The Anaheim Packing District is targeting October of this year as the Grand Opening for The Anaheim Packing House, the final segment of a multi-faceted restoration project pioneered by the City of Anaheim more than 10 years ago. This historic landmark, commonly known as the Sunkist Packing House, will soon be home to approximately 20 local culinary artisans sharing a communal eating and entertainment area, in the tradition of global food halls.
A sampling of Anaheim Packing House gourmet eateries coming soon includes: The Kroft (gourmet sandwiches and specialty fries), Popbar (gourmet popsicles), Cafectio Organico (Guatemalan-style coffee), The Chippy (fish and chips), ADYA (unique Indian cuisine), Iron Press (waffle sandwiches), Ecco Pizza Shoppe (pizzeria), Wheat & Sons (local butcher), Orange Tei (gourmet sushi and Ramen), Rolling Boil (hot pot restaurant), revolutionary new bakery, Korean barbeque, surprisingly fresh juice bar, artisan cheeses and grilled cheese sandwiches, and more to follow.
The Anaheim brewing tradition also continues within The Packing House with bars The Blind Rabbit (speakeasy) and The Tool Shed (featuring unique organic wines).
The exterior warehouse loading docks have been transformed into dining porches and open top railroad cars have been parked on the original railroad tracks used to transport the citrus crops as additional outdoor seating.
LAB Holding, LLC, known for the acclaimed community based projects such as The LAB, The CAMP, The Casino San Clemente, SOLO and others, was engaged by the City to revive the cultural aspects and design of the project.
“The Packing House, built in 1919, is an authentic icon of Orange County’s agricultural past,” states the LAB. “We honor this tradition by hand selecting food and beverage purveyors to repurpose this grand hall into a community gathering place with live music and seasonal celebrations. We were inspired by Anaheim’s rich history and culture and the photos of Anaheim’s early immigrant farmers who settled on these very streets.”
Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait summarizes The Anaheim Packing District project: “The Anaheim Packing House is a beautiful community asset that will serve all of Anaheim’s residents and guests,” said Tait. “My thanks go to a multitude of community leaders who, over time, made the renovation of this historic building and Packing District even greater than we could have imagined. The Packing District will be a neighborhood place for the community to gather with family and friends, as well as giving us a place to celebrate our agricultural and entrepreneurial heritage. My congratulations to all.”
The Anaheim Packing District consists of three contingent parcels along Anaheim Blvd. near City Hall: The Packard Showroom, Farmers Park, and soon to open Packing House.
First to be redeveloped was The Packard (Car) Showroom, built in 1925. It now houses the Anaheim Brewery, a commercial brewer and tasting room, and the gourmet burger sensation, Umami Burger. The outdoor patios of these two establishments face the second phase of the project, Farmers Park, a greenbelt designed by award-winning landscape architect, Ken Smith. The Park opened on June 29th with a lively Farm Folk Festival and more than 1000 residents exploring the grassy knoll, redwood boardwalk, community gardens and olive grove. A weekly Farmers Market opens at Farmers Park on Saturday, July 27th with many other community events to follow.