Sprouts & Shutters: Pelican Rock and More

Wondering what new businesses are opening and changing in your town? Our new biweekly “Sprouts & Shutters” column highlights the latest restaurant, retail and other business news in the Central Contra Costa cities of Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Pleasant Hill and Concord.

Pelican Rock opened on July 27 on Main Street next to Papyrus and near Neiman Marcus. Owner and Walnut Creek Resident Matt Gerhardt says his new nautically themed men’s clothing store focuses on “classic, traditional American button-ups, similar to Ralph Lauren and Nautica.” Currently Pelican Rock sells just clothes and accessories but Gerhardt plans to introduce loafers and boat shoes soon. Clothing lines include Gant, Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines and Pelican Rock's own label.

Walnut Creek’s Havana restaurant is on the lookout for a new executive chef to replace Nick Di Arenzo, set to leave at the end of the year to open his new restaurant in Stockton. Di Arenzo joined Havana last year after serving as lead chef of Chow in Lafayette and Danville.

Read about Walnut Creek’s new Chick-Fil-A opening in Patch’s . The opening had been scheduled for September, is now rescheduled for Oct. 11.

You can now get breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, snacks and more at the new cafe that opened recently in Walnut Creek's downtown library. Get details in Patch's .

The Bloom Space moved in June to a new space on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette. A dozen vendors make up the new collective, which sells vintage items such as home furnishings, apparel, garden décor, toys and more. The Bloom Space’s DIY workshop offers classes ranging from “vintage party planning” to “make simple aprons.” Learn more and see a class listing at thebloomspace.com.

iSushi recently replaced Tao Restaurant on Moraga Road in Lafayette. The restaurant’s large menu features popular sushi and Teriyaki you’d expect to find as well as less standard fare such as a veggie “Benral Roll” (asparagus, carrot, avocado and inari), fried squid arms and Katsu Don (cooked pork cutlet and egg). The full-service restaurant also sells Japanese beer, plum wine and sake. View the menu at isushi.biz.

A Sprouts reader visited Lafayette’s popular Teacake Bake Shop recently to order cupcakes and discovered it had closed at the end of July. But you can still get your gourmet cupcakes and other sweets at Teacake stores in Emeryville, Burlingame and Corte Madera.

TJ Salon & Nails opened July 20 on Crescent Drive near Sweet Tomato in Pleasant Hill. The salon specializes in manicures, pedicures and waxing services. TJ Salon & Nails also has salons in Concord and Walnut Creek.

Pleasant Hill’s new Kelsey Healing Arts opened this spring on Gregory Lane in the Sandalwood shopping center. Acupuncturist Cotter Kesley specializes in acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Chinese herbal remedies and lifestyle consultations. Learn more at kelseyhealingarts.com.

NOLA Po-Boy Gumbo Kitchen opened in late July on Willow Pass Road in Concord's Monte Gardens shopping center. The new family-run restaurant serves New Orleans inspired cuisine such as Catfish and Louisiana Hot Sausage Po-Boy sandwiches, Shrimp Jambalya, Collared Greens, Pecan Pie and, yes, sweet tea served in mason jars. Browse the expansive menu at nolapoboykitchen.com.

Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet opened this spring in the Sunvalley Shopping Center. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes unlimited sushi, stir-fry and other hot dishes, salads, soup, dim sum, fresh fruit and desserts. Browse a menu at tomiseafoodbuffet.com.

Did you miss Patch's last retail and restaurant roundup? Read about these and more in our last Sprouts & Shutters column:  

• and in Walnut Creek
• and  in Lamorinda
• and in Pleasant Hill
• and in Concord

Curious about new businesses opening elsewhere in the East Bay? Find out in Patch’s Tri-Valley Sprouts & Shutters column.

Know of a restaurant or shop opening or closing? Please send me a news tip at patchsprouts@gmail.com.

About this column: A biweekly roundup of retail, restaurant and other business news in the Central Contra Costa area.