Home / Business and Economy / Topanga Social Rises: Food Hall's Second Act Begins
Topanga Social Rises: Food Hall's Second Act Begins
1 Sep
Summary
- The Westfield Topanga mall has launched Topanga Social 2.0 after the initial concept failed.
- New tenants and entertainment options aim to revitalize the struggling food hall.
- Centralized ordering kiosks have been replaced by direct ordering at restaurant counters.
Westfield Topanga has unveiled "Topanga Social 2.0," marking a significant revitalization effort for its ambitious food hall concept. The original Topanga Social, launched in 2023 with numerous dining and entertainment options, experienced a rapid decline in foot traffic due to issues like high prices and centralized ordering kiosks. By February 2024, the operating company had laid off 131 employees, and the hall was largely abandoned.
The "next chapter" introduces new tenants including Umari Hand Roll Bar, Kabob Social, and Ozzy's Apizza, alongside entertainment attractions like Red Door Escape Room and Hole in One Mini Golf. The bars have reopened as Chubby Cove and Chubby Social. A major operational change is the abandonment of the unpopular touch-screen kiosks; guests now order directly from individual restaurant counters.
Each stall now operates with its own kitchen, a departure from the shared kitchen model of the initial launch. Future additions include Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and a Din Tai Fung expected by 2027. Management acknowledged the kiosks were perceived as disconnected, aiming for a more authentic experience with the return to direct counter service. This strategic overhaul seeks to establish Topanga Social as a premier destination for food and community gathering.
