Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers to Open in Westlake Village This Summer

The Thousand Oaks Acorn pointed out this week that Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is in process of renovating the space previously occupied by Burger King in front of what used to be the K-Mart in Westlake Village at 391 Hampshire Road.

Learn more about Freddy's at www.freddysusa.com. According to a recent Freddy's press release.

Co-founded by Scott Redler and Bill, Randy and Freddy Simon, Freddy’s opened its first location in Wichita during 2002, offering a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, Chicago dogs, and other savory items along with its signature desserts prepared with premium frozen custard made fresh throughout the day. Freddy’s founders operate six locations in the Wichita Metro area, three in the Kansas City market, and one in the Dallas metro area. Eighty-three franchise units serve other areas of Kansas, Missouri and Texas as well as Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia.

For 2013, Freddy’s was again named among Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500®”. In 2012, besides Entrepreneur Magazine’s recognition for that year, Freddy’s was included among Inc. Magazine’s 500/5000 list of “Fastest Growing Private Companies”, QSR® Magazine’s “10 Best Franchise Deals”, Franchise Times® Magazine’s “Next 300 Franchise Chains”, and Business Insider’s “8 Better Burger Chains Poised to Conquer America”. Freddy’s has also been listed as the Fifth Fastest Growing Chain Restaurant in the United States and Canada by Chain Store Guide, a sister publication to Nation’s Restaurant News.

Agoura Hills Beach Bus Will Run Monday-Friday to Zuma Beach, June 17 to Aug 19

Niroj Levant Cuisine Opened in Agoura Hills on February 8th

According to its Facebook page, Niroj Levant Cuisine is the only Kurdish restaurant on the west coast and opened its doors to the public on Friday, February 8, 2013.

Before today I had never heard of "Levant" (hey, I'm sheltered :>) but thanks to Niroj's Facebook page, I learned a little something today:

"The Levant region is located at the intersection of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Hellenistic and Mediterranean Civilizations. The region covers most of modern Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria, the Sinai Peninsula, parts of Southern Turkey and Northwestern Iraq. Home to dozens of rich traditions based on cultural and religious intermixing, the Levant is a deeply cosmopolitan area with a distinct taste in terms of cuisine. Centering our menu mainly on the Kurdish side, we are committed to providing the most delicious dishes from the larger Levant region, where the ingredients are always fresh and of the finest quality. Our philosophy is to make our guests feel the Levant in terms of both taste and ambiance. We believe that food is never simply a biological need; it is what unties humankind in its immense cultural diversity."

Visit nirojcuisine.com or call 818.889.7888 for more information. Niroj Levant Cuisine is located at 3013 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills, west of Kanan Road.

Farewell to Newbury Park and Agoura Hills Golden Spoon Locations

Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt has operated stores in five locations in recent years, including two in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Newbury Park and Agoura Hills, giving it significant presence among the 80 or so frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato and other frozen treat establishments in Ventura County. With disappointment however we note that the Agoura Hills location on Kanan Road closed on January 1st and the Newbury Park location on Wendy Drive closed today, January 15th. Visit www.goldenspoon.com/golden-spoon-stores for other Golden Spoon locations.

Speaking of frozen yogurt in Newbury Park, Swirl Frozen Yogurt Bar at The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch is anticipated to open sometime soon.

Farewell Newbury Park Golden Spoon

Agoura Hills Diner Opened in Early December 2012

Johnny Rockets in Agoura closed on December 3rd but within a week the same crew opened up a new restaurant in its place called Agoura Hills Diner at 5015 Cornell Street. Taking a look at their website at agourahillsdiner.com, they serve up hamburgers, sandwiches and hot dogs, salads, brunch, kids meals, hand-made milk shakes, floats and freezes and more. Their 1/3 pound hamburgers are made with "100% Fresh Natural Beef," fresh, never frozen. Fries are cooked with 100% trans fat free fryer oil. Open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. Call 818.735.0513 for more information.

Johnny Rockets in Agoura Hills Closed Its Doors on December 3, 2012

The Johnny Rockets (formerly) located at 5015 Cornell Road in Agoura Hills closed its doors on December 3, 2012. This is the second Johnny Rockets in the Conejo Valley to shut down during 2012, following closure of The Oaks Mall location early in the year.

HOWEVER...not to worry, the location re-opened within a week as the Agoura Hills Diner!!

This leaves us with a total of zero Conejo Valley Johnny Rockets. However, there are still two other local Johnny Rockets locations: at The Promenade section of the Camarillo Premium Outlets and the other at The Commons at Calabasas.

One thing to note for Johnny Rockets and movie fans is that both of these locations currently offer a "Movie and a Meal" deal. Buy a regular entree and drink and you can purchase a discounted movie ticket at the Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium 12 and Edwards Calabasas Stadium 6 near each location. For example, at the Camarillo Johnny Rockets, they will sell you a movie ticket for $7.50, saving $3 off of a regular adult movie ticket of $10.50. At the Calabasas location, they currently sell movie tickets for $7.75, saving you nearly $5 off tickets normally priced up to $12.50.

Sage Room Agoura Osteria Bar & Grill at Lindero Country Club Opened November 12th

Sage Room Osteria Bar & Grill opened its doors at the Lindero Country Club, 5719 Lake Lindero Drive, Agoura Hills on Monday, November 12th. Sage Room offers up "country-style home Italian cooking with a twist, with menu items including pastas, small organic salads, entrees such as pollo saltinbocca (free range chicken breast), pale ale braised pork shank ossobuco, bistecca di manzo (black Angus prime New York steak) and other items. The lunch menu has panini, pastas, salads and more.

