New Shopping and Dining Momentum Continues

Construction begins on Palenque Grill; Earthbound Trading Company now open

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 16, 2023) – Construction is now underway on Palenque Grill, the 8,920-square-foot casual dining table service restaurant located adjacent to Dave & Buster’s with completion slated for summer 2023.

Featuring 100% Mexican dishes and premium ingredients with the flavors of the North Pacific Coast of Mexico, including Sinaloa, Sonora, and North and South Baja California, the family-oriented ambiance of Palenque Grill is a direct reflection of owner Juan Francisco “Pancho” Ochoa’s family, including many family recipes in the expansive menu, which also features appetizers, desserts, and margaritas. This will be the first Palenque Grill location in Corpus Christi.

La Palmera locations for Palenque Grill and fast-service Taco Palenque, both owned by Ochoa who also founded the popular El Pollo Loco restaurant brand, were announced in 2022. Construction is also expected to soon begin on the new Taco Palenque pad site near Firestone.

Earthbound Trading Company is now open at La Palmera. Located on the main level adjacent to BoxLunch and Pretzelmaker, the new 3,242-square-foot store is the first for the retailer in Corpus Christi.

Started in 1994 by Steve and Suzana Gordon as a rock and mineral shop, Earthbound Trading Company expanded into an ever-changing collection of unique finds, ranging from bohemian fashion and accessories for men and women to home décor and eclectic gifts, including a wide variety of crystals and stones, essential oils and diffusers, bath and spa items, unique jewelry, books, journals and more.

Other changes underway at La Palmera include the addition of a new Gulf Coast Quick Mart located on the main level adjacent to Journeys, offering a wide variety of convenience store options. GameStop and Aman’s Jewelers recently moved to new locations, and LensCrafters is temporarily operating across from Build-a-Bear while construction is underway on its soon-to-be-expanded space.

“We are staying busy with all the expansion and new offerings here at La Palmera,” said Amanda Sanchez, general manager of La Palmera. “We’re happy to see work on Palenque Grill now underway and expect to see Taco Palenque construction begin very soon. Add to that the opening of Earthbound Trading Company, the recent addition of The Cheesecake Factory, and the opening of a second valet location along with all the other expansions and updates, and it demonstrates how La Palmera is dedicated to providing the best shopping and dining experience geared to the Coastal Bend communities we serve.”

For more information, go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

Holiday Happenings Ready to Roll at La Palmera

Shoppers, local organizations and community members benefit from seasonal programs

 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 16, 2022) – Marked by the annual arrival of Santa, the holidays are now underway at La Palmera with a full slate of seasonal events and services.

Boys and girls are invited to stop by for Photos with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing, every day through Dec. 24 in Center Court. Walk-ups are welcome, but guests can skip the line by making a reservation with a SnapPass, available on lapalmera.com. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other keepsake items available for purchase as well.

Pet Night with Santa also returns for six nights beginning in November. Guests may bring their favorite fur baby on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Nov. 22 and 23, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6, and 7, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in Center Court. Pet owners can walk up or reserve a photo time by booking a SnapPass online at lapalmera.com. Only dogs and cats are permitted and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

Shoppers can take advantage of La Palmera’s charity gift-wrapping service every Friday through Sunday beginning Nov. 25, plus the full week leading up to Christmas. The gift–wrapping station is located on the Main Level near Concierge where volunteers from local charities will provide their wrapping services for donations each day from noon–6 p.m. Participating charities this year include the American Red Cross – Texas Gulf Coast Region; School of Science & Technology; Burn Pits 360 Veterans Organization; Alzheimer’s Association Corpus Christi; Coastal Bend Blood Center; and CASA of the Coastal Bend.

Quiet Time with Santa returns, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with extra time designed for those who may have developmental or physical challenges and their families. Scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 11, from 9–11 a.m., Quiet Time with Santa provides special one-on-one time for photos with Santa before the mall opens — no fountain, no background music, no crowds. Reservations are required for this special event and can be made online by going to lapalmera.com.

Although some shoppers will get an early start on gift buying this year, there are those who traditionally wait until Black Friday. The mall will be officially closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, with some stores, including JCPenney and Macy’s, planning to open early on Friday, Nov. 25. Shoppers can access department stores directly through each individual store’s outer doors; mall doors will open at 7 a.m. for access to select stores planning to open early that day.

