Sports Lounge Takes Nightclub's Spot

A new sports lounge will be rising from the ashes of a downtown nightclub.

Blu42 plans to open Friday, March 1, at 1251 Arroyo Way, after a job fair this Saturday "looking to fill 50 positions," said Matt DeLima, a manager for the new restaurant, including waitresses, bartenders, cooks and shift managers.

"A very upscale Sports Lounge, not your typical sports bar," wrote DeLima in an email. "Full restaurant (it will be a great relaxing place to watch the games). Yes we are hoping that local residents stop in and try our food or maybe one of our Organic Smoothies."

Vice Ultra Lounge closed after New Year's while protesting the city's imposition of an 11 p.m. last-call requirement. The city cited 30 fights and other violations of the facility's use permit from 2009 to 2012, allegations that DeLima said were overblown. The January announcement of the closing was accompanied by a DeLima parody video taking a slap at the city and alleging overzealous enforcement by its police department.

The job fair is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The name Blu42 mimics a football play call by a quarterback, and "42" pays homage to baseball legend Jackie Robinson, said DeLima.

Walnut Creek police said they have a moratorium on permits for new mixed-drink-service bars due to a shortage of officers and a saturation of alcohol-serving venues, the Contra Costa Times reported Thursday. DeLima said he didn't think that affects Blu42 as the existing Vice Ultra Lounge liquor license can be transferred to the new owner as long as it stays at the same address.

March 1 is a soft opening, "meaning we are not quite done with our renovations," said DeLima. A video is coming for the April "grand opening."