Wokcano Asian Restaurant & Bar And Islands Restaurants To Enter The Shoppes At Carlsbad

April 27, 2017

The Shoppes at Carlsbad has announced that two restaurants with deep local ties and strong consumer loyalty will be opening locations at the lifestyle center as part of the multi-phase renovation of the retail destination. The beach-themed Islands eatery and bar will occupy 4,500 square feet and offer a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and more, while Wokcano Asian Restaurant & Bar (“Wokcano”) will open in a 7,000 square foot space (plus a 1,500 square-foot patio) and serve a savory selection of fresh sushi, maki rolls and more. Islands is expected to join The Shoppes at Carlsbad’s dining mix in the early fourth quarter of 2017, while Wokcano will open in early 2018.

"It is important to us that our lifestyle center offers the Carlsbad community a dynamic mix of popular national and local favorites, and we are very pleased that two of Southern California’s most desired restaurants will be joining our dining lineup," said Kyle Godat, General Manager of The Shoppes at Carlsbad. "Both concepts further enhance the guest experience at the center, positioning The Shoppes at Carlsbad as a true dining and retail destination in the local market."

Islands is a privately held, Carlsbad-based restaurant company that operates 56 restaurants throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. It focuses on providing the finest quality food, including its signature burgers that are never frozen, daily fresh cut fries and the best tropical drinks around – all served in a laid back, beach-inspired environment. This location will be its 10th in San Diego.

"The Islands team is incredibly proud to be opening at The Shoppes at Carlsbad," said Michael Smith, President of Islands Restaurants. "Carlsbad is our home base, and we’re excited to be opening our 10th San Diego location at the newly remodeled dynamic center. We look forward to continuing to be a part of the Carlsbad community and have a presence at the growing property!"

Wokcano, a "Best in Class" Asian-fusion concept from Los Angeles-based Wokcano Restaurant Group, will open its debut San Diego location next to Regal Cinemas across from Yard House. The restaurant’s menu features a contemporary approach to Japanese and Chinese cuisine, including sushi and sashimi, wok-cooked favorites and classic noodle dishes - plus, Asian-inspired cocktails, wine and sake, in an upscale casual setting. This will be Wokcano’s 10th Southern California restaurant since opening its first location in 2001 in Los Angeles.

"We are very excited to open Wokcano Asian Restaurant & Bar at the Shoppes at Carlsbad," says Wokcano’s CEO and Founder Michael Kwan. "The center’s strong portfolio of complementary dining and entertainment tenants makes it as an ideal location for our first San Diego restaurant".

The Shoppes at Carlsbad is in the midst of a game-changing multi-phase repositioning that will transform the property into a lifestyle center bringing together indoor and outdoor elements. A major component of the renovation is the coastal theme that will be incorporated throughout, including the color palette and the addition of new retailers and dining concepts like Islands and Wokcano that have strong local roots. The initial phase of the renovation is expected to be complete at the end of 2017.

Islands and Wokcano are just two of many high quality restaurants that will be calling The Shoppes at Carlsbad home over the coming months. Zara, The Cheesecake Factory and Yard House will each open at the center prior to year’s end, while Dave & Buster’s unveiled its brand-new, 40,000 square-foot space in January. Meanwhile, The Shoppes at Carlsbad has also welcomed a variety of best-in-class retailers since announcing the repositioning including Regal Cinemas, which is the top performing luxury theater in all of California, and 24 Hour Fitness, which has seen a strong and steady flow of customer traffic since opening last Fall.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad is currently home to more than 100 retail options, including anchor tenants Macy’s, Regal Cinemas and 24 Hour Fitness, as well as specialty retailers like Gymboree, Torrid, Vans and more. Many existing tenants, including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, American Eagle Outfitters and Shiekh Shoes, are renovating their stores to complement the renovation. The redevelopment of the center includes the addition of brand-new retail, dining and entertainment tenants, more of which will be announced in the coming months.

 For more information, visit theshoppesatcarlsbad.com.