Shoppers will see the Salvation Army bell ringers stationed in their traditional locations at select mall entrances, and shoppers can also help local children in need by “adopting” them from the Angel Tree located at Concierge. The tree is decorated with children’s names and their wish lists, including items such as toys, clothes, shoes, and more for shoppers to purchase. Each year, The Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend helps provide Christmas gifts to more than 1,300 local children.

La Palmera will also begin special holiday shopping hours the week of Thanksgiving leading up to Christmas, giving shoppers additional time to find gifts for those on their list.

For more information on La Palmera holiday hours and events, go to Holiday Happenings at lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or call (361) 991-3755.

Santa’s Winter Welcome at La Palmera

Festive free event to kick off the Coastal Bend holiday season; new mall hours begin

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 1, 2022) — La Palmera will officially kick off the holiday shopping season on Nov. 11 with Santa’s Winter Welcome, presented by Apollo Towing, its annual party to welcome Santa Claus.

Guests can enjoy free, family-friendly events throughout the mall from 5–9 p.m., including live music and entertainment, events, and special activities.

“The annual arrival of Santa Claus at La Palmera has become a tradition for the whole community,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager. “We’re pleased to be able to host the event each year as we welcome residents from around the Coastal Bend to join in the festivities.

“We are also happy to announce that as of  November 1, La Palmera is expanding evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, closing now at 9 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Those hours are not seasonal and will remain moving into 2023.”

Santa’s Winter Welcome begins with Santa’s 5 p.m. arrival with the King High School Marching Band at the mall’s main entrance. Santa then heads to Center Court to begin his annual photos with boys and girls.

Guests of all ages will find plenty to do throughout the mall all evening long, including:

CENTER COURT

  • Photos with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing
  • Stilt Walker and Juggler
  • Music with DJ Johnny Hotcakes
  • Special characters, including the elf who didn’t want to grow up, a baby creature who is a “force” to be reckoned with, and special friends loaded with “charm.”

LA PALMERA CAFÉS FOOD COURT

5–5:30 p.m.      Aurora Arts Theater presents “A Christmas Story, the Musical”

5:30–6 p.m.      Cheer Squads (IWA, St. Pius, and more)

6–8 p.m.           Los Mariachis

8–8:30 p.m.      Ballet Folklorico Viva Mexico

8:30–9 p.m.      Avant Dance

L&F Distributors will provide free beer samples in the food court from 5–9 p.m. (must be 21+)

UPPER LEVEL

  • Fairytale Princesses and the “Green Meanie”
  • Face Painting
  • Balloon Twister
  • Arts and Crafts. With K Space Contemporary (while supplies last)

JCPENNEY HALLWAY

  • Holiday Classics on the indoor movie screen
  • Face Painting

WEST COURT ESCALATORS

  • Balloon Twister

*All scheduled entertainment subject to change.

Visits with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing, will be available by reservation or walk-up during mall hours, beginning Nov. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other items available for purchase. Those who would like to avoid the wait can do so with a SnapPass, reserving their visit time online at lapalmera.com.

For more information on Santa’s Winter Welcome, go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

About Apollo Towing
Providing excellent roadside assistance throughout South Texas since 1998, the 24-hour dispatching and GPS tracking equipment used by Apollo Towing Service helps our professionals respond to a variety of towing and hauling needs within minutes. As the preferred towing company for most major auto clubs, auto dealers and local law enforcement in the Coastal Bend area, our operators are trained and certified leaders in the towing industry. Our integrity, honesty and dependability prove that it’s our people that make the difference. Go to www.apollotowing.com or call (361) 853-0003 for more information.

About La Palmera
Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, La Palmera is a 1 million-square-foot super-regional mall with more than 100 retail and restaurant tenants including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, P.F. Chang’s and H&M. Acquired in July 2008 by IMI and Trademark Property, La Palmera is the first mall to be awarded LEED® Silver for Core and Shell 2.0 established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is an IREM Certified Sustainable Property. The mall features a 600-seat food court with a 4,500-gallon feature aquarium and a children’s ocean-themed play area. For more information on La Palmera, go to www.lapalmera.com, or call (361) 991-3755.

