Big Changes, Bright Future for a Beloved Old Towne Corner

Nearly a year after Felix Café closed, many residents continue to wonder what happened to the well-known restaurant and why the corner it occupied remains under construction. Questions grew even louder after the Starbucks on Chapman Avenue also closed, leaving two prominent storefronts in Old Towne sitting dark at the same time.

A review of the timeline, inspection findings, and comments from individuals familiar with the situation shows that the redevelopment has been more complicated than most expected. What began as a straightforward transition from a long-running family business became a multi-year effort involving hidden building problems, required upgrades, and delays linked to city reviews and concerns from neighboring properties.

In September 2024, longtime Felix Café owner Carlos Calderon began preparing for retirement. After years of rising operational and regulatory costs and a desire to step back, he began looking for new operators to take over. Those close to him say the decision was personal and voluntary.

By mid-November, the restaurant group Fresh Off the Boat entered negotiations to assume the lease. Their potential arrival drew interest from residents familiar with their Tustin location. During inspections, however, the group discovered major problems that had gone unnoticed for years. These included plumbing that needed full replacement, outdated electrical systems, and utility lines that were shared with the neighboring Plaza Barber Shop, known locally as the former “Hank’s Barber Shop”.

Because the plumbing and electrical systems for both businesses were connected, the barbershop also had to be vacated so repairs could be completed. The barbers later relocated to American Barber Shop on West Chapman and Circle City Barbers at the corner of W Chapman/N Olive St, keeping them in the neighborhood. Fresh Off the Boat ultimately decided not to proceed, but the repairs identified during their inspection still needed to be completed before any new business could move in.

Around this same time, the Starbucks at Chapman and Grand closed unexpectedly. Although unrelated to the issues at the Felix site, the shutdown added to the feeling of transition in the district. For many residents, seeing both spaces empty made it seem as though progress in Old Towne had slowed.

Despite the setbacks, redevelopment plans for the former Felix space continued. A new womanfemale-owned Cuban restaurant, Sabor a Cuba, is now planned for the location. The operator, originally from Cuban roots, is working with the Francoli Gourmet team and is described as fully committed to bringing a vibrant dining experience to the Plaza.

Progress slowed again due to disagreements with the operator of the neighboring apartments. Questions were raised about property lines, construction access, and the scope of required infrastructure upgrades. The same property owner has also filed objections to other city improvements nearby, including Spectrum service updates and the Downtown Paid Parking Program scheduled for Winter 2025. City planners say these disputes have added time to a process that was already complex.

Because of extensive renovation work and delays related to concerns about neighboring properties, the projected opening of Sabor a Cuba has been pushed to late 2026. Even with the longer timeline, those involved say the operator remains committed to the location and plans to see the project through.

While the slow pace of progress has been noticeable, those working on the redevelopment note that the repairs being made now will allow the building, and eventually the corner, to support businesses safely for many years. Many in the community believe that once the work is complete, this important corner of the Plaza will welcome residents back with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.