As we continue to introduce you to the faces behind the various showrooms, restaurants and retailers here at SOCO + The OC Mix, we are excited to be highlighting Naveed Anwar, the COO/Owner of The Cheese Shop – a husband and wife owned restaurant serving gorgeous charcuterie boards, mouthwatering sandwiches, craft wine + beer and more! 

Naveed is proud to work alongside his wife Nushin Anwar, who is the CEO/Owner – together they make everyone’s charcuterie dreams come true! Read below to learn more about Naveed and his passion for the food & beverage industry.

Name: Naveed Anwar

Title: COO/Owner

Why do you love working at SOCO and/or what’s a favorite memory from your time working at the center? I enjoy being able to socialize with all my guests and be part of an amazingly talented group of business owners who strive to provide nothing but the best for our customers.  

 How did you get into the food industry? I grew up working in the restaurant industry when I was in high school to make a little extra money while saving to buy a car. I ended up having a passion for food when I opened my first restaurant in 2005. Since then I have opened 6 other locations.  

 Why are you passionate about what you do? When you love what you do and become passionate about it, you continue striving to do better. I really enjoy being able to socialize and build relationships with all of our customers. When you serve something you love, the quality speaks for itself, and we don’t shy away from providing the best quality artisan products you can find. 

 What is your favorite store/restaurant at SOCO besides your own? I love being in a space next door to the first MICHELIN star restaurant in OC called Taco Maria. I have become good friends with the owner/chef Carlos and we continuously motivate each other to do better every day. I love having so many different options for shopping and dining at SOCO, which makes it such an enjoyable place to be. 

 Is there anything you would like to say to the Costa Mesa community at large? SOCO is a hidden GEM that gets overlooked off the 405 & Harbor Blvd. Once you get to the center it has so much more to offer than you could ever imagine. As small business owners, we strive to provide the best quality food and products while having the ability to meet and greet each and every one of you.