The Canopy, a 12-acre open-air retail and dining hub, is set to begin opening its doors at the Great Park later this year. Located adjacent to the Great Park tennis courts, the development aims to provide new restaurants, shops, and gathering places for Irvine residents.
Almquist, the developer behind The Canopy, states the project will cater to families, fitness enthusiasts, and food connoisseurs. Dan Almquist, CEO of Almquist, noted that Great Park visitors have sought a retail and dining hub that meets their needs and "enhances their everyday lifestyle," anticipating the location will become a significant attraction for the community as the Great Park continues to evolve.
Among the announced tenants is T&T Supermarket, a large Canadian-based grocery chain, which will occupy approximately 34,000 square feet for its inaugural Orange County store. The Canopy will also include dining options such as In-N-Out Burger, Philz Coffee, and H&H Bagels.
Two additional restaurants highlight the diverse culinary offerings. Shootz, a Hawaiian-Asian-fusion comfort food concept, plans to open a location at The Canopy late this year or in early 2027. Michael Dancel, one of Shootz's four co-founders, described the Great Park's layout as "a perfect place for family gatherings," emphasizing their intent to serve families attending soccer practices and host events like baby showers and birthday parties. Dancel, who co-founded Shootz in 2019, shared that the restaurant has gained popularity for its kimchi butter served on chicken katsu and shrimp at its five existing Southern California locations. He explained the name “shootz” as Hawaiian slang for “let’s go!”
Osen Urban Table, a new venture from the popular Irvine restaurant Izakaya Osen, is also slated for The Canopy. Chef-owner Damon Cho intends for the new spot to be approachable and modern, with a menu focused on Japanese flavors. Cho expressed a preference for dishes that appear simple but rely on high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. He aims for Osen Urban Table to establish its distinct identity as a neighborhood restaurant that residents can frequent, noting significant effort is being invested in the food, design, and service to ensure the Irvine community can embrace it as their own.
Retail options will extend beyond groceries and food, with Free People Movement offering trendy clothing and Solestage providing sneakers and accessories.
The initial phase of The Canopy is scheduled to open later this year, with some tenants like Shootz expecting to open their doors through early 2027, gradually expanding the retail and dining presence at the Great Park.
