Trinity Broadcasting Can Sell Guests Snacks

Despite concern from neighbors, Trinity Broadcasting Network was granted permission to serve food to guests at its new headquarters on Bear Street overlooking the San Diego Freeway.

The City Council approved a request from the international Christian television conglomerate to sell bagels, chips, light snacks and beverages in outdoor areas to visitors touring the compound.

Hot dogs and other items will be warmed for guests but not fried or grilled--to avoid unpleasant smells. TBN plans to sell the food from an old-fashioned popcorn truck.

For full meals, guests will be referred to restaurants at nearby Metro Pointe and South Coast Plaza.

The permit does not apply to indoor banquet facilities and employee dining areas, which already have been approved. The network needed a special permit to feed guests.

Neighbors who live in the nearby Lifestyles development said they were concerned about the services and the possibility that the headquarters could become a major tourist attraction and would add traffic to Bear Street.

“I don’t want to live next to Dollywood,” said Christine Rozek, referring to singer Dolly Parton’s amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The white building supported by columns--visible to drivers on the San Diego Freeway--will host a grand opening next week to mark TBN’s 25th anniversary. The station, which operates 700 affiliates worldwide, was based in Tustin before it moved.

TBN spokesman Kent Whitmore told the neighbors and the council that visitors will come through for tours but he does not expect great numbers.