Spotted in downtown Walnut Creek on N. Broadway next to Zebra Tattoo and the Performance Bike store.
Spotted in downtown Walnut Creek on N. Broadway next to Zebra Tattoo and the Performance Bike store.
Right on the heels of Peet’s remodel last month, Starbucks was not to be outdone and closed last week for its remodel. As you can see by the above photo, they moved the cashiers and food section to another wall, and have the coffee prep/serving section where the cashiers used to be. This section no longer extends all the way to the wall, in order to free up space and an extra door at left (out of frame). A long communal wooden table (with electrical outlets underneath) takes up center space, with smaller tables on the periphery, as well as window seating.
In addition, they have added a high-tech coffee brewing system called Clover. I tried an iced coffee using Clover and it tasted great, although I’m more of a tea drinker so what do I know. Note that this is the only downtown Walnut Creek Starbucks with a Clover machine.
Check out the window seating:
I’m not sure how much of this is marketing-speak, but they have an “exotic, rare & exquisite coffee” section behind the counter:
Overall I think this is a great remodel. It feels more open, with more and varied seating available plus electrical outlets to boot. The Clover machine will be great for coffee lovers, and the bathroom is really nice, too.
I’ve always had problems getting seating in Starbucks, and if I had to take a guess, I think they put in the large communal table to encourage people not to linger as long there as it feels less private. Note the back-less bar stools at the windows, probably not comfortable to stay too long.
Has anyone checked it out yet? Do you like it over Peet’s?
photo by Flickr user John-Morgan
Walnut Creek Open Space is hosting a large number of events this weekend just in time for Earth Day on Sunday. Here are the activities that will be held:
Saturday, April 21st
Sunday, April 22nd
From an email:
Diablo Ballet of Walnut Creek mixes beauty & ballet in a fundraising event for its PEEK Youth Outreach Program. Beauty, Body, & Ballet takes place on Thursday April 26th 6 – 8 PM at SkinSpirit Spa, 1647 North California Blvd. in Walnut Creek. Admission is free for 21 years and older.
In conjunction with Walnut Creek Magazine and SkinSpirt Spa of Walnut Creek, guests are invited to walk the red carpet into an evening of fun and glamour, where they can try the latest beauty cosmetics and treatments, enjoy wine and tasty appetizers, plus enter the drawing to win great prizes such as a Napa Valley wine tour, dinners at local restaurants, and more.
Proceeds from Beauty, Body, & Ballet will benefit Diablo Ballet’s acclaimed PEEK Youth Outreach Program, which brings in-school arts education to over 5,000 elementary school students in under-served areas of Contra Costa County each year. Congressman John Garrimendi recently awarded Diablo Ballet a state proclamation recognizing the PEEK Program for its invaluable service to the community.
Beauty, Body, & Ballet happens Thursday April 26th 6 – 8 PM at SkinSpirit Spa, 1647 North California Blvd. in Walnut Creek. Admission is free. Advance RSVP is requested by calling SkinSpirit at 925-952-9200. For more information, visit Diablo Ballet at www.DiabloBallet.org.
The digital signs around downtown Walnut Creek notifying people of the available spaces is a really useful service so people can try other garages that may have more spots available. This sign is next to the Broadway Plaza parking garage near Crate & Barrel. Does anyone know how long this has been there?
Previously someone commented on how the employee spots are on the first floor. Do people think the employee spots should remain there or be moved to the top floor, or to the top covered floor?
The musical Spring Awakening will have shows beginning tonight through May 13th at the Lesher Center. From their website:
Spring Awakening is the winner of eight Tony Awards in 2007 including Best Musical. The groundbreaking musical with its bold rock score is a universal coming of age story that tells the timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Spring Awakening celebrates an unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget.
Last month I noted how the women’s sportswear store title 9 is moving to Mt. Diablo Blvd, and yesterday saw that they are now open in their new location at 1637 Mt. DIablo Blvd, previously the Le Creuset store.
HomeAid is presenting, “An Evening with Howie Mandel” this Friday, April 20th at the Lesher Center in downtown Walnut Creek. Tickets are still available here.
A 2 br rental is available at the Cypress Creek Apartments near downtown Walnut Creek for $1613/month.
From the Craigslist ad:
Cypress Creek Apartments comprehensive amenities cater to almost every need like our heated sparking pool and a cardio fitness room– all surrounded by beautiful courtyards with winding sidewalks and lush landscaping. We are conveniently located on Ygnacio Valley Road.
This is the kitchen:
All floorplans are listed here. It looks like you get more bang for your buck but you’ll need a car or bus to get to downtown or Bart as it’s a bit too far to walk judging from the map.
Pets Eternal Rest is a pet euthanasia service located at 544 Ygnacio Valley Road in downtown Walnut Creek. From their website:
We, including our pets, are sensitive to our environments. Veterinary hospital environments, because they are public and can be busy, can sometimes feel impersonal and rushed. Pets Eternal Rest offers an environmental alternative for you, your family, and pet during the euthanasia process. Our environment is private, quiet, and kindhearted. This environmental choice allows families to gather and spend the time needed to say good bye to a pet that is a beloved family member.
I never realized such a service even existed.