From the shopping center that brought you the $8 haircut…
Veranda Shopping Center, Concord
Lots of activity going on at the soon-to-open Veranda shopping center in Concord. Located right next to the Willows shopping center, there’s going to be a 365 by Whole Foods supermarket, an IMAX movie theater, and plenty of shopping and dining options. As you can see in the above photo, bankruptcy has not stopped Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us from opening here on November 4th. There will be a DJ, giveaways, raffles, food trucks, a special appearance by Geoffrey the Giraffe, and other activities from 10 a.m. to noon.
4635 Clayton Rd, Concord
Mona’s Burgers is opening a second Concord location on Clayton Rd. where Cal Wok currently is according to the latest state permit information. It’s going to be called Mona’s Bar & Grill and will be their third location after Oak Grove Plaza in Concord and Palos Verdes Mall in Walnut Creek. Check out their menu here.
Park ‘N’ Shop, Concord
Over the summer we learned that a new poke restaurant called Fresh Box would be coming to the Park ‘N’ Shop in Concord near Mimi’s Cafe and they are now open. This is the same owner as STEAMBOAT located in the same shopping center. Check out their menu here. They have a soft open special where you can get a free regular ice cream sandwich after checking into their Facebook page before November 1st. Also 31% off if you come dressed in costume on Halloween. 
4383 Clayton Rd, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photo) that Dunkin’ Donuts is planning on opening in Concord (with a drive-thru lane) where the miniature golf spot Ghost Golf is currently located on Clayton Rd. Check out their website here. There is even an online petition requesting that Ghost Golf’s lease be renewed. Sign it here.
From the Change.org petition:
Dunkin’ Donuts and the landlord are forcing Ghost Golf out! Ghost Golf is a spooky themed miniature golf place owned by a hardworking husband and wife. Since the decorations and aminatronics are difficult to move, as well as the cost, they are unable to relocate. The owners of Ghost Golf put many years and their heart and soul into this project, but this landlord is erasing it! There is nothing similar to Ghost Golf and only one miniature golf place within 20 miles of Ghost Golf. There are plenty of empty sites in Concord, so why kick out one that has a very successful tenant? Save Ghost Golf before it’s too late!
1353 Willow Pass Rd, Concord
Thanks to a reader for sending word that the all you can eat restaurant Gen Korean BBQ is coming to Concord where the old Sizzler restaurant used to be on Willow Pass Rd. Check out their menu here and Concord Facebook page here. With Ohgane open nearby earlier this year, looks like Concord is becoming a prime destination for Korean BBQ.
From their website:
The character for GEN simply means, “The beginning”, and we welcome you to join us in the art of Korean barbeque. We are looking to transcend the norm of Korean BBQ by fusing different flavors that we have found using ingredients from different parts of the world.
We, at Gen Korean BBQ, are pleased to present our guests to an experience they will truly never forget, from our boundless menu options consisting of freshly prepared meats, seafood, and vegetables, to our refreshing & traditional Korean ban-chan (side-dishes); you will experience a wide array of complex flavors that will truly give your palate a new perception of taste.
Veranda Shopping Center, Concord
The eagerly anticipated 365 by Whole Foods supermarket is opening December 6th in the new Veranda shopping center at the corner of Diamond Blvd. and Galaxy Way in Concord. Check out their rewards program here. You can get 10% off over 100 products, buy 5 get one free deals, as well as, “lots of special offers that will surprise and delight you, from department discounts to birthday presents.”
From the 365 by Whole Foods site:
It’s time for a whole new grocery shopping experience. One that strives to be good for your body, your budget, your lifestyle and the planet.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Rick’s Rather Rich Ice Cream opened almost two years ago in Willows Shopping Center in Concord and they have now closed. Check out their original Palo Alto location which remains open.
Veranda Shopping Center, Concord
Toys R Us, which is planning to come to the new Veranda shopping center in Concord, located right next to the Willows shopping center, filed for bankruptcy today. From the USA Today article:
The bankruptcy filing may make some shoppers reluctant to make Toys R Us a destination during the upcoming holidays, and there may be gaps on some shelves if skittish suppliers decide to hold back on some deliveries. But bankruptcy could also give the toy store chain some relief, enabling it to cancel leases and abandon poorly performing locations.
I wonder if this will affect this opening?
Spotted this $8 haircuts sign at the Park ‘N’ Shop in Concord. In smaller letters: Performed by Students Would you go for this?