In an era of retail store closures, Food establishments seem to be the new retail expansion plan

A new communal eating establishment opens up as sort of a co-op in the Chino Hills area. It sure seems to be able to deliver on initial goals and meet growing demand for interesting food experiences in the area.

Chino Hills has been a bright spot in a world of a continuously tightening retail footprint for major chain stores. One might speculate in the era of logistical optimization and Amazon dominance that the main reason for Chino Hill’s success int he retail environment of late is that the community has little else to compete with the idea of a night out with an interesting mix of shops. That isn’t to say Chino Hills is a boring place, but let’s face it, in a city like Los Angeles, there is more to do than there is in a city like Chino Hills.

One thing is true though, that food remains a solid play as long as the anchors are solid, and the establishments are interesting. Enter the Cravings Food Village care of the Ranch 99 brand that houses 9 Asian inspired foodie spots in an open floor plan that seems quite a bit more like a mall food court than a supermarket. To be clear, just because Ranch 99 is behind the new opening, doesn’t mean they have a retail grocery store design. the look is ultra-contemporary, with a ton of minimalist furniture and bright lights.

If you like Asian food or like the modern Asian vibe, this is a great place to check out on a weeknight. It’s different than the standard after work drinking holes and happy hour chain establishments. One might speculate that this opening will impact the decision making in a group for after work hangouts. Open generally from 11am-10pm on Sunday through Thursday; and 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday (for the warehouse-style communal food establishment; this is still part of the overall market at the same location. The market is open for an extra hour daily, opening all days at 10am and closing at the same time as the Food Hall.

The “Cravings” name has indications that are seemingly followed through on, by the actual mix of vendors. The offerings are as follows:

  • “Piju” a wine bar.
  • “Wingman Kitchen” (www.wingman-kitchen.com) that makes a huge variety of fried chicken offerings from wing platters to fried chicken sandwiches.
  • “MadBun” a restaurant that puts all types of foods, savory and sweet from fried chicken to ice cream into a Bun, with several different options.
  • “Shomi Noods” A Ramen-centric establishment that serves multiple styles of Ramen bowls.
  • “Tenori” A sushi shop that also has some cool fusion offerings.
  • “Oi Asian Fusion” (www.oiasianfusion.com/ Bowls, Burger, Buns and Fusion dishes that span all of Asia with specklings of other cultural icons (e.g. the taco).
  • “Dos Chinos” (www.doschinos.com/ An Asian Latin Fusion Establishment that offers cheeseburger burritos and Korean BBQ on the same menu.
  • “Red Envelope Co.” another Fusion play that offers Lobster Pho among its huge stable of sweet and savory burritos and wraps. If you like soft boiled eggs and sriracha, this is probably a place that will find a top spot on your list.
  • “Cauldron Ice Cream” (www.cauldronicecream.com/) Hot, freshly made waffles enrobing Ice Cream and toppings.

Whatever it is that appeals to you, from the open space feel; to the interesting offerings, to the realistic hours for most customers to the actually kind of reasonable pricing considering the specialty food offerings in a “high rent” area, this newest Cravings Food Hall is going to be a hit, for sure.