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Shaheen Sadeghi has never followed the crowd. For most of his retail and development career, he’s been out front, paving a path that others have followed.
More than 30 years ago, the former Quiksilver president left the fashion industry to start LAB Holding LLC, a Costa Mesa-based venture rooted in rebellion—a developer of anti-strip malls that embraces small businesses, not chains.
Today, the company, whose name stands for “Little American Businesses,” remains true to its ethos of championing mom-and-pop shops amid an ever-evolving retail landscape.
Sadeghi is the visionary behind successful Orange County retail centers and food hubs such as The Camp and LAB Anti-Mall, both in Costa Mesa, and the Anaheim Packing House—all community-focused developments that feature carefully curated indie tenants.
In 2024, LAB Holding received the Business Journal’s Family-Owned Business Award, which Sadeghi accepted with his eldest son Sebastian by his side.
A True Family Affair
Last year, Shaheen told the Business Journal that he was looking forward to the time when his sons would eventually take the reins of the company he founded three decades ago.
That time has almost arrived.
His two other sons, Nikolai and Dominic, have officially joined the LAB Holding family.
“It is truly a pleasure for me to welcome all three of the Sadeghi boys—each of whom has chosen to dedicate their careers to real estate development and our family office,” Shaheen told the Business Journal in a May 9 email. “I feel fortunate to witness this next generation shape the future of community innovation.”
Over the past year, the company has doubled down on its community-driven vision with a series of new and evolving projects across Southern California, including updates to the LAB’s most well-regarded venues.
AhbA, an eatery that also has an outlet in Laguna Beach, arrived at The Camp last year with a vibe “reminiscent of LA neighborhoods such as Venice Beach or tight Eastside pockets along Sunset, where diners enjoy unique curbside fare and captivating conversation,” according to retail center’s website.
The Camp is also expected to welcome Chafinity, a new teahouse experience grounded in Japanese tradition and mindfulness. It will feature organic teas sourced directly from Japan.
The Packing House, which turned 10 last year, is also getting new tenants, including
En Cultura Ahumadero BBQ Bar, Pique-Nique Charcuterie & Wine, Randy’s Donuts and Wooden Pearl. The latter is an immersive, multi-sensory restaurant where “the forest meets the sea,” according to LAB Holding.
Opening later this year at the nearby MAKE Building in downtown Anaheim is Stone Groove Stillhouse.
Anaheim’s first distillery is known for its unique aging process that uses the sound waves of music to infuse character into its spirits.
LAB Holding is on track to add five new projects to its portfolio this year. Some include:
• The Plant in Costa Mesa: An expansion of the Sobeca District involving the conversion of multiple warehouses into art and design-focused spaces. Estimated completion: Summer 2025.
• New Maker’s District in San Marcos: A new development blending retail with the creative spirit of Burning Man, designed to inspire experiential commerce and community gathering.
• Downtown Palm Springs: Historic mixed-use building undergoing a full rehabilitation to bring new life and energy to the city’s core. Estimated completion: End of 2025.
• Dana Point Gateway Project: A mixed-use property located at the entrance to downtown Dana Point. Estimated completion: End of 2025. n