Noodle lovers in West Covina are getting a new spot to slurp. Changan Kitchen, a Southern California noodle chain, is gearing up to open at Eastland Center, taking over Suite 5 at 2851 E. Eastland Center Drive. Owner Rachel Geng says the team is waiting on final inspections and is aiming to open sometime next month. If that timeline holds, the West Covina restaurant will become the brand’s sixth location in the region.
According to What Now Los Angeles, the West Covina move first surfaced in a California ABC filing, along with Geng’s confirmation that the opening date depends on inspections wrapping up. The outlet also spotlighted some of Changan’s biggest crowd-pleasers, including Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, Dan Dan Noodles and Sesame Chicken with Noodles.
Eastland Center Listing and Other Arrivals
Eastland Center currently lists Changan Kitchen as "Coming Soon," a small but clear sign the lease is locked in and the mall is still actively recruiting fresh food options. The center’s site also notes that Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão is slated to join the lineup this year, part of a broader refresh of Eastland Center’s dining offerings.
What to Expect From the Menu
Changan’s official website lists existing locations in Ontario, Riverside, Chino Hills and Monterey Park, with a heavy emphasis on hand-pulled noodles and rich broths as the backbone of the menu. The brand says, "Our restaurant is dedicated to delivering an authentic, comforting and modern twist on classic Chinese cuisine," and positions itself as a quick, noodle-focused option geared toward families and lunchtime crowds.
Timeline and Local Context
Geng told What Now Los Angeles that final inspections need to clear before the team can lock in an exact opening date, but she is hopeful the West Covina location will be ready to serve customers next month. Industry observers note that shopping centers have increasingly leaned on restaurants to boost weekday foot traffic and help turn properties into destination stops, per ICSC.
For now, the Eastland Center listing and the ABC filing referenced in reports remain the strongest signs that West Covina diners will soon have another go-to for hand-pulled noodles. We will keep an eye on permits and inspections and update readers once an official opening date is locked in.
