| | Published March 13th, 2013
| business briefs
| |  | | Kelly-Moore Paints in Lafayette. Photo Sophie Braccini
|
Spring Business Shakeout
The BizBen Index, which records the number of business sale deals, announced on March 8 that last month marked a 75 percent increase over the total number of small and mid-sized county businesses sold in February of last year. Peter Siegel, founder and president of BizBen.com, called the figures encouraging. In Lamorinda, this trend translated into many businesses changing ownership, with a particularly active shakeout in Lafayette. One of Lafayette's iconic restaurants, the more than 50-year-old Petar's at 32 Lafayette Circle, will be replaced by Andrew McCormick's The Cooperage. McCormick is a Lafayette resident born in the trade; he is the son of seafood restaurant chain McCormick & Schmick's co-founder Bill McCormick. He has run the Marina District's City Tavern for the last 17 years and plans The Cooperage to be an upscale bar and grill. At the same time, Roya's Garlic Garden closed at 3576 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and the space is being taken over by Chris Masden, Gary and Tressa Rust who are opening Rustic Kitchen, a seasonal Californian restaurant that will include comfort food. The trio met as they worked together for Yankee Pier and San Francisco's One Market. On the western end of town, at 3707 Mt. Diablo, Fuz closed and is replaced by paint shop Kelly-Moore. A tandoori barbecue restaurant is scheduled to open behind the paint retailer. Tulip, the new high-end children clothing store at 3535 Mt. Diablo did not make it, Lafayette Traction Bikes also closed, and the Lafayette location of Mountain Mike's Pizza closed at 3614 Mt. Diablo Blvd. "They had been there for five years and had the best selection of beers in town," said Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay Lifson. "This is quite unfortunate." Rumors are flying around about Walgreen's being interested in that spot and about GNC, the vitamin store, settling where the toy store was next to CVS. New chain retail store Francesca's has moved into the Clock Tower Building at 3569 A & B Mt. Diablo Blvd., where Sandy's used to be. They offer apparel, jewelry, accessories, and gifts. Finally Lafayette's favorite bookstore for children, Storyteller is moving, leaving the current spot on Lafayette Circle at the end of the month. According to management, the new space will be in Lafayette but the lease is not finalized yet so they would not confirm the new location.
Salcedo Named February's Moraga Employee of the Month
From left: Frank May, Roos Pal, Jose Salcedo, Kevin Reneau
Photo Cynthia Lammi
Jose Salcedo has worked tirelessly as a busboy at Terzetto Cuisine for the past 23 years. Current owner Roos Pal points out Salcedo's superior customer service, his relationship with his co-employees and his positive attitude about his duties. She also remembers fondly a year ago when he found a wallet on his way into work and brought it into the restaurant and called a very relieved Moraga citizen. "Jose has been such an important part of our restaurant," said Pal. "He is always on time, never misses a shift and treats our customers so well and does whatever is needed to make sure everything runs smoothly."
The Rotary and Chamber will award Salcedo a $50 gift card to Safeway as well as a $50 gift certificate to CVS Pharmacy.
Pierce Joins Coldwell Banker's Orinda Office
5 Moraga Way, Orinda
(925) 253-4600, david.pierce@cbnorcal.com.
David Pierce Photo provided
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the real estate services company, announced that top East Bay realtor and industry executive David Pierce has joined the company's Orinda office. In his new role, Pierce will specialize in luxury properties in the Lamorinda area. His wife, Ellen, will join him as the team's marketing specialist. Prior to joining Coldwell Banker, Pierce served as vice president for Prudential California Realty, overseeing the company's Fine Homes Division, which was responsible for marketing luxury and high-end residential properties. Pierce began his real estate career in 1987 and has been a top-producing agent since his second year in the business. David and Ellen Pierce are longtime Orinda residents and very active in the community and in professional organizations. He has been president of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce, was the Orinda Rotarian of the Year and is a director of Friends of Big Band Jazz. He has also served as a director of the Contra Costa Association of Realtors and is a California Superior Court Special Master for Real Estate.
News from the three Chambers of Commerce
Lafayette
Ribbon Cutting Shredding Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Behymer Chiropractic, 3676 Mt. Diablo Blvd. (across from Diamond K) to benefit Las Trampas Inc. which supports adults with developmental disabilities. Shred Defense will have their trucks standing by to not only shred but also mulch the paper. Donation: $5 per box (equivalent to a banker's box and the container will be put back into your car). For more information, please call the Lafayette Chamber at (925) 284-7404.
Monthly Mixer at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 hosted by Lamorinda Theatre Academy, Lamorinda Music, and Mighty Fine Guitars. All of these businesses are located at 81 Lafayette Circle across from the chamber office. Lots of networking opportunities!
Ribbon Cutting at Kelly-Moore Paint Co. at noon Thursday, March 14 at 3707 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Moraga
General Membership Meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. Friday, March 29 at the Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Dr., Moraga. A special agent from the FBI will be the guest speaker discussing cyber fraud.
Orinda
Orinda State of the City Luncheon with Orinda Mayor Amy Worth, and the Orinda Rotary from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante. For more information, visit OrindaChamber.org.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| | print story
Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!) | | | Comments | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA