OCVIBE WELCOMES FOUR MORE CHEFS AND LOCAL CULINARY FAVORITES TO KATELLA COMMONS

Orange County Favorites Don Churros and MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen Join Chef Guoming Xin's Mojo and Pull & Roll, and Gelato Paradiso as the Latest Additions to the Market Hall's 21-kitchen Lineup, Opening in 2027

ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OCVIBE, the 100-acre mixed-use development surrounding Honda Center in Orange County, today announced five new dining concepts joining Katella Commons, its 50,000-square-foot, two-story market hall opening in early 2027. The latest additions expand Katella Commons' growing culinary lineup with acclaimed local operators and distinctive concepts spanning Mexican, Filipino, Chinese and Italian-inspired traditions.

Joining the market hall are Jaime and Ricky Nuñez Gomez of Don Churros Gomez, Chef Henry Pineda of MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen, Chef Guoming "Sam" Xin of Mojo and Pull & Roll, and gelato artisan Pedro Quevedo of Gelato Paradiso. Together, the new partners underscore OCVIBE's focus on creating a dining destination rooted in Southern California's diverse culinary landscape, with several bringing deep connections to Anaheim and Orange County.

"Dining and hospitality are going to be a defining part of the OCVIBE experience," said Anthony Olheiser, Senior Vice President, Hospitality at OCVIBE. "From Katella Commons and its chef-driven kitchens to Chef Roy Choi's Best Friend restaurant, and the bars and lounges, we're creating a new dining destination in Southern California where people will discover something new every time they visit."

New Chef Partners

The four new chef partners represent a diverse range of culinary traditions celebrated throughout the Southern California region. Collectively, they bring generations of cultural tradition and global flavors, celebrating the authentic flavors and rich heritage that reflects the vibrant communities of Orange County:

• Don Churros Gomez — Led by brothers Jaime and Ricky Nuñez Gomez, Don Churros Gomez is a third-generation, family-operated churro business rooted in Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico, where their grandfather, known as "Don Churros", created the family's original recipe in 1969. At Katella Commons, guests can expect traditional thin-style churros, along with other authentic Mexican desserts that celebrate generations of craftsmanship.

"Don Churros is a story that began with our grandfather and has been carried forward through generations of our family," said Jaime and Ricky Nuñez Gomez. "The recipes and traditions that bring Don Churros to life are part of our family's history, and we're proud to share that legacy with more Anaheim residents and guests at OCVIBE. To see our family's churros become part of OCVIBE's larger culinary story, alongside so many talented chefs and cuisines, is an exciting next chapter for us. We know our grandfather, 'Don Churros,' would be very proud."

• MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen — Led by Chef Henry Pineda and his wife, Panda, MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen marks the return of the couple's first restaurant concept, which they originally opened together in Anaheim in 2017. After losing the original restaurant to a fire, the couple continued their journey with Lola's by MFK, their Filipino brunch concept. Now, a decade later, MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen is coming back. Rooted in Filipino flavors, family and the communal experience of sharing a meal, the new MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen will bring a modern approach to familiar Filipino dishes with a menu designed specifically for Katella Commons.

"Panda and I opened our first MFK here in Anaheim almost 10 years ago, so getting the chance to bring it back home feels really special. Community has always been a huge part of what we do, and being able to represent Filipino food and our culture at Katella Commons means a lot to us. We're excited to bring MFK back in a new way and create another place where people can come together over great food", said Chef Henry Pineda.

• Mojo and Pull & Roll — Led by Chef Guoming "Sam" Xin, Mojo and Pull & Roll showcases the time-honored techniques of Northern Chinese cuisine, with a focus on expertly crafted hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. Often referred to as the "Noodle Man," Chef Xin draws on more than two decades of culinary experience, beginning in Zhengzhou, China, where he opened his first restaurant, Noodle City, and later earned certification as a Senior Noodle Technician in Beijing. Blending time-honored techniques with modern creativity, Chef Xin brings an authentic and immersive noodle-making experience to every dish, offering guests a true taste of Northern Chinese culinary tradition.

"Katella Commons is creating an exciting opportunity for chefs to bring their individual perspectives together in one destination, and I'm proud to be part of it," said Chef Guoming "Sam" Xin. "I'm looking forward to exploring my craft in new ways, working with the Katella Commons team led by Anthony Olheiser, introducing new concepts, and sharing my cuisine with the Anaheim community."

