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Home Chef Announces Move to New State-of-the-Art Production Center in San Bernardino County

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San Bernardino County (July 31, 2019) – Home Chef, one of the largest meal kit delivery companies in the U.S., is expanding in San Bernardino County, nearly tripling the size of its operations. Based in Chicago, Home Chef will relocate its West Coast production facility to 200,000-square-feet of space at 1445 S. Tippecanoe Avenue in San Bernardino to even better serve their ever-increasing customer base. The innovative, fast-growing company has been doing business in the city of San Bernardino since 2015. With this move, Home Chef will retain more than 300 existing jobs in San Bernardino, with expansion planned to follow the move.

Home Chef offers a variety of different meal kits that fit into varying levels of preparation and cooking times, including an Oven-Ready line that comes packed in an oven-safe tin eliminating the need for a pan, and a Heat & Eat line that can be warmed in five minutes or less. Home Chef’s new state-of-the-art space will help accommodate both the e-commerce and retail branches of the business.

“Our secret sauce has always been our customer-first approach,” said Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef’s founder and CEO. “Everything about our experience is designed with the customer at the center. By keeping our West Coast facility in San Bernardino, we will be able to continue to provide the best possible cooking experience.”

The San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency proactively worked to keep Home Chef in the county. The agency facilitated key meetings between Home Chef and its various resource partners such as the city of San Bernardino, GO-Biz and the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Agency, to ensure the company could take advantage of a number of incentives.

“We are proud to call the city of San Bernardino our West Coast home. We look forward to creating more jobs and continuing to make a positive impact on the local community,” said Alice Thompson, Home Chef’s chief operating officer. “We have an incredible team recruited from the San Bernardino area. Maintaining that team was top of mind as we determined where to expand our West Coast presence.”

The county also provided assistance related to Home Chef’s site selection efforts including assessment of cost comparisons between San Bernardino County and other locations outside of California. The Economic Development Agency helped to expedite permitting between city and county departments to meet project management milestones associated with Home Chef’s expansion.

To support the firm’s staffing needs the County’s Workforce Development Agency is working with Home Chef on numerous workforce initiatives, including participation in county job fairs.

“It is even more gratifying when a company is able to build upon its success in our County. We know that our workforce, strategic infrastructure and attainable lifestyle can make a real difference for companies that are looking to grow and establish a strong West Coast presence. Home Chef is a great employer that now provides our population with the opportunity to work in a leading-edge sector of the fast-growing meal kit delivery industry,” said San Bernardino County Deputy Executive Officer of Workforce and Economic Development Reg Javier.

 

About Home Chef

Home Chef is one of the largest meal kit delivery companies in the U.S., with over 3.5 million meals delivered each month. Founded in 2013, Home Chef offers fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy to follow recipes delivered weekly and is designed for anyone to be able to cook and everyone to enjoy. The Chicago-based company delivers nationwide. For two years running, Home Chef has been rated #1 in customer satisfaction among leading meal kit companies, according to Market Force Information U.S. Grocery Benchmark Study. Home Chef is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). Find out more and get cooking at www.homechef.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates and inspiration.

About San Bernardino County: Located at the heart of Southern California, an economy of 23 million people, San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States. Its vast borders stretch from the greater Los Angeles area to the Nevada border and the Colorado River encompassing a total area of 20,160 square miles. Comprised of 24 cities, San Bernardino County encompasses more than two million residents with a workforce of nearly 950,000. Its assets include an innovation corridor of close to two dozen colleges and universities supporting a strong, diverse workforce along with an unparalleled collection of roadways, runways and railways that lead to regional, national and international business centers. Visit www.SBCountyAdvantage.com.

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

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Food & Lifestyle

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse to Open First Riverside Location in November

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The downtown Riverside restaurant will create nearly 150 jobs and accommodate more than 275 guests across its dining room, private-event spaces and outdoor patio.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will expand its Southern California presence this November with the opening of its first Riverside location.

The new restaurant, located at 3777 Mission Inn Avenue near the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, will bring Fleming’s signature steaks, international wine collection and upscale dining experience to downtown Riverside. It will become the company’s 14th California restaurant and is expected to create nearly 150 local jobs.

Spanning approximately 8,751 square feet, Fleming’s Riverside will accommodate more than 275 guests. The restaurant will include a main dining room, three private dining spaces and a large outdoor patio.

