Bonfire Pizzeria in the Orinda Theatre Square has closed according to a sign in the window (see below). When they first opened I was a big fan of their pizzas although I think their ingredients changed over time. Word on the street is that a new pizzeria will be opening in this location over the summer. Stay tuned…
Back last April I noted that Harvest Market was opening in Walnut Creek and they have now closed approximately one year later. They focused on healthy cuisine including gluten free selections.
A couple of weeks ago I noted that Swan’s Fine Books would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek on Locust. St. behind The Kitchen Table Store and they are now open for business. This is no ordinary bookstore as they focus on collectible books such as a first edition Huckleberry Finn and a one-of-a-kind San Francisco guidebook from the 19th Century. They even have a page from a 15th Century bible.
The inside of the store has wooden bookshelves and sitting areas throughout with the walls decorated with old movie posters from John Steinbeck novels such as Cannery Row. It’s a cool store to browse around. In addition to collectible books they have more affordable editions starting at around $15.
The inside is warmly decorated:
Check out more photos after the jump…
Queen Bee, a home decor and gift shop will be closing in downtown Lafayette after 8 years in business. There is a “20% off” sign on the window and according to Diablo Style it will remain open until June or inventory runs out. Diablo Style also has an interview with the owners here.
One part of the interview with the Queen Bee owner mentions Walnut Creek:
In fact, we’ve told everyone we’re going out of business, and I swear to God, they all say, “Oh my God, where am I going to go now? I have to go into Walnut Creek? That’s awful!“
Walnut Creek has been dissed in the past, see this Friday Question of the Day for more.
Back last December I noted that the mattress store Sleep Number would be opening on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek and they have now opened. This is right next to the Vitamin Shoppe where Eco Shoppe used to be. Sleep Number offers mattresses where you can adjust the firmness and temperature of each side with a remote control. Check out the inside of the store below.
Sleep Number is located at 1601 Mt Diablo Blvd.
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the gourmet Italian deli A.G. Ferrari Foods has closed in La Fiesta Square in downtown Lafayette. I was recently there so this came as a big surprise to me. I dropped by and sure enough it’s completely bare. Take a look at the photo below to see inside.
Apparently their lease was up and their rent was going to be raised so they closed up shop. I wonder if this is related to Whole Foods opening up nearby? There is also the market part of Chow on the other side of the square which has expanded over time.
If you want to shop at A.G. Ferrari you’ll need to to head to Piedmont Avenue in Oakland or one of their other locations here.
Back in March I noted that the restaurant Rustic Tavern would be opening in downtown Lafayette in April and today is their opening day according to a sign in front. I can’t wait to try this place out. Check out this Lamorinda Weekly article about Rustic Tavern here. They even have their own parking lot next door which is convenient.
Last week I noted that Pier 1 Imports was moving to a new, larger location (a block away from their old location) on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek and they have now opened. The new location is close to 8,000 square feet and offers a new store concept.
From a press release:
The new store design is a natural evolution of the Pier 1 Imports experience that utilizes a new interior finish-out, including natural-colored floor tiles, rustic ceiling elements, enhanced store lighting and lit shelving units lining the walls, all of which help customers visualize the end-use of the products within their own home. The new look is complemented by the use of “open stock” merchandising, designed to enhance the shopping environment by giving customers the opportunity to see, feel and interact with the product. The exterior design features bamboo window awnings and a signature bamboo door with rustic metal door handles that will mark the entrance to Pier 1 Imports’ unique shopping experience.
Check out the inside as you enter:
More photos of the inside after the jump…
Back in January I noted that the pet boutique Wags & Whiskers was closing in downtown Walnut Creek and now a new restaurant focusing on Acai Bowls is coming to this Locust St. location. Check out their menu here. They also have locations in San Ramon and Pleasanton. Has anyone anyone tried an Acai bowl before? What’s it like? Looks interesting!
From their website:
It’s not just an Açaí Bowl; it’s one of the healthiest meals you can eat. Packed with vitamin and mineral rich ingredients fresh from local farms, our bowls will purify you with every bite.
We specialize in making quality, great tasting and affordable Açaí Bowls, invigorating smoothies and delicious panini. An Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) Bowl is a dish originating from ancient Brazil and features the Amazon’s rare Açaí Berry, which is the staple in all our bowls and smoothies, due to the incredible high vitamin content and health benefits the Açai berry offers.
Vitality Bowls will be located at 1528 Locust St. in Walnut Creek.
The fashion store Cole Haan has closed in Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek last Friday. Located right next to Neiman Marcus, it opened several years ago. The closest non-outlet Cole Haan locations are in Union Square, San Francisco and Santana Row in San Jose.
