1385 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
To all sweet tooths: sadly, The Candy Counter, which opened a couple of years ago in downtown Walnut Creek is closing by the end of the month. Unlike other sneaky, lawyer-approved closing sales, the sign outside indicates that everything is 50% off.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The coastal lifestyle brand Coast by Coast, in collaboration with Lou & Grey, displayed their swimwear and lifestyle clothing from a 1972 VW bus in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek over the weekend. Check out their website here. This was a fun and unexpected display to see at a giant shopping plaza such as Broadway Plaza. I hope this happens more often!
2090 Diamond Blvd, Concord
In January we learned that Buffalo Wild Wings, the Ohio-based restaurant featuring wings, beer and sports was coming to Concord and there has been plenty of progress as you can see in the above photo with the iconic signage up. There will be dedicated takeout parking spots as well which should be convenient for quick pickups. Check out their menu here. Stay tuned to see what else will open in this new shopping center.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The backside of Broadway Plaza is getting ready to open soon and we now know that the shopping center has enticed plenty of stores to leave their downtown Walnut Creek locations for the shopping center, also located in downtown:
Is this hurting downtown Walnut Creek (outside Broadway Plaza) or is it helping downtown with all the new stores opening up?
1985 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
Next month you’ll be able to enjoy beer and wine along with burgers and other dishes while watching a movie at Brenden Theatres in Concord as a redesigned dining area near the entrance opens. According to an employee, look for around six or seven beers plus around six more on tap as well as wine and various food items eventually including burgers that you can eat there or better yet, bring with you to enjoy while watching a movie. Note that this doesn’t apply to “G” rated movies.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
A new store called Resveralife will soon be opening in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek where the Toss Designs popup store and Aveda used to be. Check out their website here.
From the Broadway Plaza directory:
Reservalife sells candles, yoga accessories, aromatherapy oils and creams, tea and other health and lifestyle products.
1348 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last October we learned that Los Angeles-based Lemonade would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek where La Boulange Cafe used to be and signage now appears on the windows indicating a summer 2016 opening. According to SFGate they plan on a June 15th opening. The article also notes that the Bay Area menu will include, “tossed leafy greens station to the mix, and given our region’s cooler climate, will also be expanding their selection of hot dishes and rotisserie items.” The design of the Bay Area restaurants will “feature warmer woods and textures to reflect the cool and foggier climate.”
Is this going to be similar to Tender Greens?
1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
One of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings of the year, ROOFTOP, located above Teleferic Barcelona at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek has finally arrived and will be opening this week. The decor and architecture look amazing, and one of the more intriguing features is the retractable roof. It’s way larger than expected; In the evenings when the roof comes down I can imagine this will be an insanely cool place to hang out at the bar or have a bite to eat while gazing at the stars up above. (Check out photos of the inside including retractable roof, outdoor dining area and more after the jump).
For those not familiar with the chef:
Justine Kelly, former Chef de Cuisine at James Beard award winning restaurant The Slanted Door comes to Rooftop as a Partner/Executive Chef. Her menu is ingredient driven, seasonal new American cuisine that is influenced by foods from around the globe. From brightly flavored raw bar offerings to hearty, soulful entrées. She is bringing with her a little taste of San Francisco through the tunnel.
Chef Kelly, has competed on both the Iron Chef and Williams-Sonoma/Tasting Table’s Sous Chef Series and Cooked for President Clinton and the first lady. She most recently served as Executive Chef at The Battery as well as Consulting Chef at Bull Valley Roadhouse and at the always-packed Chino while running her meal and recipe delivery service, Sun Basket.
Check out the preliminary dinner menu here, and drinks menu here. You can make a reservation on their website here.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Diamond Blvd, Concord
Thanks to a reader for pointing out this article in the East Bay Times that reports on a new lower priced Whole Foods supermarket called 365 by Whole Foods coming to a new shopping center called Veranda in the former Chevron Headquarters right next to Willows Shopping Center on Diamond Blvd. In addition to 365 by Whole Foods and other retails shops a new movie theater may also be at the shopping center. This is sweet news for Concord!
1139 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Last summer we learned that the GAP would be relocating to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek this year and now according to a recent design review application submitted to the city we know that Capital One Cafe is planning to open in this spot.
When I read “Capital One” my first thought was, “credit cards”? Surely this must be some kind of mistake. It turns out this is a new, more casual style bank with a coffee shop, free wifi and meeting room spaces. Check out the rendering below to see what the exterior will look like. The modern look with larger windows to provide more light looks great.
From their website:
Ready for a reimagined banking experience? You’ve come to the right place. Capital One® is a new kind of bank, one that’s built on digital tools and human connections. People are at the heart of everything we do, so we keep the banking experience simple and straightforward—whether you’re mobile, online, at the ATM or in one of our Capital One Cafés, where our approach to banking comes to life. Here, you can take care of everyday banking needs with our friendly associates and fee-free ATMs, learn more about Capital One, or just get cozy with free Wi-Fi and hand-crafted Peet’s® beverages.
Rendering IA Interior Architects:
