News Summary

The Shops at Mission Viejo is set for a multimillion-dollar expansion, adding 50,000 square feet of new retail and dining space. Groundbreaking occurred recently, with popular brands like Sbarro and Uniqlo joining the lineup. The project aims to enhance the shopping experience ahead of the 2026 holiday season, and includes initiatives for local economic growth.

Mission Viejo

Simon, the property owner of The Shops at Mission Viejo, has officially begun a multimillion-dollar expansion project that aims to transform the shopping center. Groundbreaking occurred on September 18, with the goal of adding 50,000 square feet of new retail and dining space to the mall’s southeast side. This initiative is expected to enhance the shopping experience for visitors, particularly through the introduction of new dining and retail options.

New Retail and Dining Additions

The expansion will introduce several popular retailers and dining outlets. Notable additions include:

• Sbarro: Known for Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza.
• Iron King Mongolian BBQ: Offers customizable bowl options similar to Asian Chipotle.
• Jamba Juice: Located on the upper level, situated between Islands and P.F. Chang’s.
• Mr. Inkwells Piercing Studio: Providing tattoos and piercings with body-safe materials.
• Uniqlo: A distinguished Japanese retailer famous for modern and minimalistic fashion.

Upcoming restaurants as part of the expansion include North Italia and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, which are planned to be part of an “open-air village.”

Reopening of Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn

Additionally, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn are set to reopen in early 2026 with refreshed designs adjacent to Nordstrom.

Timeline and Objectives of the Expansion

Construction for the new area is scheduled to commence later this year, aiming for completion before the 2026 holiday shopping season. The overarching goal of this expansion is to enhance open-air experiences for guests, providing them with a more inviting atmosphere for shopping and dining.

Community Impact Initiatives

The expansion is part of a broader effort to stimulate local economic growth. In related news, the Orange County United Way has received a $2 million grant from California’s Employment Development Department to support a young adult career program, aiming to train 240 participants.

Achievements and Appointments in the Local Community

Meanwhile, Orange Coast College culinary arts students have made headlines by winning the 2025 American Culinary Federation’s Western Regional Student Team Competition. In other local developments, Tim Byrne was appointed as deputy chief executive officer at the Transportation Corridor Agencies, indicating ongoing changes in leadership across various sectors.

Additional leadership appointments have been made within the community, including Jason Biado as senior vice president of Distribution at MobileX and Hideaki Takizawa as CFO at Christie Digital Systems.

Philanthropic Efforts

In philanthropic endeavors, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast successfully raised $84,000 during the eighth annual Women of Greatness Brunch & Bubbly. The funds will support programs aimed at encouraging female leadership within the community.

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Additional Resources

• OC Register: Status Update on New Stores Open at Mission Viejo Mall
• Wikipedia: Mission Viejo
• OCBJ: The Shops at Mission Viejo to Add 50k Sq Ft of Leasable Space
• Google Search: Mission Viejo Mall
• Patch: Shops at Mission Viejo Announces Expansion
• Google Scholar: Mission Viejo Mall Expansion
• LA Times: Kaleidoscope Mall Mission Viejo
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mission Viejo

Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.