Pasadena’s Economic Development and Technology Committee is scheduled to hear an expansive update on the city’s growing reputation as a tech and business hub during its scheduled meeting on Tuesday. The report, to be delivered by David A. Klug, Pasadena’s Economic Development Director, highlights a series of developments that signal continued growth across a variety of sectors, including technology, life sciences, and local business.
Among the more significant updates, the Committee will hear about a wave of new restaurant openings that reflect Pasadena’s evolving culinary landscape, according to online documents.
Klug is expected to report that Fresh Bites, a Lebanese restaurant focused on using locally sourced ingredients, officially opened its doors on August 31 at 105 N. Hill Ave. Just a few miles away, Le Grand Restaurant, at 55 S. Lake Ave., has introduced an “unlimited tasting menu” within a two-hour time frame, adding to the city’s growing reputation as a destination for creative dining experiences. Sincerely Syria, a popular chain specializing in Syrian shawarma, has also expanded its footprint, opening its third Southern California location at 21 S. Fair Oaks Ave. in Old Pasadena.
Pasadena’s downtown culinary revival doesn’t stop there.
Skillets Grill, a family-owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, opened its doors at 57 E. Holly St.
These new additions underscore a broader trend toward locally driven business ventures, a trend that extends beyond the restaurant sector.
Pasadena’s rise as a tech hub also seems to be gaining momentum.
At the heart of the city’s innovation boom is Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, headquartered at 177 E. Colorado Blvd., which is making strides in the healthcare sector. Arrowhead, a company already recognized for its extensive portfolio of clinical trials, is preparing to enter the competitive obesity drug market with two new candidates. Klug is expected to report that the firm plans to submit its applications to the Food and Drug Administration by the end of the year and launch clinical trials early next year. Arrowhead currently has 14 drugs in development, several of which are in the late stages of clinical testing, positioning it as a key player in the biotech industry.
Pasadena’s proactive approach to economic development is underscored by its Economic Development Strategic Plan, a forward-looking document now available on the city’s updated website. The plan lays out six guiding principles and 27 specific projects aimed at bolstering key industries, including life sciences and deep technology.
The Department’s updated site also features information on Property-Based Improvement Districts, a tool designed to enhance the city’s commercial areas.
Sustainability is also a focus for the city’s small business community. In collaboration with The Center by Lendistry, a business education nonprofit organization, Pasadena conducted a survey to gauge local businesses’ readiness to tackle climate challenges. The survey revealed that while many businesses are taking steps to reduce waste, more than 72 percent of respondents were unaware of available clean energy programs. The findings point to an opportunity for the City to expand awareness and resources for businesses aiming to become more climate-resilient. You can read about it here.
Pasadena’s role as a nexus for technological and entrepreneurial growth continues to be bolstered by its proximity to renowned institutions such as Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Recent expansions by companies like Xencor, Doheny Eye Institute, AWS Center for Quantum Computing, and Honeybee Robotics further mark the city’s appeal to high-tech firms.
A City report said that City officials recently participated in the Vets in AI event and attended the Small Business Expo held at the Pasadena Convention Center on September 5.
Tuesday’s EDTech Committee meeting, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber at City Hall, is open to the public.
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