BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

John Wayne Airport’s new eatery opens

John Wayne Airport’s newest restaurant opened last week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

One of Orange County’s most prominent and respected restaurateurs, David Wilhelm, formulated the concept for the “Jetsons”-themed Oasis Grill & Sky Lounge.

It is operated by the HMSHost Corp., an international retail and dining company.

The restaurant, which used to be the Orange Grill, will feature appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Some of its signature dishes include chilaquiles, Shrimp Louis and Brown Derby Cobb salads.

Oasis is just one of the improvements to Thomas F. Riley Terminal, according to the airport.

New shops and dining establishments are being created and opened, among other changes.

Last November, the food court was renovated and renamed Brioche Doree, and Wolfgang Puck Express kiosks were added earlier this year.

Keep an eye out for a new Hudson News & Gift store and concession stands carrying brands like Sunglass Hut and Life is Good, slated to open by the end of the year.

Foundation donates to ballet company

The Santa Ana-based Saint Joseph Ballet announced Thursday it will receive $350,000 from the James Irvine Foundation.

The San Francisco-based foundation was started by James Irvine in 1937. Irvine also got the Irvine Co. rolling, and shares of its stock were used to start the foundation.

The foundation’s Arts Regional Initiative is funding the donation. With the money, Saint Joseph Ballet plans to broaden its marketing and hire more staff.

Newport resident heads two Coldwell offices

Newport Beach resident Cari Young was named Monday as the head of Coldwell Banker Greater Los Angeles and Orange County Co.’s Fashion Island office.

The UCLA graduate takes on the responsibilities in addition to her position as manager of the Coldwell office on Lido Isle.

Young earned a degree in international relations, then completed law school at Pepperdine University. During that time, she worked intermittently in the real estate marketing business.

She has worked in real estate sales and management since 1997.