Biz News: Newport Beach’s Island Hotel changes its name to Fashion Island Hotel

The Island Hotel in Newport Beach has changed its name to the Fashion Island Hotel.

The 295-room hotel, built in 1986 by the Irvine Co., will be closely aligned with Fashion Island, integrating amenities, activities, personal shoppers and more. It also will serve cocktails and food inspired by fashion designers.

“Adding ‘fashion’ to the hotel name bolsters the alignment between these two important properties while emphasizing Fashion Island as an iconic and luxury destination,” Ralph Grippo, president of Irvine Co. Resort Properties, said in a statement. “We are always looking for innovative ways to engage with and meet the needs of our guests. Packaging the hotel and Fashion Island together is a win-win for both the company and our customers.”

The hotel also was recently renovated, an 18-month process that updated all the rooms and public areas.

Iron Press discontinues food service at SOCO restaurant

The Iron Press, a waffle sandwich and craft beer restaurant in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection, announced that it is no longer serving food.

Rather, it will limit service to its craft beers and wines from 4 p.m. to closing every day.

In a Facebook announcement, the company said Iron Press food is still available at its Anaheim location.

The change comes while Iron Press is working on expanding with a new location in downtown Los Angeles. The Costa Mesa location opened in 2012.

Mark Perry named Segerstrom Center board chairman

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa announced Thursday that Mark Perry has been selected as chairman of the board of directors, succeeding John Ginger.

Perry has been a member of the center’s board since 2011 and has served on the Board Development Committee and Long-Range Planning Committee.

He and his wife, Carol, recently chaired the center’s 44th annual Candlelight Concert. He is executive vice chairman of the Global Commercial Bank for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Perry will serve a three-year term as Segerstrom Center board chairman, beginning Jan. 1.

Mother’s Market ‘adopts’ family and hosts blood drive

The corporate headquarters of Mother’s Market & Kitchen, a Costa Mesa-based grocery chain, is “adopting” a family of five through Share Our Selves, a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit.

It will donate gift cards, food and clothing.

On Wednesday, the Costa Mesa location of Mother’s Market at 1890 Newport Blvd. will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will receive a coupon for free juice.

Blood donations will benefit Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

Costa Mesa’s Bistro Papillote to close

Bistro Papillote in the OC Mix in Costa Mesa will close Dec. 24.

The French restaurant opened in 2015. Its replacement has not been announced.

According to the Orange County Register, its owner, chef Laurent Brazier, is taking a position as executive chef for Anaheim White House Catering.

Restaurant Marin relocating; Arc expands with pizza concept

Restaurant Marin in Costa Mesa is moving to Newport Beach early next year, according to a news release.

Marin, in South Coast Collection, opened in 2016. The concept is from Noah and Marín von Blöm, who operate Arc, also in SOCO.

Marin is being replaced with Arc Pizza House, an extension of Arc.

Villa Real Estate president named Realtor of the Year by Newport board

Steve High, president and partner of Villa Real Estate, has been named Realtor of the Year for 2017 by the Newport Beach Board of Realtors.

High helped found Villa in 2013. It now has 150 agents in four offices in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

Winery Restaurant wins industry award

The Winery Restaurant and Bar in Newport Beach has been named the 2017 Restaurant of the Year by the Orange County Concierge Assn., according to a news release.

It also won the award in 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

New jiu jitsu studio opens in Huntington Beach

A new jiu jitsu studio has opened in Huntington Beach and is offering an anti-bullying program.

De La Riva Jiu-Jitsu is at 5482 Business Drive.

For more information, call (714) 373-9393 or visit delarivajiujitsuhb.com.

Costa Mesa planning commissioner joins O.C. Business Council

Byron de Arakal, a public relations professional and a member of Costa Mesa’s Planning Commission, has joined the Orange County Business Council as vice president of communications. He starts work Jan. 2.

“We are thrilled to welcome Byron to the OCBC team” council President and Chief Executive Lucy Dunn said in a statement. “He is widely respected in Orange County and Southern California as a gifted communicator known for his common-sense approach to issues and policy development. His acumen for persuasive communications, combined with his experience in land use and transportation, will be instrumental in advancing our housing and mobility initiatives.”

De Arakal is a former Daily Pilot columnist and executive editor of Orange Coast magazine. The past 26 years he has served as president of IAP Communications LLC, a strategic communications firm he founded.

Saywitz hires 2 new property management supervisors

The Saywitz Co., a Newport Beach-based commercial real estate brokerage firm, has hired Christina Huapaya and Diana Liston as property management supervisors.

Combined, they have 25 years’ experience in the real estate industry. They will work out of Saywitz’s Newport office.