Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
J.Crew, the popular American retail company known for its classic and preppy clothing, announced that it will be closing its Broadway Plaza location in Walnut Creek on January 22nd. Apparently, the future is not bright enough. Soon, you’ll have to leave the East Bay to find a J.Crew store, but you can always shop online wherever you are. For now, most items were 50% off over the weekend.
Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek
It’s official: Mendocino Farms is coming to Ygnacio Plaza in Walnut Creek! They’ll be located right next to Sports Basement in a standalone building. Want to get a sneak peek at the menu? Check it out here. From the sound of it, we can expect all of the fan-favorite sandwiches, like the famous “Not So Fried” Chicken Sandwich and the BBQ Pork Sandwich, as well as a variety of fresh salads and soups. If you’re excited about the arrival of Mendocino Farms in Walnut Creek, be sure to sign up for updates at their location page here. Stay tuned for more updates!
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Thanks to a reader for sending word that South Korean-based bakery café Paris Baguette, founded in 1986, is coming to Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center. Check out their menu here. The offer a wide range of baked goods, including cakes, pastries, croissants, tarts, and more. Some of the mouthwatering options I look forward to trying are the Matcha mochi donut, tiramisu tart, and pain au Chocolat. There are also savory options available, like the smoked sausage bread and curry croquette.
1366 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
After twelve years, the toy store Five Little Monkeys has closed in downtown Walnut Creek. For many families, this store was a go-to destination for toys, gifts, and special occasions. I remember visiting many times with my young children whenever we found ourselves in downtown Walnut Creek, and it was always a fun experience.
While it’s certainly disappointing for those who have enjoyed shopping at Five Little Monkeys in Walnut Creek, the good news is that their Lafayette location remains open, and customers can continue to browse their selection of toys and gifts there, as well as at their online shop. Additionally, the Lafayette location offers a unique experience, with a Zoltar fortune telling machine available to access.
The Mercer, Walnut Creek
It’s always sad to see a beloved local business close its doors, and that’s exactly what has happened, after 14 years in business, with The Counter in downtown Walnut Creek. I remember living around the corner when they first opened and was thrilled with the burgers and toppings. According to a sign in the window, rising costs and prohibitive future occupancy costs have made it impractical for the burger restaurant to continue operating . If you’re a fan of The Counter and are looking for a nearby location, you can head to their Fremont location.
Thanks to a reader for sending word about this.
Agora at South Main, Walnut Creek
Visual Comfort, formerly known as Circa Lighting, is opening a new showroom at Agora at South Main in Downtown Walnut Creek. Customers can also shop their comprehensive selection of decorative and architectural lighting online here.
Founded in Savannah, Georgia in 1998 by Gale Singer, Circa Lighting was created with the vision of disrupting the traditional lighting sales process and offering a well-edited, boutique-like atmosphere for clients to shop in. In addition to their showrooms, the company also aims to provide a similar experience for interior designers, architects, and builders through their well-curated online offerings.
70 Moraga Way, Orinda
The Indian restaurant Anya’s Kitchen opened recently in Orinda where Reem’s Steaks used to be. Check out their online menu here. I noticed they also have a deli called Anya’s Deli in Berkeley.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In July, we learned that the Canadian teen retailer Garage would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek where Soma used to be, and they have now opened. Check out their online selection here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In September, we learned that the sustainable shoe brand Allbirds would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek where part of the Amazon Books used to be, and their signage is now up. Find out about the Allbirds story here, and check out their online selection here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In September, we learned that Allen Edmonds would be relocating within Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, due to Chanel taking over their original spot, and they have now reopened right near Nordstrom, where Decors de France used to be.