Reaching 100 years in the same location is a rare milestone in the restaurant industry. Newport Beach staple A Restaurant, formerly known as The Arches, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year in Orange County. Year-long celebrations and philanthropic activities follow to honor the journey.
A Restaurant Completes 100 Years in Newport Beach
A Restaurant traces its roots to 1926, when the Coast Highway linked Huntington Beach with Newport Beach. John Vilelle and James Sturgeon opened The Arches, a roadside diner and service station.
The Arches featured Mediterranean-style architecture, with red-tiled roofs and unique arches. It quickly became a neighborhood landmark for gatherings and shaped early Newport Beach culture.
In 2008, it was taken over by partners Joseph “McG” Nichol and Jordan Otterbein of River Jetty Restaurant Group (RJRG). The duo turned the place into a modern steakhouse while retaining its historic atmosphere.
This year, the restaurant marks its 100th year in its landmark location along the Pacific Coast Highway. It is an iconic staple in a constantly evolving food environment.
Otterbein said in a statement that reaching 100 years is an amazing achievement not only for the place but also for the Newport Beach community. “McG and I are honored to carry forward the spirit of this iconic landmark in the community that we grew up in and ensure it remains a welcoming gathering place for generations to come.”
The restaurant currently offers a New American menu under the leadership of Executive Chef Robert Gomez. While ownership and menus have evolved over the decades, the restaurant continues to emphasize hospitality, community, and its connection to the coast.
Community Events to Celebrate the Legacy
A Restaurant and RJRG have always believed in philanthropy. Their charitable activities over the years helped local and national institutions. It also strengthens the restaurant’s relationship with the Newport Beach community.
Well-known philanthropic work and collaboration involve:
- Continuous sponsorship of the Hoag Hospital Foundation
- Different donations in favor of schools in Newport Beach
- Sponsoring the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike for MS fundraiser, a team comprised of staff participants riding the annual 100-mile trek from Orange County to San Diego
The group’s relationship with Hoag has improved over the past few years. RJRG will participate in several Hoag-related events in 2026, including:
- Hosting The Encore for Innovation performance by Chris Isaak at The Lido Theater on March 6
- Sponsoring Hoag Classic at Newport Beach Country Club, March 22-29
- Supporting the Hoag Summer Fest, Newport Dunes, in June
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the restaurant will organize special anniversary shows and community-related activities in 2026. Officially, the 100th anniversary will fall in August 2026.
The restaurant partners with local farms and purveyors to source the best ingredients. Patrons like to visit for cozy, romantic dinners, and A’s specially curated wine list.
River Jetty Restaurant Group is an upscale hospitality brand founded in 2007. The journey began in Newport Beach with Joseph “McG” Nichol and Jordan Otterbein, and is based on the unconventional restaurant ideas of thoughtful design, quality-focused cuisine, and authentic service.
