Fluffy Tail Cafe is open for cat lovers in Tustin’s bustling downtown shopping district.
The cafe-plus-cats concept owned by Yen and Andrew Nam has been open for about four months in the Tustin Village shopping center on Newport Avenue. The shopping center is also home to the popular Claro’s Italian Markets, Tommy’s Sushi and the Thai Favorite Cuisine restaurant.
The couple has spent their first months open ironing out some of the kinks of new business ownership. The cat cafe features adoptable felines from rescue partner Tiny Paws & Whiskers, which is also based in Tustin. As of Dec. 2, the cafe had 16 resident cats and successfully rehomed 88 cats to forever families.
Here’s how the cafe works:
Reservations ahead of time are recommended as the cafe’s cat room has capacity for just 12 people. Walk-ins are welcome, but Yen Nam says try to call ahead to make sure the room isn’t already full.
The price of admission comes with a drink, of which there are several varieties, hot or cold.
Once customers arrive, they are escorted to an “airlock” entrance with two doors. Once safely inside the small vestibule, customers remove their shoes and apply hand sanitizer, and then they can enter the cat room. Be warned: cats will be eagerly waiting for you at that second door.
Once inside, visitors will see a variety of young cats, all between the ages of 3 and 7 months, leaping, running, climbing and lounging in the spacious play room. You can also expect to find a cat or two nestled under throw blankets on love seats.
Light streams in from the south side of the cafe, where cats lounge in sunbeams or run on a giant wheel. Nam said these windows helped them secure a few adoptions from next door restaurant patrons who were captivated by the cat antics.
Nam said it’s not unusual for the entire room to get booked by one party, especially on the weekends. Reservations span one hour at $25 per person.
Visitors can play, lounge and browse their devices using free WiFi while enjoying the cats.
Nam said the goal is to get the kittens adopted but also give customers a chance to experience the joy of feline life. With numerous scratchers, lounges, climbing perches and wall shelving, the cats and visitors have plenty of space to spread out.
Orange County is now home to two cat cafes. In addition to Fluffy Tail, the other is Cat Nap Hangout in Huntington Beach. Inspired by the rescue of 4-week-old kitten Alfie, Cat Nap Hangout is a nonprofit dedicated to finding homes for rescued cats and kittens in its care.
For more information about the rules, the hours and the cats at Fluffy Tail, go to fluffytailcafe.com. Phone: 714-202-7185. Email: meow@fluffytailcafe.com
Address: 13562 Newport Ave.
Opening date nears for Trader Joe’s 2nd Costa Mesa store
Trader Joe’s is putting the finishing touches on its newest store in Orange County, its second for Costa Mesa.
The store (No. 290) takes the place of a 99 Cents Only Store at 2170 Harbor Blvd., Suite 100.
Residents have shared the construction progress from the parking lot. In recent days, the distinctive red signage was raised above the doorfront and an empty sign was updated in the parking lot.
Employees at the other Trader Joe’s in the city (640 W. 17th St.) told shoppers the Harbor Boulevard grocery store opens Thursday, Dec. 11. But so far, the Monrovia-based company isn’t saying exactly when, just “coming soon.”
The store is part of an ongoing expansion for the quirky grocer, which features a lot of store-branded merchandise that’s so popular there’s even a fan favorite list released yearly.
Florist opens in Mission Viejo
French Florist celebrated its grand opening Thursday, Dec. 4 at 24000 Alicia Pkwy. in Mission Viejo.
Open in “soft mode” since August, the florist boutique is owned and operated under a franchise license by Alan Fu and Annie Hong.
For more information, go to frenchflorist.com or call 949-520-6665.
$6 million for MemorialCare’s aging programs
The estate of the late Marilyn V. Adams has given MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center $6 million that will go toward expanding geriatric emergency services and palliative and hospice care.
The money will create two programs at the hospital named in her honor: the Marilyn V. Adams Geriatric Emergency Program and the Marilyn V. Adams Comfort Care Fund.
The Geriatric Emergency Program provides 24/7 emergency care tailored to older adults.
Comfort Care, more well known as palliative and hospice care, focuses on providing comfort, dignity and quality of life for patients with serious, chronic or life-limiting illnesses, MemorialCare said.
“We’re so grateful that Marilyn entrusted Saddleback Medical Center to fulfill her legacy and expand care in our community,” said Christy Ward, president of MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation. “Her remarkable gift allows us to embrace those facing vulnerability or illness with greater comfort, dignity, and compassion. We carry her spirit with us in every act of care, and her legacy will continue to lift and touch lives for years to come.”
Good works
Orangewood Foundation prepared and served hundreds of meals to local vulnerable youth over the Thanksgiving holiday. The foundation held its 18th annual food drive for Thanksgiving-themed food for youth to take home and enjoy. It also hosted a holiday brunch, providing meals to 70 people who don’t have access to cooking equipment. Lastly, 40 meals for youth were prepared by the Mesa Verde Country Club with Orangewood board chairman Paul Tobin. For more information about Orangewood Foundation, go to orangewoodfoundation.org.
In passing
Retired police canine Griffin died Nov. 18, the Orange Police Department reported via social media.
“Griffin dedicated four years of service with the Orange Police Department before retiring in 2019, and he spent his golden years surrounded by love from his devoted handler and family,” the post states. “Griffin’s unwavering loyalty, courage, and spirit made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Rest easy, Griffin — you will be deeply missed. 33 K-2, 10-7.”
The Dutch shepherd was 3 years old when he joined the force and his police handler, Jude King. He was first raised and trained in Europe.
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.