected chair of the board of governors for Irvine-based TCA Venture Group, formerly Tech Coast Angels. Lisa Walker, previously TCA-Orange County’s first woman president in 2022-2023, was elected vice chair.

Chris Walsh, a senior vice president at Commercial Bank of California, and Stewart Stempniak, a retired physical therapy professional, were appointed to the board at Reimagine, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities throughout their lifespan.

Orange County Rescue Mission received a $200,000 grant from the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program. Seen here from left to right are Adam Goodman, Bryan Crain, Peter Brakke, Vanessa Rosales, Craig Takata, Anna Song, Jeana Baltierra, Cathy Rich and Kristi Nichols.(Photo courtesy of Orange County Rescue Mission)

Grants

Orange County Rescue Mission is the recipient of a $200,000 grant from the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program. The mission plans to use the money to expand programs providing housing, rehabilitation programs and services to help break the cycle of homelessness in Orange County. The nonprofit was one of 56 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2025 receiving money from the fast-food chain’s $6 million program.

Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to [email protected]. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.

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