FUN WITH THE SUN AT LA PALMERA SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY

Oct. 14 event includes free activities, music, giveaway
plus solar swag bags for the first 100 guests   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 28, 2023) – La Palmera will host a Solar Eclipse Party, on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., celebrating the annular, or “ring of fire,” solar eclipse scheduled to occur just before noon that day.

The party will take place inside the mall on the Upper Level where guests will enjoy free family-friendly activities, while supplies last, including arts and crafts, a Glitter Bar with Bloom Beauty Studio, cosmic cookie decorating with Great American Cookies, a solar selfie station and incense samples from Earthbound Trading Co.,  as well as a DJ spinning a solar-themed playlist and prize giveaways.

The first 100 guests to show up and sign in will receive a solar swag bag including solar glasses for eclipse viewing, courtesy of Drs. McIntyre, Garza, Avila, and Jurica, a popcorn treat from Doc Popcorn, Texas Freezing Good Candy from Bourbon Street Candy Co., and a moonstone from Earthbound Trading Co. While all guests are welcome to move outside to observe the eclipse, those receiving swag bags will be escorted outside to enjoy special reserved seating on the upper level of the parking garage to watch.

With the centerline of the eclipse, known as the path of annularity, stretching from Oregon straight over Corpus Christi, eclipse seekers can expect to see the cosmic event for up to 5 minutes or so starting around 11:55 a.m. This will be an annular, or “ring of fire” eclipse, as opposed to a total eclipse, because the new moon will look slightly smaller as it passes in front of the sun, covering approximately 91% of the sun's disk when viewed from locations along the centerline.   

FITNESS FAVORITE LULULEMON COMING TO LA PALMERA

First Corpus Christi location for the popular brand

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 8, 2023) – La Palmera today announced lululemon will soon be joining the mall’s tenant lineup, which includes the newly opened Warby Parker and Tao Spa.

Construction is underway on the 6,350-square-foot store located on Center Court adjacent to American Eagle with plans to open in time for the holiday shopping season.

A brand that stands for well-being, the new store will feature lululemon’s innovative products for yoga, running, and training, as well as other athletic endeavors such as golf, tennis, hiking, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to discover the brand’s immersive offerings, including access to tools, resources, and community events for connection, growth, and empowerment.

“We are pleased to be welcoming lululemon to La Palmera as we know it will be a great addition to our retail and dining mix,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager. “The iconic brand is one our shoppers have been asking about for some time and it will fit right in with our community’s active lifestyle.”

Construction also continues on Palenque Grill, the 8,760-square-foot casual dining table service restaurant located adjacent to Dave & Buster’s, as well as the fast-service Taco Palenque located near Firestone. Both locations are slated to open this year.

LA PALMERA HOSTING ACTOR PEPE SERNA FOR BOOK SIGNING EVENTS

Corpus Christi native signing his autobiographical Life is Art books Aug. 19-20 in Center Court   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 11, 2023) – With more than 100 films and 300 television shows to his credit, Corpus Christi native Pepe Serna is one of the most successful Latino actors in the business, known for his memorable support performances over his decades-long career.

Serna will be at La Palmera Aug. 19-20, signing his Life is Art memoir for fans from noon­­­–3 p.m. each day in Center Court. The coffee table-style books are available each day at the event for $45, cash or credit card.

Those who don’t recognize Serna’s name will most certainly know his face from the countless films he has appeared in over the years, including the role of Al Pacino’s ill-fated cocaine partner in Scarface (1983), as Kevin Costner’s nemesis in Silverado (1985), Lieutenant Garcia in the crime yarn The Rookie (1990) starring Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen, and as Mundo in the drama American Me (1992) with Edward Jams Olmos.

“I knew I wanted to be an actor from the time I discovered, as a 3-year-old, I could make people laugh with my improv performances,” said Serna. “I have been blessed in my life by opportunity, but it hasn’t always been easy. When I first went to Hollywood in the 60s to pursue my dream, I was broke and homeless, but I was never afraid to work for what I wanted to achieve and I stay busy to this day pursuing the life I love. It’s a message I deliver to young people on a regular basis.” 

Remaining active as an actor, producer and director, Serna also is a noted keynote teacher and motivational speaker who tours colleges and universities, inspiring students to reach their full potential, as well as an accomplished painter receiving critical acclaim and producing commissioned works. His vibrant paintings and one-man stage shows reflect a serious return to his Mexican roots and are included in the short documentary Life Is Art (2022), showcasing his work in film, and how it has helped pave the way for other Latino actors.

Serna will attend a special event at the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi on Aug. 19 from 6–9 p.m. featuring a special showing of the Life is Art film and the dedication of an art gallery being named in honor of the popular actor.

“I literally was a poster child for the Boys and Girls Club as a child growing up in Corpus Christi in the 50s,” said Serna. “The organization holds a special place in my heart to this day as I take every opportunity to speak with young people, encouraging them to make connections — with others and within themselves. Most kids don’t realize the potential to succeed is already within them.”

WARBY PARKER READY TO OPEN AT LA PALMERA

Store slated to open in time for Texas Sales Tax Holiday weekend;
Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt returns 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 4, 2023) – As students are heading back to school, Warby Parker is preparing to open its new La Palmera store located on Center Court, the first in Corpus Christi and 20th location in the state of Texas. 

Slated to open in time for the Aug.11–13 Texas Sales Tax Holiday weekend, the new 2,480-square-foot store will feature a full assortment of optical and sun offerings, including their new Fall 2023 collection, Kids glasses, Scout by Warby Parker daily contact lenses and third-party contacts, plus accessories. 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.

The annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday weekend offers 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, with select La Palmera retailers offering extended hours for the three-day event, a list of which will be found on the mall’s Facebook page.

La Palmera will host the annual Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt on Thursday, Aug. 10, with a chance to win La Palmera Gift Cards and a prize package valued at more than $500. To participate, players should follow the Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt Facebook Event page where 10 clues will be posted at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10. 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 10 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.

It’s Time to Think Pink

Barbie fans can find merchandise, photo ops and more at La Palmera

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 10, 2023) – The highly anticipated Barbie movie, hitting theaters July 21, has everyone thinking pink, including La Palmera.

 Many La Palmera merchants have collaborated with the well-known brand to offer products and merchandise for all ages, including Barbie dolls and accessories in the toy sections of Macy’s and JCPenney, fashion at Dillard’s and Forever 21, signature jewelry at Kendra Scott, cosmetics and toiletries at Ulta, a keepsake ornament at Hallmark, and pop culture collectibles at BoxLunch.  

In addition to the branded items, guests will also find pink handbags, sunglasses, and footwear at Michael Kors, pink diamonds at REEDS, plus additional pink fashion and accessories, from beach vibes to sparkles, in stores such as Aerie, Buckle, Claire’s, Express, Hollister, PINK, Rosetta Kay Fashion, Torrid and Windsor.

La Palmera is also paying homage to the fashion icon by bathing Center Court in various shades of her signature color, featuring a tropical beach scene along with other fun props and photo ops available throughout the month of July. 

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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