The variety of spaces will allow the restaurant to accommodate intimate dinners, social gatherings, business meetings, corporate functions and larger celebrations. Guests will also be able to reserve the restaurant’s Chef’s Table for a more personalized dining experience.

“It’s important that we tailor our offerings to each of our communities while staying true to what Fleming’s is known for,” said Dewayne Glass, operating partner of Fleming’s Riverside. “With wine country right here in our backyard in Southern California, we’re eager to welcome guests with an experience that complements the menu and feels connected to the region.”

Glass will lead the Riverside restaurant alongside Chef Partner Ryan Wong. Together, they will oversee the guest experience, culinary program and daily operations.

Wong has been with Fleming’s for nearly 10 years and is known within the company for bringing consistency, creativity and bold flavor to his cuisine.

The Riverside menu will feature Fleming’s signature prime steaks along with specialty offerings such as caviar service and A5 Japanese Wagyu. Wong will also develop a selection of chef specialties for the new location.

Beyond its traditional dinner service, the restaurant will offer a nightly Social Hour and specialty coursed menus on Sundays and Tuesdays. Its wine program will feature selections sourced from prominent producers around the world, complementing the restaurant’s steak, seafood and specialty dishes.

The opening will add another nationally recognized restaurant brand to downtown Riverside, which continues to develop as a regional destination for dining, hospitality, arts and entertainment. Its location near the Mission Inn is expected to attract business travelers, visitors, local professionals and organizations seeking private dining accommodations.

The nearly 150 jobs associated with the opening will also contribute to Riverside’s hospitality workforce and the continued economic activity surrounding the downtown district.

Fleming’s was founded in Newport Beach in 1998 by Paul Fleming and Bill Allen. The founders envisioned a contemporary steakhouse that moved beyond the conventions traditionally associated with the category.

The company has since expanded to more than 60 locations nationwide, offering prime steaks, seafood, wine and private-dining experiences.

Fleming’s Riverside is scheduled to open in November 2026. Guests can register for opening announcements, exclusive invitations and restaurant news at Fleming’s Riverside Coming Soon.

Additional information about Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is available at FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

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Food & Lifestyle

Fogo de Chão Heats Up Rancho Cucamonga Dining Scene

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International Brazilian Steakhouse Opens with Signature Churrasco Experience and Community Commitment

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — October 9, 2025

The unmistakable aroma of fire-roasted meats and the rhythm of sizzling skewers have officially arrived in Rancho Cucamonga. Fogo de Chão, the globally celebrated Brazilian steakhouse, opens its newest location at 12240 Foothill Blvd. on Monday, October 13, marking the restaurant group’s 12th location in Southern California and introducing its signature Culinary Art of Churrasco to the heart of the Inland Empire.

As part of their grand opening, Fogo is donating 10% of its first week’s sales to Patria Food Distribution Center, a local nonprofit providing food relief and hope to those in need. The Rancho Cucamonga location also brings a boost to the local economy by creating over 100 jobs and offering a fresh dining experience built on tradition, hospitality, and innovation.

A Culinary Theater

Designed in collaboration with global firm Harrison, the restaurant presents an elegant yet energetic space, centered around an open churrasco grill. Guests are immersed in the Brazilian dining ritual, watching as Gaucho Chefs butcher, season, and grill premium cuts of meat over open flame. The space also includes a Market Table featuring fresh, seasonal items, a vibrant Bar Fogo, and private dining rooms tailored for everything from business meetings to milestone celebrations.

“We’re thrilled to continue our growth in Southern California with our new location in Rancho Cucamonga,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “This is a diverse and growing community, and we look forward to welcoming both new guests and loyal Fogo Fans to experience a tradition that’s rooted in authenticity.”

The Menu: Something for Everyone

The cornerstone of the Fogo experience is the Full Churrasco Experience, a prix-fixe menu that includes a never-ending tableside rotation of flame-grilled meats like bone-in ribeye, lamb chops, and Picanha (Fogo’s house specialty), paired with Brazilian sides and the Market Table’s vibrant offerings.

Other highlights include:

  • Indulgent Churrasco Experience – Adds luxury enhancements like Butter-Bathed™ Lobster Tail or Roasted Bone Marrow with dessert.
  • Best of Brazil – A limited-time curated menu available for $54.
  • Weekday Lunch – Starting at $18, a great entry point for new guests.
  • Weekend Brazilian Brunch – Features brunch classics fused with churrasco, plus waffle and omelet stations.
  • Bar Fogo – Offers all-day happy hour with $10 cocktails, $8 wines, $5 beers, and bites like the $10 Picanha Burger and Lobster & Shrimp Tacos.
  • Wagyu Experiences – Including a 20 oz. New York Strip carved tableside and a dry-aged Tomahawk Ribeye.

