Mark Wahlberg is bringing his growing restaurant empire to one of Orange County’s most coveted waterfront addresses.
The actor’s beloved Mexican restaurant chain, Flecha Cantina, is taking over the former Whaler restaurant space at 2800 West Coast Highway in Mariner’s Mile, according to online reports.
It’s not just talk, though. Flecha Cantina has was issued an active Newport Beach business license on June 19 registered to the former Whaler address, all but confirming Mark Wahlberg’s waterfront takeover is moving full speed ahead.
The Newport Beach location will become the brand’s fourth outpost, joining restaurants in Las Vegas, Huntington Beach, and San Diego.
“The big question now: will this become Newport Beach’s newest hotspot, or do locals still wish the Whaler had stayed,” asked Orange County Connect on Instagram.
While the announcement received thousands of likes, diners weren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet.
“Fletcha is terrible. Would rather go to Guac Amigos if it were still open. Many better options,” one person wrote.
Another quipped “Can’t wait for the mid $40 margarita.”
Others didn’t mince words. “How? Place sucks,” one commenter wrote. “Ehhhh average… Newport needs excellence,” another added.
“Great news for people with no taste,” one person joked.
The location is reportedly opening in September of this year, according to Jeb Smith, real estate agent in Huntington Beach. The restaurant is expected to continue serving Flecha’s signature menu of upscale Mexican fare and tequila-forward cocktails.
If successful, the opening could breathe new life into the high-profile property while adding another celeb-backed destination to Orange County’s dining scene.
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