Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Earlier this year MidiCi became Viaggio at the Willows shopping center in Concord. According to this Instagram post, it’s the same owners with a new chef. They are closed during for the time being, but check out their menu here. There is a separate wood oven menu here.
From their website:
We are a family owned and operated restaurant that strives to produce wholesome, high quality meals with friendly service. Our family is also proud to have partnered with local chef, Roberto Rose. Roberto grew up in a small town near Naples, Italy and moved to California in his teens.
Despite the increase in coronavirus infections over the past week, with further closures in effect, I noticed some people seem less concerned than before. The other day, I saw one outdoor business with a half dozen workers in close proximity not wearing masks. I stopped by Safeway and saw employees outside chatting without masks. One person at self-checkout had his bandanna around his neck.
Given this, it’s not surprising that more people are getting infected. As time goes by, I do feel less worried as long as people around me are wearing masks. As more people let their noses peek out, maybe I should start worrying more.
The Veranda, Concord
Last summer we learned that the Brazilian steakhouse Texas de Brazil would be coming to the Veranda shopping center in Concord, and their signage is now up. Check out their menu here.
Lafayette Mercantile
The menswear store Jos. A. Bank has closed at the Lafayette Mercantile shopping center. Their Walnut Creek shop remains open.
Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center
Thanks to all who emailed that Sweet Tomatoes has closed in the Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center. According to their website, all 97 Sweet Tomatoes are closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is not surprising for a buffet-style restaurant in today’s environment.
1437 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Thanks to those who emailed that the “spiritual and magical marketplace”, The Mystic Dream, formerly known as Dolphin Dream, closed their physical shop in downtown Walnut Creek. They do have plans to reopen in a new location eventually and for now you can shop their online selection here.
From their Facebook page:
We are thinking of this as our phoenix-phase, and we shall return stronger and brighter than ever. We have no intention of leaving the Bay Area permanently but have definite plans to reopen in a new location once it becomes feasible to do so.
444 Front St, Danville
Thanks to everyone for sending word (and photo) that Taco Bell Cantina is coming to the former Burger King spot on Front St. and Hartz Way in Danville.
From their website:
This isn’t just any Taco Bell. Introducing our Taco Bell Cantina restaurants, equipped with a fancy new look, open kitchen, custom menu and specialty alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, sangria and liquor versions of our classic Freezes. Find a Taco Bell Cantina restaurant near you.
1345 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that The Natural Mattress Store closed in Walnut Creek, next to Whole Foods.
1522 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Sad news that PRIMA Ristorante, open for 43 years, is permanently closing in downtown Walnut Creek due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On the bright side, the wine shop next door, PRIMA Vini will remain open. Check out their online shop here.
From their closing announcement:
As you well know, the COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc throughout the entire restaurant community, and since our mandatory closure in early March, Chef Peter and I, after 21 years together as friends and colleagues, 15 of them as partners, have looked high and low for a path forward- a way to get PRIMA Ristorante back to its accustomed role of bringing its unique sense of Italian hospitality to the good people of Walnut Creek. Alas, though, it appears that events have conspired against us. The longer the restaurant has been closed, the harder it has been to find a way to successfully reopen. We’ve finally come to the realization that we won’t.