Health-conscious and dietary-aware diners will find inclusive options like Chilean Sea Bass, Seared Tofu & Black Bean Pasta, and Cauliflower Steak—ensuring every guest, regardless of preference, has a satisfying option.

At the Helm: A Local Leader with National Roots

The new Rancho Cucamonga location is led by General Manager Jenna Peterson, a standout Fogo team member who started in 2021 as a bartender and rose through the ranks from Portland to Huntington Beach. Her leadership reflects the brand’s commitment to internal growth and exceptional service.

With over 60 locations worldwide, Fogo de Chão continues to expand its footprint while staying true to its roots—bringing authentic Brazilian hospitality and culinary artistry to every city it enters.

Family-Friendly, Business-Ready

Fogo is built for everyone—from corporate groups to families. Children under six dine free, and kids aged 7–12 eat at half price. The location also offers customizable group dining packages, dedicated event managers, and A/V-equipped private rooms, making it an ideal choice for business functions, celebrations, and special events.

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Food & Lifestyle

Sanctity Hotel, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Opens in Rancho Cucamonga With City’s First Rooftop Bar and Durango-Inspired Dining

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Elevating Rancho Cucamonga: Sanctity Hotel Introduces Luxurious Retreat and Premier Rooftop Dining Experience

Rancho Cucamonga is stepping into the spotlight as a premier travel and lifestyle destination with the opening of Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina & Rooftop Bar on April 3. As the city experiences rapid growth—including the upcoming Brightline West high-speed rail connecting travelers to Las Vegas—Sanctity Hotel marks a new chapter in elevated hospitality with its retreat-style accommodations, advanced wellness therapy offerings and a first-of-its-kind restaurant and rooftop dining experience.

The Five Elements

A Tapestry Collection by Hilton™ hotel, the 68-room property redefines luxury in Rancho Cucamonga with premium amenities, including a gym, sauna, and Thriv Studio —offering advanced wellness therapies. Designed to embody the five elements of life—earth, water, fire, air and space—Sanctity Hotel offers a feeling of balance and tranquility whether you are traveling for business, leisure or in groups. 

“Bringing Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina to life has been a dream come true. Every detail tells a story, inviting guests to experience something truly unique to the area,” says Sachin Bhakta, Vice President of Development at Globiwest Hospitality. “Rancho Cucamonga is an incredible community, and we wanted to create a space that feels like a true retreat—where guests can unwind, experience exceptional hospitality, and enjoy amazing food and drink at Durango Cocina.” 

Design Inspired by the Five Elements and Natural Craftsmanship

Sanctity Hotel’s design is a modern interpretation of the five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—woven into every detail of the property. Inspired by the palaces of India and brought to life with natural materials, the interiors are grounded in earth through the use of hand-carved Parota wood sourced from Mexico. From sculptural headboards and coffee tables to the front desk, each piece is crafted from single cuts of real wood, free of synthetic materials. Air and space are reflected in the open layouts and expansive flow of the property, including Rancho Cucamonga’s first rooftop bar. Fire comes to life through the warmth and energy of Durango Cocina, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Water is symbolized by a cascading waterfall feature in the hotel lobby, welcoming guests with a sense of movement and tranquility. Guest rooms feature 100% recycled organic textiles, while original works by Mexico City-based artist and yogi Enrique de Anda add spiritual depth—merging nature, energy, and design in harmonious balance.

For guests seeking wellness treatments, Thriv Studio offers an advanced, holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation with innovative services like Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Infrared Ozone Therapy, and BrainTap Therapy—each designed to enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Communal hotel amenities include a gym and sauna, a spacious private meeting room and function space, and indoor and outdoor event space for celebrating any occasion.

Durango-Inspired Cuisine 

Led by Chef Alex Carrasco, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Durango Cocina’s menu pays tribute to the culinary heritage of Durango, Mexico, while integrating locally sourced ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Brought to life by Boulevard Hospitality Group, the dynamic new concept brings a vibrant culinary destination and the city’s first rooftop dining experience. 

Set against expansive mountain views, Rancho Cucamonga’s first rooftop bar features serpentine-style seating and cabana sections surrounding cozy fire pits, and offers guests menu options like its Ceviche and an extensive mezcal and tequila selection, handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and house-made agua frescas.

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