The LA Fitness brand has long been a bit of a misnomer, since the company has its HQ in Irvine. That seems likely to get fixed now that the chain—the country’s second-largest, and fastest-growing, gym operator—has plans for expansion into the Bay Area. The L.A. name doesn’t play too well in NorCal, so look for the company to switch to Fitness International, according to vice president John Gabriel, who spoke to a crowd of local real estate pros during the annual RealShare Orange County last week. The country’s largest gym operator, San Ramon-based 24 Hour Fitness, is said to be on the sales block with a $2B asking price. The New York Times recently mentioned LA Fitness as a potential buyer, but other market watchers are skeptical about such a deal …
Another lineup change at International Bay Clubs Inc., owner of the Balboa Bay Club and the Newport Beach Country Club, now in the hands of Richard Pickup’s Eagle Four Partners and Tim Busch’s Pacific Hospitality Group LLC. Tony Latendre is the new director of golf operations, replacing Paul Hahn, who was head pro for 17 years. The change follows Henry Schielein’s recent retirement as president and COO of the Balboa Bay Club, where GM Dieter Hissin is filling those roles. …
No pro needed: What else to say after architect Chris Warren and Loyola Marymount student Max Kruse each made a hole-in-one on the 110-yard 17th at Yorba Linda CC. The feat came during a recent benefit tourney for Canyon Acres Kinship Center, and carried a cash prize of a few bucks, which both golfers gave back to the group …
A local guy scored the goal that spelled the end to a 75-year drought for the U.S. men’s national soccer team on Mexican soil. Michael Orozco Fiscal, a son of Mexican immigrants who hails from Orange, put the ball in the net for a 1-0 win last week at Azteca Stadium. The Mexico City venue has been called “one of soccer’s most intimidating.” The U.S. team had been 0-23-1 in road trips to Mexico, whose Olympic team had just returned from London with a gold medal …
Luck of the Irish: Dan Callahan stayed true to his heritage when he hung up his shingle on St. Patrick’s Day back in 1984. “It was a Saturday, but I wanted all the luck I could get,” he told our Jane Yu, who has more on Callahan on page 1 …
Happy 50th anniversary to OCBJ executive dining columnist Fifi Chao and husband Patrick. The happy pair is planning an Alaskan cruise, but not before she wraps up her twice-yearly Fifi’s Best for our issue of Sept. 10. Fifi’s regular column is on page 10 for any foodies who just can’t wait.
