Park ‘N’ Shop, Concord
Over the summer we learned that a new poke restaurant called Fresh Box would be coming to the Park ‘N’ Shop in Concord near Mimi’s Cafe and they are now open. This is the same owner as STEAMBOAT located in the same shopping center. Check out their menu here. They have a soft open special where you can get a free regular ice cream sandwich after checking into their Facebook page before November 1st. Also 31% off if you come dressed in costume on Halloween. 
1523 Giammona Dr, Walnut Creek
A new Japanese restaurant called Tozai Izakaya from the owners of the popular spot Ramen Hiroshi is coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Hamachi (later Fortress) used to be. Check out the Ramen Hiroshi menu here and stay tuned for updates… As a fan of their ramen I look forward to checking this place out!
Avalon, Walnut Creek
Last spring we learned about a new bar called Hops & Scotch coming to the Avalon apartment complex across from the Pleasant Hill BART station in Walnut Creek and according to their website they are planning to open sometime this fall. Watch for updates on their Instagram page here. Note that this is not related to the upscale diner Hopscotch in Oakland.
1275 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Lots of progress on Gott’s Roadside opening this fall in downtown Walnut Creek where Fresh Choice used to be. Check out their job postings here, and follow updates on their Facebook page here. Check out their menu here. They mention plans for serving the well-regarded, meatless Impossible Burger.
From their website:
Gott’s Roadside is a different kind of burger joint. For anyone who craves delicious, high-quality fare in a welcoming, down-to-earth spot, Gott’s Roadside is a tried-and-true local favorite. We serve juicy cheeseburgers, 100% beef Fearless Franks, beer-battered onion rings and hand-spun shakes alongside crispy Ahi Poke tacos, Chinese chicken salad, and a sushi-grade Ahi burger—try finding those at your average drive-in.
850 S. Broadway Walnut Creek
Plans are underway for a new five tenant retail building where the restaurant Vic Stewart’s is currently located across from Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. One Vic Stewart’s employee indicated they plan to stay open at least through December. Check out their menus here. According to the Design Review commission, the building, built in 1892, was moved from the corner of S. Broadway and Mt. Diablo Blvd where it served as the Walnut Creek South Pacific Railroad (SPRR) Passenger and Freight Depot. Since it “retains only one of seven aspects of integrity that contribute to a historical resource’s eligibility for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). As such…it is not eligible for the CRHR under any criteria.”
2905 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to everyone who sent word that Forever Yogurt + Bee & Tea closed in Walnut Creek at the corner of N. Main St. and Geary Rd. According to a sign in the window they are “temporarily” closed. I don’t see any explanation on their Facebook page but the location is still listed on their website here. “Stay tuned”…
Danville Livery
Hawaiian-based Wow Wow Lemonade is coming to the Danville Livery on Sycamore Valley Rd. Check for updates on their Facebook page here and Instagram page here.
From the Wow Wow Lemonade website:
With produce from local farmers, we’re able to create unique and gourmet flavors. Whether it’s Da Green Lemonade with locally grown Kale, our Makai Watermelon Basil with Big Island seedless watermelon and Kumu farms basil, or our Lychee Strawberry or Mango lemonades which are all sourced locally, we strive to provide uniquely crafted flavors that feature Hawaii’s finest fruits. We have chosen not to pasteurize our drinks, so that you can get the most nutrition and live enzymes possible, from every handcrafted drink.
4383 Clayton Rd, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photo) that Dunkin’ Donuts is planning on opening in Concord (with a drive-thru lane) where the miniature golf spot Ghost Golf is currently located on Clayton Rd. Check out their website here. There is even an online petition requesting that Ghost Golf’s lease be renewed. Sign it here.
From the Change.org petition:
Dunkin’ Donuts and the landlord are forcing Ghost Golf out! Ghost Golf is a spooky themed miniature golf place owned by a hardworking husband and wife. Since the decorations and aminatronics are difficult to move, as well as the cost, they are unable to relocate. The owners of Ghost Golf put many years and their heart and soul into this project, but this landlord is erasing it! There is nothing similar to Ghost Golf and only one miniature golf place within 20 miles of Ghost Golf. There are plenty of empty sites in Concord, so why kick out one that has a very successful tenant? Save Ghost Golf before it’s too late!
Crossroads of Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the owners of Graze in Moraga have opened a new Hawaiian take-out focused spot in the Crossroads of Danville shopping center on San Ramon Valley Blvd. Interestingly, they have spam musubi. I tried the chicken musubi which was good but one of these days I’m going to have to try the spam option. Check out their menu here and check for updates on their Instagram page here. From their website:
Stop in for a quick salad, yummy bowl or a decadent baked good…ALOHA!
More photos including spam musubi after the jump…
Blackhawk Plaza, Danville
The FieldHouse Sports Grill has closed in Blackhawk Plaza in Danville. Their website says Announcement – Site under construction, and it’s not showing up on the Blackhawk Plaza directory listing.