UTC luxury wing opens as True Food files bankruptcy

True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week and closed its Westfield University Town Center restaurant on Oct. 4. The Arizona-based chain is shutting down a dozen locations nationwide while keeping 34 restaurants open in 14 states. This closure coincides with the recent opening of a new 70,000-square-foot luxury wing at the mall.

The new wing occupies the former site of Nordstrom and nearby stores. It houses high-profile brands including Chanel, Tom Ford, Hermès, and Saint Laurent. Westfield UTC senior general manager Ryan Perry said in a statement that the expansion reflects a commitment to creating sustainable places where people can connect through meaningful shared experiences. He described the move as part of a new era for the center.

The timeline of these shifts began in October when the luxury wing opened. True Food Kitchen, which entered San Diego in 2012, had struggled financially for some time. Nathan Cook, the company’s chief restructuring officer, explained that the company invested capital outside its core market areas and in unsuccessful new product lines. He noted that several restaurants suffered from lower-than-anticipated foot traffic and changing demographics, which led to steady decreases in profitability.

The first True Food Kitchen in San Diego opened in the Fashion Valley center in 2012. At that time, executive chef Michael Stebner said the menu drew inspiration from the anti-inflammatory food pyramid developed by Dr. Andrew Weil. The chain had positioned itself with a “good for you” menu to distance itself from typical health food branding.

Other businesses in the La Jolla area have recently opened or launched events. Shio La Jolla, a Japanese restaurant at 2259 Avenida de la Playa, held its grand opening on Oct. 24. It replaced Sandpiper Restaurant and offers a 12-piece tasting menu for $200 that requires a minimum of two people. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m.

The Bunny Hive, a children’s social club, is set to open in Bird Rock on Nov. 16 at 5670 La Jolla Blvd. The location offers 30-minute classes in art, ballet, and culinary exploration for children up to age five. The first week is free and open to the public, with a grand opening scheduled for Nov. 21. An introductory eight-class pass costs $225 per month and requires a three-month commitment.

Brenda Viola launched Fa La La Store to sell holiday apparel with La Jolla themes. She will host a Black Friday shopping event at the Life Time fitness center on Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. The store also plans a booth at the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival on Dec. 6. The apparel includes baby clothes, shirts, sweatshirts, and hats featuring the phrase “Fa La La La Jolla.”