Alamo Plaza
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photo), that Panera Bread, which opened in 2015, has closed in Alamo Plaza.
Alamo Plaza
Thanks to a reader for sending word (and photo), that Panera Bread, which opened in 2015, has closed in Alamo Plaza.
1410 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
Last year we learned that a new “coffee parlor” and barber called Lever would be coming to downtown Walnut Creek where Schroder Insurance used to be. As you can see by the signage outside, this has been replaced by a new cafe, restaurant and bar called Tellus, “coming soon”.
From their website:
We are dedicated to providing not only great Coffee, Tea, Beer/Wine and Food – but a cozy, relaxing environment to truly enjoy it in. Our space features plenty of natural light and a beautiful green plant wall, with plenty of space to lounge or work in.
We roast all our beans in-house on a zero-emissions Bellwether Roaster- carefully choosing the regions and farms we source our raw beans from and customizing each small-batch roast for a variety of flavors and strengths.
1411 Locust Ave, Walnut Creek
Earlier this year we learned that a new Mexican restaurant called Dia y Noche would be opening in downtown Walnut Creek where Urban Alley used to be and they have now opened with an updated style. As you can see there is an expansive outdoor dining area that spills out to the street.
Iron Horse Plaza, Danville
Provence Pizzas opened recently at Iron Horse Plaza where Forge used to be. Check out their menu here. I look forward to trying this place out!
From their website:
We use an imported Italian Valoriani oven to prepare almost 80% of our menu items, including our famous Neapolitan-style pizza with its slightly charred crust exploding with flavor. We also use only superior local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, including hard cheeses that can stand up to the heat of our 850-degree ovens!
Crossroads of Danville
A new restaurant called Gmama Halal Indian Food is coming to Crossroads of Danville (480 San Ramon Valley Blvd.) where Kohala Kitchen used to be. Stay tuned…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.