Citrus Marketplace Welcomes Chik-Fil-A & Club Studio Fitness

Fast-food fried chicken giant, Chik-Fil-A, is debuting a new dine-in and takeout locale at Citrus Marketplace, notably without a drive-thru. Following the approval from Walnut Creek's Planning Commission, the project appeared to be moving forward. 

However, an online survey suggests pushback from neighbors may extend the process. According to KRON, Walnut Creek City Councilmember Kevin Wilk said the project “will be coming to the city council on appeal in May.” Wilk declined further comment.

Meanwhile at the same shopping center, Club Studio Fitness is opening a boutique gym in the space once home to Nob Hill Foods. The new luxury concept, from Irvine-based Fitness International, boasts an array of classes including strength, box, ride, hot yoga, and Pilates, plus  amenities like cryotherapy chambers as part of a monthly membership.

 

(Photo Credit: Sunrise Bistro Express FB Page)

Local Restaurants Expand at East Bay Kitchens

Even before the pandemic hit, savvy restauranteurs like Sunrise Bistro’s Joe Stein, were looking for ways to expand without new brick-and-mortar locations. Since then, takeout and online orders have soared for Sunrise Bistro, leading to the launch of their satellite operation, East Bay Kitchens.

The “ghost, cloud, satellite, or dark” kitchen phenomenon isn’t new, but the model is gaining traction. In Concord, East Bay Kitchen's fully-equipped operation is hosting recognizable tenants including Sunrise Bistro Express, Lettuce, Papi Clary’s Kitchen, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken.

Housed within the Clarion Hotel at 1050 Burnett Avenue, orders are executed by a well-trained staff and streamlined through DoorDash for pickup or delivery.  

  

Where to Find Splendid New Treats 

Glazed mochi donuts, creamy waffles, and giant chocolate chip cookies, oh my. Two new sweet tenants, Chip Cookies & Devil & Angel Desserts, are joining the food and drink lineup at The Orchards shopping center. Beloved Ohio ice cream brand, Handel’s, is making its Bay Area entrance at 1273 Locust Street, near the movie theaters. Their handmade ice cream comes in delicious flavors like banana cream pie, pistachio, and cotton candy. 

For fresh chocolate custard and cherry frozen yogurt, San Francisco-based Easy Breezy is open at 1387 N. Main Street, and Palmetto Superfoods is bringing acai bowls to Broadway Plaza this summer. 

 

Two New Neighborhood Markets

At Green Fish Seafood Market, the aisles are stocked with essential Asian ingredients, seasonal produce, and fresh seafood. The longtime Oakland Chinatown staple opened in Walnut Creek last December at 2251 Olympic Boulevard. In Larkey Park, The Market by Rooted debuted at 2800 Larkey Lane, selling everything from grab-and-go salads and fresh sandwiches to smoothies and mochas. 

 

 

Terra Outdoor Living’s New Home

Expanding down the block to the former Pier One, Terra Outdoor Living plans to unveil a vast 10,000-SQF showroom of sustainable outdoor furniture at 1902 Mt. Diablo Boulevard.

Farewell Kaiwa Sushi, Hello Daryoush

From its small space at 1534 Locust Street, Kaiwa Sushi captivated its loyal clientele for 26 years. The sushi bar quietly closed on March 7, followed by news from Beyond the Creek that Daryoush Persian Cuisine, is leasing the space. 

 

DJ Dining Downtown

Project plans for Stereo 41, a new restaurant at 1535 Bonanza Street, were unveiled at a March Design Review Commission meeting. Inspired by some of the partners behind World Famous Hot Boys and LITA Walnut Creek, the new venture features two outdoor patios, an in-house DJ booth, and cuisine described as Contemporary American. Stay tuned.

Concord Snags Top Spot

SF Gate’s food editor Jessica Yadegaran spotlights Concord for its diverse, wallet-friendly dining scene. From Chinese and Peruvian, to Burmese and Mexican food, many of these hidden gems are located in strip malls.