PRESS ROOM
La Palmera Hosts Summer Job Fair
Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend teaming up to hold free, one-day event
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (June 19, 2023) – La Palmera and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend will host a Summer Job Fair Wednesday, June 21, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the mall’s Center Court.
Those looking for summer employment or even a new career can attend the free event and have the opportunity to interview on the spot with a variety of potential employers from throughout the community including Coastal Bend Employment, Compass Connections, Corpus Christi Supported Living Center, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, GardaWorld Security Services, Regency Integrated Health, Texas State Aquarium, and Workforce Solutions Childcare and Veterans Services. Participating La Palmera tenants include Bath & Body Works, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Dave and Buster’s, Dillard’s, Drs. McIntyre and Garza, Great American Cookies, JCPenney, La Palmera security and housekeeping, Reeds Jewelers, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Smile-Chic.
“Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend is excited to partner with La Palmera to connect employers and job seekers who are seeking summer employment,” said Ken Trevino, president and CEO of Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend. “The retail industry is moving into a busy season and this job fair will be a great networking event for both businesses and job seekers.”
Attendees will register with Workforce Solutions in Center Court upon arrival to participate. Job seekers should plan to bring a current resume and be prepared to interview during the event. In the meantime, those seeking employment can go also go online to WorklnTexas.com to view available job openings in the area.
Those looking to find employment specifically at La Palmera can also go to lapalmera.com and tap on the Careers link found at the bottom of the page for all current mall store and restaurant job openings.
For more information about the Summer Job Fair, contact Esperanza Vela at Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend at (361) 500-8944.
Cool Ways to Beat the Summer Heat
Free, family-friendly events throughout the summer at La Palmera
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (June 16, 2023) – In addition to the more than 100 shops and eateries, La Palmera will have a lineup of free activities and events in climate-controlled comfort all summer long.
“Summer may not officially arrive until June 21, but it’s already here according to the thermometer,” said La Palmera General Manager Amanda Sanchez. “Our shoppers tell us they appreciate the indoor mall-hosted activities, so we create a variety of free events year-round designed for guests of all ages, particularly in the summer when families are frequently looking for things to do. We already have several on the schedule and will continue to add to our official Calendar of Events, which can be found on our website at lapalmera.com.”
Free events already on the schedule include:
· Weekly live entertainment on The Stage at La Palmera Cafés, including popular local performers such as Damon Scott, Eric Graham, and Los Mariachis
· Summer Bingo Bonanza every Tuesday through August 29, beginning at 6 p.m. in the food court with La Palmera gift cards for prizes (exception, no Bingo Tuesday, July 4)
· Monthly Tide Turners Kids Club events with storytime and activities designed for kids age 5 and under, on the first Tuesday of each month, 10–11 a.m., Upper Level near the children’s play area (except Tuesday, July 4, re-scheduled for July 11)
· Wave Walkers, sponsored by Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital and Conviva, designed for mall walkers of all ages and levels of fitness; get-togethers on the last Tuesday of the month include bingo followed by health-related topics and activities, 8–10 a.m., food court
· Special events are being scheduled as well, including magic and balloon twisting in Center Court with Lanky the Clown (Saturday, June 17, noon-3 p.m.); the Cuddles and Critters Petting Zoo, featuring adorable farm animals just outside the main entrance (Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.); and a shimmery Sunday with glitter bar and hair tinsel from Bloom Beauty Studio upstairs near Lippies (Sunday, June 25, noon–4 p.m., while supplies last)
· The popular Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt will also return in August, featuring La Palmera gift card prizes and more
Having built relationships with multiple community partners over the years, La Palmera hosts other popular events on a regular basis that are likely to return, such as blood drives with the Coastal Bend Blood Center, hands-on activities with the Art Museum of South Texas and K-Space Contemporary, live musical performances from members of the Corpus Christi Symphony, displays from the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center, meet and greets and promotions with the Corpus Christi Hooks and more.
Warby Parker Coming to La Palmera
Construction now underway; Tao Spa also announces two mall locations
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (May 15, 2023) – Construction has begun on Warby Parker, located on Center Court adjacent to Pandora.
With more than 160 stores across the U.S. and Canada, this is the first Corpus Christi location for the company, scheduled to open in August 2023. The 2,480-square-foot store will feature designer-quality prescription glasses and contacts to eye exams and vision tests. Founded with a mission to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style, Warby Parker strives to demonstrate that a business can scale, become profitable, and do good in the world — without charging a premium for it.
Tao Spa will also be opening soon on the Upper Level above the food court adjacent to MTV Nails, and on the Lower Level adjacent to Romantic Nails.
Specializing in all-natural healing therapies, services include foot reflexology, acupressure, fascia therapy, and deep tissue massage to help relieve general aches and pain, headaches, sciatic pain, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulders, and stiff neck.
Construction Begins on Palenque Grill; Earthbound Trading Co. Now Open
New shopping and dining momentum continues
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.”
The Cheesecake Factory Announces December 20 Opening at La Palmera
Restaurant now hiring more than 290 staff members
WHAT: The Cheesecake Factory®, known for its extensive menu, generous portions and legendary desserts, has set the opening date of its La Palmera restaurant location for Tuesday, December 20. The approximately 8,400-square-foot restaurant is located adjacent to the La Palmera Cafes food court entrance. This will be the company’s first location in the Coastal Bend.
Named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list for nine consecutive years, The Cheesecake Factory is looking to hire more than 290 passionate staff members to join its team in La Palmera. Training is set to begin soon. 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.
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 317 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.
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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
This is an excerpt
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.
The Cheesecake Factory Now Hiring
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
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.
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