Well, it’s only been about six months since Bake! opened in the Walnut Creek Baking Company location in downtown Walnut Creek but it has now closed according to a sign in the window. Thanks to a reader for sending this update. Previously, the Walnut Creek Baking Company had been in business for over 10 years when they suddenly closed and Bake! took over the equipment and even the recipes. As for what will replace Bake!, who wants to see WCBC come back?
Back in December, 2011 I noted the opening of Colton Piano in downtown Walnut Creek on N. Main and recently they have closed. If you’re looking for a piano you can head on over to nearby Music Exchange and Sherman Clay.
With newer pizza joints opening up in downtown Lafayette such as Patxi’s and Pizza Antica, it looks like competition took a toll on Mountain Mike’s Pizza as it closed on February 24th (h/t Patch). Citibank next door also moved out around the same time meaning that the entire building is now empty. That could mean it could be leased together, or torn down for something new as it looked rather dilapidated. Mountain Mike’s in Moraga is still open though in the Rheem Shopping Center.
I actually have never eaten there before; any fans of this place?
Check out the creative moving sign:
Last April I noted that Traction Bikes opened in downtown Lafayette on Mt. Diablo Blvd. but unfortunately they are closing. The owner mentioned that he’s looking for someone to take over the lease. That leaves Sharp Bicycle and Hank & Frank Bicycles as the remaining bike shops in Lafayette.
Lots of bridal store action happening in Walnut Creek lately with the bridal boutique Kinsley James Couture Bridal opening up over the weekend. Located at 1623 Mt. Diablo Blvd. around the corner from the Century movie theater, they have a spacious and contemporary interior which looks amazing. You can check out their Facebook page here.
Check out the sweet interior:
Back in December I noted that Fresh Choice was closing in Walnut Creek and now the same owner is back with a makeover called California Fresh. According to head chef Doug Korach in addition to the organic salad bar there will be a coffee bar with pastries for sale as well as a wine and beer bar. Rice bowls with vegetables will be introduced where the pasta station used to be. No word yet on when the Fresh Choice sign will be replaced.
Check out the salad bar:
California Fresh is located at 1275 S Main St in Walnut Creek at the corner of Botelho Dr. and S. Main St.
Back last September I noted that Davidson & Lichte’s The Watch Shoppe closed on N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek and now the family-owned Wish gift shop has opened at this location offering gifts for all types, from babies, children as well as adults. The owner’s family had a similar shop in Carmel and the quality of goods is evident. They even have a few vintage toys such as fire engines and trucks that looked very cool. Although Davidson & Lichte plan on moving back to this location (as well as Vanessa’s) eventually, Wish would like to stay here as long as possible.
Check out some of the gifts for sale:
Wish Gift Shop is located at 1329 N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek across from Starbucks.
XCVI Pop-Up Shop, a fashion boutique also featuring local art from California has opened up in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek where Build-A-Bear used to be.
From their Facebook page:
The XCVI Popup Store is designed as an international bazaar, where shoppers can expect the bohemian aesthetic and ease of style that makes XCVI an effortlessly chic lifestyle brand. The store will feature XCVI’s vacation style clothing, as well as hand selected ensemble of local artisans showcasing their craft.
According an employee I spoke with the clothing is designed and manufactured in Los Angeles. Has any one checked them out yet? What are your impressions?
Check out the register area:
More photos of the inside and local art for sale after the jump…
The wait is finally over as the ice cream shop Lottie’s Creamery opened in downtown Walnut Creek over the weekend. I dropped by a couple of times and it was packed with people trying out the new cream store on the block. As you can see by the photo above the storefront is now decorated with ice cream scoopers and Lottie’s milk bottles in front of the white bench where you can sit and enjoy your scoop.
The photo below (with chef and co-owner Deb Phillips) shows off their inside signage noting that, Lottie’s is “the Bay Area’s only micro-creamery pasteurizing organic & seasonal ingredients on site!”. The pasteurizer is actually visible through the window below the sign. To see a closer view click here.
Of the flavors I tried two that stood out were Irish Coffee Crunch and blood orange sorbet. Absolutely delicious. Of course I went back to my mainstay of chocolate and when I went back another day they were out of Irish coffee crunch so I uncharacteristically went for vanilla which was amazingly good as well. Since they make it there everything tastes incredibly fresh. Speaking of fresh, the fresh mint was great as well. Prices start at $3.50 for a single scoop, and they also serve blue bottle coffee and a few baked goods as well.
Check out a close-up vanilla ice cream photo, the flavor list and more after the jump…
The luxury consignment store Labels has opened their expanded location into the Footcandy location, right next door to their original location at 1367 N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek. They were able to put the existing display dividers to great use by showcasing their luxury handbag collection such as Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel. Check out the complete list of who they carry here.
In keeping with their environmentally conscious background Labels used a local artisan to design the display counters and shelving using salvaged wood. In addition, they opened up the back area, added a skylight which brings in natural light to showcase their shoe collection, and have a wide connecting space which connects to the original location. Everything looks beautiful; the spaciousness combined with the clean store design really highlights the handbags and shoes nicely.
Check out more photos including the shoe collection back after the jump…