Beyond the Creek

Barnes & Noble Opens at Plaza Escuela in Walnut Creek

September 6, 2022 8:30 am

Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek

After a six year absence, Barnes & Noble has triumphantly returned to downtown Walnut Creek with a soft opening over the weekend at Plaza Escuela. Although the the square footage is slightly bigger than the Concord location, it feels cozier thanks to the shorter ceilings. Although there is no café, there is a children’s section, a toys and games section, and quite a big manga section among the more usual genres. This is a welcome downtown addition especially since Amazon Books closed down the block. The official opening is this Wednesday, September 7th. Thanks to a reader for pointing out their only event listing here.

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Allbirds Coming to Broadway Plaza in Downtown Walnut Creek

September 2, 2022 8:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Thanks to a reader for sending word that the shoe store Allbirds is coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek where half of Amazon Books used to be. They’ll be located next to Aritzia. Check out their online selection here.

From their website:

After years of researching and tinkering, Tim teamed up with Joey Zwillinger, an engineer and renewables expert. Together, they crafted a revolutionary wool fabric made specifically for footwear. The outcome? An entirely new category of shoes inspired by natural materials…

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Lucid Motors at Broadway Plaza

September 1, 2022 8:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut creek

Not sure if this was a one-off, but the electric car company Lucid Motors had a temporary display over the weekend at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. Find out more about them on their website here. Pretty cool to see a luxury electric car besides Tesla.

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Que Onda Tacobar Opens at Geary Marketplace in Walnut Creek

August 30, 2022 11:30 am

Geary Marketplace, Walnut Creek

This is somewhat old news, but pre-covid, we learned that Que Onda Tacobar would be opining where Freebirds used to be, and they have been open since last year. Check out their menu here.

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Dr. Martens Opens at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek

August 29, 2022 8:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

In April, we learned that Dr. Martens would be coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek, and they have now opened. Check out their online selection here.

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Jen Frase Photography Dog Studio Opens at Orinda Theatre Square

August 25, 2022 8:30 am

Orinda Theatre Square

Jen Frase Photography, a dog photography studio, opened recently at Orinda Theatre Square where Square Baby used to be. Check out their studio gallery here, and learn more about the photographer here.

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Sprinkles Opens at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon

August 24, 2022 8:30 am

City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Over two years ago, we learned that Sprinkles would be coming to City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. I tried the dark chocolate cupcake and it was quite decadent. Very rich.

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Spirit Halloween is Back, Yet Again, in Walnut Creek

August 23, 2022 8:30 am

1902 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek

For a third year in a row, Spirit Halloween is headed to Walnut Creek where Pier 1 Imports used to be. Check for coupons on their website here.

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Kibi’s Cafe Soft Opens at Orinda Theatre Square

August 22, 2022 11:30 am

Orinda Theatre Square

In May, we learned that Republic of Cake would be closing at Orinda Theatre Square, and its replacement, the Vietnamese restaurant Kibi’s Cafe, has now soft opened at this spot. This is their second location after Walnut Creek. Check out their online menu here. Over the weekend, I tried the shrimp rolls and it was delicious! I’ll be back for more for sure.

From their website:

As a grandchild of farmers in central Vietnam, her early childhood was surrounded by paddle fields, fruit and vegetable farms, open morning markets and amazing smells of traditional street food. In raising her children and preparing daily meals in America, the love and passion for traditional Vietnamese food culture, which includes healthy, well balanced and fresh ingredients has grown deeper in her….and so has her dream to share it with the Bay Area community.

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Sweet Ride of the Day

August 18, 2022 8:30 am

Spotted at Orchards Shopping Center in Walnut Creek, this red, Mercury Cougar convertible looks amazing. I’m diggin’ the red dice; what year is it? Late 60s or early 70s?

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