Irvine Spectrum Food Court to Close

The food court at Irvine Spectrum Center will close at the end of the year, according to a report in the Orange County Register.

When the Cafes at the Oasis—which consists of Bella Pizza & Calzones, Charley's Grilled Subs, Charley Kabob and Wasabi—shuts down at the end of the year, the Irvine Improv will be expanded into that space. Rubio's closed in November.

"Irvine Spectrum Center has evolved into the kind of shopping and entertainment destination with a much more dynamic, outdoorsy, alfresco setting," Stacey Ellis, senior director of marketing for the Irvine Co. Retail Properties, said in explaining the planned food court closure. ""The biggest factor in this decision was the opportunity to adapt to the changing times."

The Improv will more than double its current size to more than 15,000 square feet and will open late next year, Ellis said. Besides comedy, it will host other live entertainment.

Ellis pointed out that even though the food court will close, other inexpensive-food spots remain throughout the center, including Chipotle.

Read the full Register article here.