It’s Official: The Cheesecake Factory opening in Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita residents are finally getting what they’ve long waited for.

The Cheesecake Factory is expected to open by December on Town Center Drive at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, a spokesperson for the mall confirmed. The Calabasas-based restaurant is planning to operate in 8,000 square feet of retail space formerly occupied by Sunglass Hut, Talbots and the Carlton Hair salon — across from the retailer Pottery Barn.

“Unequivocally, Cheesecake Factory has been the most requested tenant by the community since I can remember,” said Tom Miller, district manager for Westfield, in an email. “We are diligently working with Cheesecake Factory to get them open this year and are excited that they have chosen to invest in Westfield Valencia and the Santa Clarita community.”

The deal for the lease was officially closed this week. Genuine Cigars and The Open Book stores next door plan to continue to operate in their location on Town Center Drive. All businesses on the street will remain open during construction, said spokeswoman Stacie House. “Cheesecake Factory has already begun construction; they’re gutting the interior of the buildings,” House said. “They also plan to add a patio area.”

Year after year, in surveys of Santa Clarita residents, The Cheesecake Factory is always among the top requests locals have for a new restaurant. Actually landing the eatery has been a long time coming.“I’ve been with the city for 15 years, and for as long as I can remember requests for The Cheesecake Factory have been right at the top,” said Jason Crawford, Economic Development manager for the City of Santa Clarita. “The Cheesecake Factory has been the most requested restaurant from the community,” he said. An exterior makeover is coming as well, which the restaurant itself is bearing the costs for.

“By the end of 2016 Town Center Drive will offer guests an entirely new experience than ever seen before,” said Dana Hansen, vice president of leasing for Westfield, in an email. “The synergy created by the opening of Urban Home, Saddle Ranch Chop House in coming months and Cheesecake Factory will offer a brand new destination at Westfield Valencia,” he said.

The Santa Clarita Valley Signal