Culinary Dropout Launches First Location in Orange County

Culinary Dropout, a popular casual-dining gastropub founded by restaurateur Sam Fox, is set to open its first location in Orange County on October 29, 2023. This new establishment will be situated in the vibrant area of Old Towne Orange and marks the second Culinary Dropout location in California, following the debut in Del Mar earlier this year.

Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere paired with a menu that emphasizes comfort food. Signature dishes include soft pretzels with provolone fondue, barbecue pork belly nachos, and a gourmet sloppy joe. Diners can also enjoy white truffle deviled eggs, banana-bread French toast, chicken katsu, and sushi, among other offerings. Culinary Dropout proudly promotes its culinary approach with the tagline “damn good food for damn good people,” highlighting its commitment to a “scratch kitchen.”

The beverage menu will feature an extensive selection of cocktails, including the Paloma Spritz, a refreshing blend of blanco tequila, grapefruit, and sparkling wine, garnished with Himalayan pink salt. Another standout is the Campfire Vibes, made with 100-proof Kentucky whiskey, apple cider, and roasted five spice. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, a variety of mocktails will also be available, along with a selection of wines and both tap and canned beers.

Culinary Dropout originated in Arizona in 2012, and the upcoming Orange location represents the brand’s 16th restaurant overall. Fox Restaurant Concepts, the parent company of Culinary Dropout, has grown significantly since its inception, now employing over 5,000 staff across more than 60 locations in the United States.

The company was acquired by Cheesecake Factory, Inc. in a multimillion-dollar deal in 2019, but continues to operate independently. Culinary Dropout’s unique name pays homage to Fox himself, who opened his first restaurant, Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, after dropping out of college in 1992.

Culinary Dropout will be open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch services available on weekends. The new location can be found at 191 N. Orange St., Orange, California. For inquiries, the restaurant can be reached at 714-439-5566.