About Trademark Property Company:
Trademark Property Company is a full-service real estate firm focused on investments, development, and institutional services of retail, multifamily, office and mixed-use properties. Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has invested in, developed, or redeveloped 21 million square feet of mixed-use, multifamily, and retail assets worth $4.5 billion. Trademark’s experienced team of more than 141 employees is currently responsible for a 16-property portfolio totaling approximately 8.8 million square feet of mixed-use and retail projects across the country. A three-decade leader in navigating the changing mixed-use real estate landscape, Trademark’s purpose is to be extraordinary stewards, enhance communities and enrich lives. For more information, visit www.trademarkproperty.com or interact on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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The Cheesecake Factory Now Hiring

‘Best Company to Work For’ The Cheesecake Factory Now Hiring for New Corpus Christi Location
Restaurant set to open to the public this winter  

WHAT:            The Cheesecake Factory®, named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list for nine consecutive years, is opening a new
location at La Palmera this winter, and is looking to hire more than 290 passionate staff members to join its team and create delicious, memorable experiences. Hospitality-minded individuals who take pride in their work and thrive in an energetic, fun environment are encouraged to apply online now for rewarding positions such as bartenders, bussers, cashiers, dessert finishers/ baristas, dishwashers, hosts, line cooks, prep cooks and servers.

The new restaurant will feature The Cheesecake Factory’s signature menu with more than 250 selections including more than 30 lower-calorie SkinnyLicious® selections – freshly prepared from scratch in each restaurant – and more than 30 legendary cheesecakes.

TO APPLY:    Apply online at http://cakecareers.com/corpuschristi

MEDIA:           For further information, please contact:
The Cheesecake Factory                                La Palmera
Berk Communications                                    Sarona Winfrey
Brooke Levine / Gabrielle Gaines                (972) 529-8170
732-735-5982 / 917-991-8354                      winfreypr@att.net
cheesecake@berkcommunications.com

About The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
The Cheesecake Factory is a leader in experiential dining. We are culinary forward and relentlessly focused on hospitality. Delicious, memorable experiences created by passionate people – this defines who we are and where we are going. We currently own and operate 310 restaurants throughout the United States and Canada under brands including The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia® and a collection within our Fox Restaurant Concepts business. Internationally, 29 The Cheesecake Factory restaurants operate under licensing agreements. Our bakery division operates two facilities that produce quality cheesecakes and other baked products for our restaurants, international licensees and third-party bakery customers. In 2022, we were named to the FORTUNE Magazine “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list for the ninth consecutive year. To learn more, visit www.thecheesecakefactory.com, www.northitalia.com and www.foxrc.com.

From Fortune ©2022 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated.

Back-to-School With $750 in Prizes and New Hours Awaiting La Palmera Shoppers

Retailers ready for tax-free weekend; mall hours expanding

 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 25, 2022) – School will soon be back in session and La Palmera is ready for shoppers with a special back-to-school scavenger hunt as well as the annual state sales tax holiday weekend Aug. 5–7.

To provide a little fun and financial boost, La Palmera is hosting a Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt on Wednesday, Aug. 3, with a chance to win La Palmera Gift Cards and a prize package valued at up to $750. To participate, players should follow the Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt Facebook Event page where 11 clues will be posted at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3. leading players to stores and eateries with QR codes posted outside, each of which reveals a letter, which is part of a school-related phrase. The first contestant to solve all 11 clues and post the correct phrase and selfies from each location to the Facebook Event page wins a $100 La Palmera Gift Card; the second-place finisher will win a $50 La Palmera Gift Card with a $25 La Palmera Gift Card for third place. All three winners will then draw a locker combination from a bowl and whoever is able to open the school locker will win the prize package inside. (Locker not included.) Players can find more information at lapalmera.com or on the La Palmera Facebook Event page.

Those gift cards will come in handy for the annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday weekend, Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7, with tax-free shopping on a variety of items priced under $100, such as basic school supplies, backpacks, clothing and uniforms, shoes, and many accessories. Shoppers will also find special deals at many stores whose merchandise does not qualify for tax-free status. Mall hours will be 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. Select La Palmera retailers will open early for the three-day event, a list of which will be found on the mall’s Facebook page.

