Spectrum, damn near killed em
It is no secret that I am not the biggest fan of these entertainment “destinations” and the big business consumerism mentality. Since my career currently makes me frequent one, I have noticed quite a few empty spaces at the Irvine Spectrum Center as of late. More vacancy’s at the same time than in the past two plus years I have worked there. I am not sure what the rent is there, but I suppose it is pretty high. It must take a lot of overhead to stay. There are some businesses that I am surprised that they stay, while other larger ones (Spencers Gifts, t-mobile) have left. I don’t know if it is a plan by the center to refresh the businesses by summertime, or if that many occupants just cant survive lately. The free space is allowing some of the existing tenants to remodel and move spaces. (Sketchers and Wetzels Pretzels)
The Spectrum center has also added space for a few shops by the Edwards Cinema, some of which I find odd choices in the loyalty department. This goes to two of the original tenants Gary’s Island and Johnny Rockets. Right next to Gary’s Island they opened a Tommy Bahama’s and They are opening a Ruby’s Diner right outside the entrance to the theater. Johnny Rocket’s used to have the line-of-site opportunity out of the theaters, and then the construction blocked that. It looks as if Johnny Rocket’s is moving to the former Tea Station location, which is closer to the carrousel. In one way this is good, as it puts it right by Chipotle and Panda Express, with visibility right out of the parking structure, but on the other hand it seems like a snub.
I understand that the Spectrum is a business, and the new names bring in more business, but on the outside things looked wonky. I don’t know what behind the scenes deals went on, like a prime location for Johnny Rockets, so I may be completely wrong in my observations.
Posted on Wednesday, May 14 2008
Author: FEJ
Filed under: Geeky Stuff, Irvine Company, Irvine Spectrum, Metblog, Orange County
Tagged: Geeky Stuff, Orange County
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That’s funny. I had the same thought when I saw Ruby’s in there. They are essentially THE SAME restaurant (though I like Ruby’s better). But it does seem rather weird that they’d put them right next to each other. Now that I know they are moving one it is a little better.
The Gary’s Island/Tommy Bahama’s is just ridiculous though. They are 20 feet apart.
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