Willows Shopping Center, Concord
These days the Willows shopping center in Concord just can’t catch a break with Aaron Brothers Art & Framing being the latest store to close or move in recent months, possibly in June. According to Pasadena Star News most locations will be folded into Michael’s stores (same owner) with a few remaining open in Texas.
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Last February we learned that the San Ramon-based restaurant Fat Maddie’s would be opening in the Downtown Pleasant Hill shopping center where Pasta Pomodoro used to be and they have now opened. Based on the planters in front it looks like there will be front and side patio seating. Check out their menu here.
From their website:
Since 2010, Fat Maddie’s Grille in San Ramon has offered artisan, farmhouse inspired sandwiches, burgers, salads, and entrees – All made with the freshest local ingredients in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Named for our family’s favorite goat, FAT MADDIE’S rustic menu incorporates local, sustainable, and organic ingredients. The family is committed to serving only free-range and antibiotic free chicken as well as hormone and antibiotic free beef. FAT MADDIE’S eggs come from chickens on the family’s personal working farm and food waste is recycled to pigs on a neighboring ranch. As for the goat cheese, let’s just say that Maddie has her sources.
The Veranda, Concord
The French-chain cosmetics shop Sephora, owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, will be opening a 4,400 square foot store this summer at the Veranda shopping center in Concord. Check out their online shop and the brands they carry here.
3576 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Rustic Tavern opened almost five years ago in Lafayette and March 24th will be their last day according to their Facebook page. According to this Mercury News article it was due to a “lease dispute”. Based on the post it looks like they may be back soon in a new location. Stay tuned…
From their Facebook page:
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce on Saturday, March 24 will be Rustic Tavern’s last day at this location. We have enjoyed many years of Success in Lafayette and appreciate the support and loyalty of this amazing community. You love our food and we love you.
Regrettably, we have not been able to agree upon terms of a lease extension.
This is not the end of Rustic Tavern…..
We look forward to announcing our new venture as soon as possible!
747 San Pablo Ave, Albany
Photo provided by 310 Eatery
310 Eatery, the L.A. style street food restaurant that originally opened in 2014 in Walnut Creek, and features some of the tastiest burgers in the Bay Area is set to reopen in Albany on March 30th where Grazzy Burgers used to be. Interestingly, they also plan on possibly returning to downtown Walnut Creek sometime in 2019 for an “unprecedented 5th
time”.
From a press release:
For those that have missed The 310 and it’s “Krazy-Delish” menu including some
favorites such as our Bacon Jam Fries, The 405 Traffic Jam Burger and Little Tokyo
Po’ Boy Soft Shell Crab sandwich, wait no more. The 310 has “Detoured” yet again.
The all too familiar A frames are up and this time Aaron Fong and The 310 goes full
circle having acquired the space which is the former home of Grazzy Burgers in
Albany, CA (now permanently closed). This spot is most dear to Aaron since it was
there where he began his career in the Burgers and Brew business as a server in
2013. While there, he became inspired to open his own “Burgers and Brew”
establishment, focusing on menu items that have been inspired by Street and
Comfort Foods of greater Los Angeles. The 310 launched in 2014 in Downtown
Walnut Creek.
1540 Olympic Blvd, Walnut Creek
According to a recent job posting and city permit information the footwear and clothing store Vans is opening a new shop in downtown Walnut Creek where Free People used to be. Check out their online shop here and learn about their history here.
125 Hartz Ave, Danville
A new Japanese restaurant called Kibo Sushi is opening in Danville very soon on Hartz Ave. Considering the owner was the sushi chef at Blue Ginko and Sasa in Walnut Creek I look forward to checking this place out and trying the carpaccio! The inside looks very nice and warm. Check out their menu here.
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the women’s catalog retailer Soft Surroundings will be opening this Fall in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek according to their website.
More from their website:
Soft Surroundings is dedicated to making you look and feel your best. Our first catalog mailed July 19, 1999. We are based in St. Louis, Mo.
Busy women of all ages are our customers – especially those who need to be reminded to put themselves at the top of their “To Do List.” Our philosophy is that by putting yourself first, you can take better care of friends and family and hopefully live a happier, more fulfilling life.
We design the majority of our quality fashion and bedding here in St. Louis. Our goal is to ensure that our customers maintain their unique sense of style without sacrificing comfort and to do whatever we can to help you relax into a good night’s sleep.
145 E. Prospect Ave, Danville
A new restaurant called Danville Soup and Salad Shack is coming to Danville where Edge Boutique and the pop-up shop Lemon used to be on E. Prospect Ave. Stay tuned…
2631 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
The vintage store The Spotted Cow is relocating from their Walnut Creek location, where they have been since the summer of 2014, to a “white metal barn” in downtown Martinez. March 25th will be their last day in Walnut Creek. Check out their website here.
From an email:
When we close our doors on March 25, we’re taking a few months off to regroup, recharge, and reSTOCK! When we see you again in the fall, we’ll look a little different. Rather than being open 5 days every week, we’re evolving to a quarterly model to better serve you with authentic, beautiful, stylish vintage and vintage-inspired treasures. What exactly does this mean? It means that 4 times a year, we’ll throw open the doors of our AMAZING, newly restored, white metal barn in downtown Martinez and invite you to a week-long vintage extravaganza! Expect guest vendors, beautifully curated and staged merchandise, special guests, workshops, demonstrations, food vendors, and more. Plan to join us for Thursday night opening parties with music, cocktails, and first dibs on the very best of what’s new, and to return throughout the long weekend for new finds, workshops, and more.