Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Johnny Was, the women’s fashion clothing store that we learned last spring would be coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek is now open. Check out their new arrivals here, and find out more about the company here. If you sign up for their mailing list you can get “20% off your next purchase” according to a popup that appeared on their website.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The mattress company Tempur-Pedic is opening a showroom at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek.
From their website:
It’s Like No Other Mattress. That’s because TEMPUR® material is not typical memory foam. Our proprietary formulation changed the way the world sleeps. TEMPUR material responds to your body’s temperature, weight and shape for truly personalized comfort and support. As it conforms to your body, TEMPUR material minimizes pressure points that keep you awake. TEMPUR® material dramatically reduces motion transfer so your sleep partner’s movement won’t disturb you.
As a local business, you may not have access to professional designers but please take care in choosing the fonts to be used on your signage, mailings, merchandise etc. If you’re considering using the Papyrus (or Comic Sans) font, please view this video a few times before making a decision…
Lafayette Mercantile
In September we learned that Philz Coffee would be opening Thanksgiving week at the Lafayette Mercantile and their signage is now up and will be definitively opening next week on November 19th. Check out their store menu here. Are you ready to try their Mint Mojito iced coffee?
La Fiesta Square, Lafayette
The women’s clothing boutique Harper Greer “Curvy Style for Every Woman” has relocated to La Fiesta Square in Lafayette and is now open. Check out their online catalog here.
City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
A new shopping center called City Center Bishop Ranch opened in San Ramon on Bollinger Canyon Rd, across from Shops at Bishop Ranch. There are currently 29 shops, restaurants and a gym listed on their directory, including Berkeley-based Fieldwork Brewing Company (which was PACKED), with Slanted Door and Roam Artisan Burgers opening later this year followed by Ramen Hiroshi, MIXT, Curry Up Now and more eateries opening next year. The place I most wanted to try, Boba Guys, is soft open on weekdays only until their grand opening December 1st. The LOT, a 10 screen movie theater and restaurant will be open in a couple of days, As for stores, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Athleta, Candle Delirium and smaller boutiques are open now with Anthropologie opening next spring. The gym Equinox is scheduled to open by year end.
The two story rectangular shopping center features a plaza in the center with a grass play area for children (not dogs) with large building blocks, a patio with a water play area for children, and a separate area with seating where live music may be performed. Some interesting aspects of the mall are the food trucks stationed right outside, as well as the falcon to scare off problem birds. (See photos after the jump for a closer look). The parking garages are hidden inside which is a nice touch; just note the stores when you enter the mall so you’ll remember how to get back to your car!
How does City Center Bishop Ranch compare with recently built or remodeled local malls such as Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and The Veranda in Concord? There are quite a few similarities and differences among the malls but as I strolled down the second floor pathway looking at the stores on the other side on both levels it reminded me a bit of Sunvalley shopping center in Concord, only outdoors. Unlike Broadway Plaza where each store has its own look and feel, all the stores at City Center Bishop Ranch have huge windows with only the store signs having their own design. That will make it much easier as new stores get replaced, but far less interesting.
As you can see from the photo of the outside, some might see a volume “floating” over the street level, as noted by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop while others might view it as a monolithic monstrosity in a box. The inside fares better with the plaza at center, however it’s still quite monotonous throughout. Nevertheless, with numerous eateries, a movie theater, shops and boutiques, it will no doubt become a popular shopping destination. I know I’ll be back, if only for a Boba Guys drink.
More photos including the falcon, food trucks and stores after the jump…
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The cosmetics store RITUALS that we learned would be coming to Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek will be opening tomorrow, November 14th. They are based in Amsterdam and offer luxury skin and body care, cosmetics and home fragrances. This will be their fourth West Coast location.
From a PR:
Wednesday, November 14th (opening day)
• First 100 customers receive a complimentary full-size Foaming Shower Gel (valued at $15.00) + $10 off voucher (no purchase required)
• Can’t get there early? Stop in anytime and get a full size Foaming Shower Gel of your choice for just $5.00 (retail value: $15.00)
*In-store exclusive offer. Only valid Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at Broadway Plaza, while supplies last.
Thursday, November 15th–Saturday, November 17th (2:00PM & 4:00PM) and Sunday, November 18th (1:00PM & 3:00PM)
• Try your luck with our massive gift card giveaway. The first 50 visitors to the store will receive a RITUALS store gift card valued between $5.00 and $100.00.
548 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill
A new restaurant featuring sandwiches, ramen, and udon dishes with karaoke rooms and pool tables called Fat Baguette Lounge opened last month where Game Zone used to be in Pleasant Hill. The karaoke rooms can be reserved for $29.99/hour (up to 12 people) and the pool table can be used for $15.99/hour. Check out their menu here.
More photos including karaoke, pool rooms and ramen bowl after the jump…
Salvio Pacheco Square, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word about a new restaurant called Leisure Dessert opening at Salvio Pacheco Square in Concord where Fusion Bistro used to be. Despite its name, it’s actually a restaurant that serves items besides dessert. Check out their menu on their Facebook page here.