La Palmera today announced regular operating hours will be 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Saturday as of Aug. 1 — opening one hour earlier — while Sunday hours will remain 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Earthbound Trading Company to Land at La Palmera

Construction to begin late 2022

 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 15, 2022) – La Palmera today announced the addition of Earthbound Trading Company to the mall’s retail lineup.

Plans call for the new 3,242-square-foot store, the first in Corpus Christi, to be located adjacent to BoxLunch and Pretzelmaker.

Started in 1994 by Steve and Suzana Gordon as a rock and mineral shop, Earthbound Trading Company expanded into an ever-changing collection of unique finds, ranging from bohemian fashion and accessories for men and women to home décor and eclectic gifts, including a wide variety of crystals and stones, essential oils and diffusers, bath and spa items, unique jewelry, books, journals and more.

Construction is set to begin later this year.

La Palmera continues to be a prime location for new business in Corpus Christi, including JD Sports which opened in early May. Construction is also continuing on The Cheesecake Factory and Palenque Grill, both of which are located along the front of the mall, and Stir Fry 88 in the La Palmera Cafes food court. Taco Palenque is expected to begin construction soon on their new location near Firestone.

La Palmera Welcomes Palenque Grill & Taco Palenque

Construction set to begin immediately

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (April 14, 2022) – La Palmera today announced the addition of Taco Palenque and Palenque Grill to the mall’s expanding dining options.

Plans call for the new 4,500-square-foot Taco Palenque quick-service restaurant and drive-thru to be located near Firestone off Staples Street, with the 8,920-square-foot casual dining Palenque Grill table service restaurant to be located adjacent to Dave & Buster’s.

Both are the creation of owner Juan Francisco “Pancho” Ochoa, the founder of the popular El Pollo Loco restaurant brand.

Headquartered in Laredo, Texas, Taco Palenque has been serving its brand of Mexican cuisine throughout South Texas since 1987, employing more than 1,900 at 29 existing Taco Palenque and five Palenque Grill locations, with plans to continue its growth and expansion in the state. The restaurant’s featured dishes include the popular pirata taco, flame-grilled beef or chicken fajita plate, parrillada, panchos (tortilla chips dipped in refried beans and guacamole), homemade desserts, and breakfast tacos. The Taco Palenque salsa bar also features more than seven different homemade salsas and hot sauces.

Palenque Grill is a casual dining table-service restaurant featuring 100% Mexican dishes and premium ingredients with the flavors of the North Pacific Coast of Mexico that includes Sinaloa, Sonora, North and South Baja California. The family-oriented ambiance of Palenque Grill is a direct reflection of the Ochoa family, including many family recipes in the expansive menu, which also features appetizers, desserts, and margaritas.

Construction on the two locations is set to begin immediately with the Palenque Grill, the first in Corpus Christi, slated to open in late November with completion of the fast-service Taco Palenque, the city’s second location, in early 2023.

“La Palmera continues to be a prime location for new business in the Corpus Christi market,” said Amanda Sanchez, general manager of La Palmera. “The recent announcement of The Cheesecake Factory, JD Sports and Stir Fry 88 being added to the La Palmera retail and dining lineup further solidifies our position as shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in the Coastal Bend.”

La Palmera to Welcome The Cheesecake Factory

Construction now underway

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (February 7, 2022) – La Palmera today announced it has been selected as the Coastal Bend’s first location for The Cheesecake Factory®.

With seating for 277, including climate-controlled patio dining, the approximately 8,400-square-foot restaurant will be located adjacent to LongHorn Steakhouse and La Palmera Cafes food court entrance. Construction is now underway with completion slated for winter 2022.

“Guests have been asking us to come to Corpus Christi for years and we are so pleased to be opening a restaurant at La Palmera,” said David Overton, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated. “La Palmera is a wonderful property that attracts shoppers and diners from across the area, and we look forward to opening there.”

The footprint of the new restaurant will encompass much of the grassy lawn adjacent to LongHorn Steakhouse and a portion of the current food court entrance. Valet service will also be made available at the reconfigured entrance area.

“La Palmera has come back strong from the pandemic and the news continues to be good,” said Amanda Sanchez, general manager of La Palmera. “The Cheesecake Factory is one that our guests have been asking about for years, so it’s very exciting that we will soon be able to offer that as yet another unique dining option in this market. Coming right on the heels of opening the new Razzoo’s Cajun Café further emphasizes just how desirable this market and La Palmera are to national retail and dining chains as we continue to be a strong economic driver for the community.”

