Coco’s to Update Eateries in Move to Rejuvenate Sales

Coco’s is planning to remodel its restaurants in an effort to reverse a three-year trend of flat or declining sales. The 50-year-old Irvine-based chain has unveiled a prototype for Coco’s California Cafe in Cerritos and in Long Beach.

In addition to a new name and logo, the overhaul includes a restyled exterior and interior with an earth-tone color scheme along with slate and stone textures. The 181-unit chain currently has peach and teal decor.

Upon entering the restyled eateries, customers will see a new service counter where they can buy espresso-based beverages such as cappuccino, latte and cafe mocha and select from new bakery items including biscotti and scones. There are new menu items as well, including Thai chicken fettuccine, Cajun ahi tuna Caesar salad, tortilla Cobb salad and vegetable lasagna.

Company officials hope all of the restaurants will be transformed by 2001, although there are still financial issues to be resolved. The remodeling runs about $325,000 per unit.