Yogurt Park has closed their Broadway Plaza location after 26 years due to the Broadway Plaza redevelopment taking place very soon. However, they plan on reopening in two years when the new Broadway Plaza opens. According to a sign in the window, “The mall has granted Yogurt Park the opportunity to re-open in approximately two years after all construction is complete”. Their Berkeley location will remain open.
1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
Back in February I provided an update to the N Main / Mt Diablo Corner Project in downtown Walnut Creek and now the plan has been slightly updated again with a cafe going in on the ground floor and a covered rooftop dining area above as you can see in the rendering. Check out Diablo Dish for more details and renderings.
23 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette
Back in May I noted that Roam Artisan Burgers was planning to open in October in La Fiesta Square in downtown Lafayette and according to Lamorinda Weekly they now plan on opening by Christmas. Check out their menu here.
From Craigslist:
Roam Artisan Burgers offers delicious burgers, sides, shakes and sodas crafted from fresh quality ingredients that have been carefully sourced from a select group of purveyors. Roam is committed to utilizing sustainable meats and produce, as well as other high-quality ingredients in its menu, which begins with 100% grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, all-natural bison and an organic veggie burger. The burgers pair perfectly with Roam’s lineup of Straus Family Creamery shakes, house-made sodas, wine and kombucha on tap, and local brews.
Roam offers lunch and dinner in a casual, counter-order setting that is fun, family-friendly and eco-conscious.
3545 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Back in August I noted that Cold Stone Creamery was closing to make room for Smitten Ice Cream and Smitten is definitely opening in this location. Right now the inside is completely bare but the Smitten plans are visible in front.
From the La Fiesta Square website:
We are excited to announce that Smitten Ice Cream is coming to La Fiesta Square.
Smitten Ice Cream uses the freshest and purest ingredients to freeze each batch of ice cream to-order, from scratch, in 60 seconds with the help of patented, liquid nitrogen-enabled Brrr™ machines.
It’s new, old-fashioned ice cream — and we know you’re going to love it.
Look for more details regarding opening date soon. In the meantime, we invite you to watch this video, which tells how Smitten Founder Robyn Sue Fisher turned her passion for ice cream into this unique ice cream business.
The Japanese restaurant Serika in Orinda Theatre Square is getting new owners based on a sign in their window. See sign below:
65 Moraga Way, Orinda
In October I noted that a new ‘fuscion’ resturant was opening in downtown Orinda on Moraga Way and it turned out to be none other than Danville-based MexCal, which opened last Friday. The Orinda location will also feature fresh tortillas made daily as well as mostly organic dishes made with locally grown vegetables.
The inside is spacious:
Check out the menu and photos of the bar after the jump…
1388 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Back in September I noted that Cypress closed on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek and now a new restaurant called Sunol Ridge will be opening at this location. According to Diablo Dish they plan on opening by February and will serve gastropub-type dishes with both craft beers and wine available on tap.
Locust St, Walnut Creek
Yesterday I noted that The Nail Shop moved across the street on Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek and this looks like it’s related to SoCal based Veggie Grill possibly opening up in the old post office next door according to Diablo Dish. Check out their menu here. Note that SoCal based Tender Greens is right next to this location on the other side.
1633 Bonanza St, Walnut Creek
It’s only been a month since Cafecitos Cafe opened in downtown Walnut Creek but things are not looking good over there as you can see by the bicycle lock on the front doors in the above photo. I dropped by on numerous occasions attempting to try the patacones and papas appetizer but they have always been closed. I’m hoping this is not permanent…
This week I posted about a new Starbucks that may open up in the Mercer apartment complex in downtown Walnut Creek which, considering the quantity that already exists downtown, got people wondering if maybe there were too many Starbucks downtown. Existing locations include Target, Barnes and Noble, Safeway, N Main St, Locust St. and two more in Broadway Plaza. So do you think there are too many Starbucks in downtown Walnut Creek? If not Starbucks what would you rather have, an independent cafe? Peet’s? Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?