A favorite of many, The Cheesecake Factory is known for its extensive menu of more than 250 selections and generous portions. In addition to its signature entrees — handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients — and more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, the restaurant also features SkinnyLicious® dishes with 590 calories or less, plus a Saturday and Sunday Brunch.

 

LA PALMERA EVENTS PROVIDE HOLIDAY CHEER FOR THE COMMUNITY

Shoppers, local organizations and community members benefit from seasonal programs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 10, 2021) – The holidays are here and La Palmera is once again kicking off a number of its seasonal events and services.

Although many shoppers have already started gift buying this year, there are those who are planning to begin on Black Friday. The mall will be officially closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, with some stores, including JCPenney, planning to open early on Friday, Nov. 26.  Shoppers can access department stores directly through each individual store’s outer doors; mall doors will open at 7 a.m. for access to select stores planning to open early that day.

Meanwhile, La Palmera’s holiday happenings are already underway.

Boys and girls are invited to stop by for Visits with Santa Claus, presented by Apollo Towing, every day through Dec. 24 in Center Court. Walk-ups are welcome, but guests can skip the line by making a reservation with a Snap Pass, available on lapalmera.com.

“Pet Night with Santa” also returns for six nights beginning in November. Guests may bring their favorite dog or cat Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Nov. 23 and 24, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and Dec. 7 and 8, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in Center Court. Only dogs and cats are permitted and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Walk-ups are welcome, but pet owners can skip the line with a Snap Pass photo reservation for their fur baby photo.

Shoppers can take advantage of La Palmera’s charity gift-wrapping service every Friday through Sunday beginning Nov. 26, plus the week leading up to Christmas. The gift–wrapping station is located on the Main Level near Concierge where volunteers from local charities will provide their wrapping services for donations each day from noon–6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12, from 10 a.m.–noon will be a wonderful opportunity for special needs children and their families to enjoy a visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with extra time for those who may have developmental or physical challenges. Quiet Time with Santa provides special one-on-one time for photos with Santa before the mall opens — no fountain, no background music, no crowds. Reservations are required for this special event and can be made by going to Holidays 2021 at lapalmera.com.

The Salvation Army bell ringers will be stationed in their traditional locations at select mall entrances, and shoppers can help local children in need by “adopting” them from the Angel Tree located at Concierge. The tree is decorated with children’s names and their wish lists, including items such as toys, clothes, shoes, and more for shoppers to purchase. Each year, The Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend helps provide Christmas gifts to over 1,300 local children.

La Palmera will also have special holiday shopping hours the week leading up to Christmas for last-minute purchases.

For more information on La Palmera holiday hours and events, go to Holidays 2021 at lapalmera.com or call (361) 991-3755.

RAZZOO’S CAJUN CAFE OPENS AT LA PALMERA

First Corpus Christi location begins dinner service today

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (October 25, 2021) – Dining options in the Coastal Bend have just expanded with the opening of Razzoo’s Cajun Café at La Palmera.

Located near the corner of South Padre Island Drive and South Staples St., adjacent to JCPenney, this is the first Coastal Bend location for the Dallas-Fort Worth-based restaurant known for its festive casual atmosphere and made-from-scratch Cajun food, including gumbo and gator tail.

Razzoo’s will open with a full menu, initially focusing on dinner service to ensure the best experience, with hours of 3–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 3–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Regular operating hours are set to begin in November with both delivery and to-go options slated to start up in the weeks following. Razzoo’s will seat parties of up to eight guests and no reservations are required.

The 5,800-square-foot building, which also has an 880-square-foot patio, features Razzoo’s inviting signature décor, including neon, bright colors and music that perfectly complements the total Cajun dining experience. The new restaurant is still hiring for various positions and those interested can apply in person, or by going to https://careers.razzoos.com/cc.

“Our La Palmera lineup of retail and dining just continues to grow with the names our customers know and are excited about, and Razzoo’s is definitely on that list,” said Amanda Sanchez, general manager of La Palmera. “Corpus Christi in general, and La Palmera specifically, remains a desirable location for new business as we continue to grow.”