 | | | The open lot on Moraga Way and School Street. Photo A. Scheck | | | | | | Summer may be a slow time for some businesses, but there is a flurry of activity in Moraga. While rumors have abounded, according to the Moraga Planning department, several businesses in town are closing, expanding or even changing hands.
The Burger King at the Rheem Center is being replaced by Starbucks, which owners hope will include a drive-through. The project requires a use permit amendment and design review for exterior changes. A recent Bloomberg article about Starbucks' strategy noted that, "Drive-through account for more than 40 percent of company operated stores and have a higher than average sales growth compared with non-drive-through locations."
Chase Bank has filed an application to construct a new retail bank on the vacant lot at the corner of Moraga Way and School Street, also known as the Christmas tree lot. The planning commission should review the use permit in September.
The UPS store that is presently located near Loard's Ice Cream has an application approved to relocate its services to a larger and more visible space in the same Moraga Center, next to Bianca's Deli & Catering.
The old post office at the corner of Country Club Drive and School Street has been approved to become a warehouse/office space for a beauty supply business.
Bets are still out regarding the Jack in the Box that closed a few weeks ago. Mayor Mike Metcalf recently noted that he had heard people regretting that the only cheap place for breakfast in town had closed, but there has not been any official confirmation of the rumor that a McDonald's would be replacing the fast-food joint.
The owners of the Moraga Center, the Bruzzone family, have not replied to requests for information.
|
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA