This time of year can make or break a restaurant as the holidays bring out more celebratory dining.

Because seasonal foot traffic is crucial to year-end sales and marketing, restaurants under construction are scrambling to put the finishing touches on their establishments.

It’s especially important for new concepts launching in high-profile shopping malls or retail centers. To keep you in the loop, we’re tracking the most anticipated new food brands – from burger bars to crusty pies to premium seafood.

Click through our photo gallery to get the inside scoop on the newest dining hot spots landing in O.C. before the end of the year.

Contact the writer: nluna@ocregister.com and follow the Fast Food Maven on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.