• Gelato Paradiso  — Founded in Newport Beach, California, in 1999, Gelato Paradiso has been serving authentic, artisan Italian gelato for more than 25 years. What began as a neighborhood gelateria has grown to multiple locations across Southern California and Texas, while remaining rooted in the quality, hospitality and Italian traditions that have defined the brand from the beginning. Gelato Paradiso's gelato is made fresh daily in small batches using carefully selected ingredients, with approximately 80% imported directly from Italy and fresh, locally and seasonally sourced fruits incorporated whenever possible. The menu features classic Italian favorites including Pistacchio, Stracciatella and Bacio, alongside an evolving selection of seasonal gelato and sorbetto flavors. Each batch is crafted with a focus on flavor and texture, offering guests an authentic taste of Italy in every scoop.

"I've been making gelato with Gelato Paradiso since we started in 1999, and I'm proud that after all these years we still make it the same way—fresh every day, with great Italian ingredients and a lot of care. I'm excited for us to join Katella Commons, to be alongside so many great food partners, and to share what we do with even more people in Orange County," said Pedro Quevedo, Gelato Artisan, Gelato Paradiso.

"Bringing Don Churros and MFK | Modern Filipino Kitchen to OCVIBE is especially meaningful because both businesses have deep roots in this community," said Nick Pacific, Vice President, Katella Commons. "At the same time, Mojo and Pull & Roll and Gelato Paradiso bring their own distinct culinary traditions and stories to the mix. Each partner adds their own ingredients to the local character and sense of discovery we want Katella Commons to become known for."

Today's news builds on the growing momentum behind OCVIBE's culinary program, bringing together an exceptional roster of acclaimed chefs, local favorites, and distinctive culinary voices. Earlier this summer, OCVIBE announced a star-studded line up of chefs joining Katella Commons, including chefs Danielle Duran Zecca and Alessandro Zecca from Amiga Amore, Alberto Bañuelos of Burritos La Palma, Alex "Pobre Diablo" Garcia and Elvia "La Bruja" Huerta from Evil Cooks, Kanate Ungkasrithongkul and Anita Lin from beloved Manaao Thai Comfort Food, and Chef Zach Scherer from DARKROOM Restaurant and Wine Bar, who will bring two new concepts: OC Pizza Cult and Wanderfowl.

In addition to the chefs and culinary concepts at Katella Commons, OCVIBE also announced that celebrated chef Roy Choi will bring his acclaimed Best Friend restaurant to OCVIBE. Together, the growing dining collection reflects an intentionally curated mix of culinary legends and rising talent, each contributing a distinct perspective to a district designed around experience, discovery and culture.

Katella Commons will welcome guests in early 2027, following the opening of OCVIBE's 5,000-person capacity concert hall in early March. Also opening in 2027 is The Weave – the district's commercial office building, and home to co-working operator, Kiln, along with the first phase of the district's public art program.

An interactive virtual preview of Katella Commons is available [HERE]. For images, photos, b-roll, and more information about OCVIBE, Katella Commons, and the OCVIBE culinary program, visit the OCVIBE Media Center.

About OCVIBE

OCVIBE is a new district currently under construction in the heart of Orange County, California. Privately funded with a $5 billion commitment by the Samueli Family, OCVIBE will turn 100 acres of Anaheim into an easily accessible, walkable community and transform the area surrounding the Honda Center into a vibrant, year-round destination. The first phase of OCVIBE will open to the public in early 2027 with a food-driven market hall, public plaza, concert hall, and new office space at The Weave—the county's first mass timber office building in a mixed-use development. Once fully complete in 2033, the new community will bring 20 acres of open space to Southern California, along with three miles of connected walking trails, more than 2,500 residences, 35+ new dining experiences, and three state-of-the-art entertainment venues. The development of OCVIBE is one of the largest private investments ever made in Southern California and promises to bring unparalleled experiences and amenities to its visitors and residents.

About Katella Commons

Opening in early 2027 as part of OCVIBE, Katella Commons is a 50,000-square-foot, two-story chef-driven market hall located in the heart of Anaheim. Designed as the social gathering place of the 100-acre mixed-use district surrounding Honda Center, Katella Commons will feature 21 kitchens and six original bar and lounge concepts, offering a dynamic day-to-night destination that connects seamlessly to OCVIBE's public spaces, entertainment venues, and The Weave office building. Katella Commons is being shaped by a leadership team of chefs and culinary visionaries, including OCVIBE Vice President Nick Pacific and Chef Rémi Lauvand, ensuring the market hall kitchens bring a chef- and community-first approach to the district.

Named after historic Katella Avenue, whose origins trace back to Anaheim pioneer John Rea and his daughters Kate and Ella, Katella Commons honors the area's heritage while creating a new gathering place for Southern California residents and visitors alike.

SOURCE OCVIBE