This is the second Sage Room location in the area. The original Sage Room Ristorante Italiano has operated at 28915 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu (at the corner of Kanan Dume Road and PCH) since December 1999. Owner Claudio Borin grew up in San Remo, Italy, moved to the United States, and opened his first restaurant in Malibu, "Tradinoi," in 1991.

Visit www.sageroomagoura.com or call 818.735.3530 to learn more.

Hilton Foundation Opens New Campus in Agoura Hills: Plans to Double in Size

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has formally moved into its new campus here in Agoura Hills! The structure has been carefully designed as a cutting-edge, environmentally sensitive and energy-efficient building to meet Platinum LEED-certified green standards.

Photo courtesy of Conrad N. Hilton FoundationIn 2007, the Foundation's board of directors decided in favor of building a permanent home for the organization to continue carrying out Conrad Hilton's legacy for generations to come. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a family foundation established in 1944 by the man who started Hilton Hotels, which provides funds to nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people throughout the world.

"This new home in Agoura Hills will prepare the Hilton Foundation for the time it will double in size and staff," said Hilton Foundation President and CEO, Steven M. Hilton. "My father, Barron Hilton, has pledged his intent to follow in the footsteps of his father, Conrad Hilton, and contribute 97% of his entire net worth at the time of his passing. This building is the first phase of a four-phase campus that will allow us to grow accordingly into the future."

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help the world's disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The Foundation currently conducts strategic initiatives in six priority areas: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance abuse, helping children affected by HIV and AIDS, supporting transition-age youth in foster care, and extending Conrad Hilton's support for the work of Catholic Sisters. Following selection by an independent international jury, the Foundation annually awards the $1.5 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to a nonprofit organization doing extraordinary work to reduce human suffering. From its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants, distributing $82 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2011. The Foundation's current assets are approximately $2 billion.

Visit www.hiltonfoundation.org to learn more.

Aerial photo of Agoura campus courtesy of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

Char Fasl in Agoura Hills Changed Hands and Became Maral Cuisine in June 2012

A @ConejoJoe Twitter follower asked about Char Fasl House of Kabob at 5843 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills. Simple enough...Char Fasl changed ownership a few months ago and it is now called Maral Cuisine House of Kabob. According to their website at www.maralcuisine.com:

"Fresh healthy food, attentive Persian hospitality and friendly atmosphere.The kabobs include fresh chicken, beef & salmon, which are marinated in a saffron sauce, and cooked on an open broiler. Traditional khoresh dishes (stews) capture the authenticity and slow cooked flavor of Persian Cuisine. Appetizers, salads and rice with the most unique and authentic flavor of Persian cuisine Saffron which enhances the flavor and aroma of all other ingredients used in Persian cuisine. Persian ice-cream, baklava, zoolbia bamieh and tea."

I don't know about you, but this is making me extremely hungry! But WAIT! Check out their website! They have photos of most of their dishes that look great, like these salmon, whitefish, trout and shrimp kabobs.

Their phone number is 818.889.9495.

City of Agoura Hills Forms New Community Services Coalition to Address Society Issues

City of Agoura Hills Forms New Community Services Coalition

Applications to Serve on New Coalition Addressing Society Issues Available July 16

Taking a leadership role in addressing current social issues affecting residents, the city of Agoura Hills announced it is forming a Community Services Coalition (CSC). The coalition will provide proactive measures to bring people and resources together within the community to respond effectively to social concerns.

“Times are much different now than they were 20 years ago,” said Agoura Hills Mayor John Edelston, who made the community services initiative part of his 2012 mayoral goals. “We want to identify the relevant issues affecting residents and address their needs—our goal in serving the community is to maximize the quality of life for our residents.”

The new coalition will look at the community from all demographics to create solutions for today’s social challenges, such as coping issues facing teens and adequa

Click to read more ...

Grand Opening of SweetXO Candy, Frozen Yogurt and Bakeshop in Agoura on April 1st

This sounds pretty interesting! SweetXO is a combination frozen yogurt bar, candy store, cupcake bakeshop and lifestyle/gift shop all in one location. SweetXO also has a "Coke FreeStyle fountain" where you can choose from over 120 flavors.

If you haven't seen the new Coke FreeStyle fountain, you're in for a real treat. Get your creative juices flowing with your choice of over 120 different flavors. You can choose from all major flavors and types of soda.

Grand opening on Sunday, April 1st at 5825 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, at the corner of Kanan and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, next to Starbucks. This used to be a Blockbuster Video location.

More information at www.sweetxo.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SweetXOs.

Brendan's Irish Pub and Restaurant Opening a Second Location in Agoura Hills

Update 1/31/12: Brendan's has announced via Twitter they are opening the Agoura location on March 5th!

Originally posted 1/27/12:

For the 12 of you who aren't aware, Brendan's Irish Pub and Restaurant is a wildly successful, authentic Irish pub located in Camarillo at the old Sizzler building on Daily Drive. They opened their doors on January 15, 2011 and have been doing extraordinarily well. Beer like you won't believe poured with an authentic Irish touch and a kitchen that dishes out outstanding food like scrumptious corned beef sliders, shephard's pie and fish and chips. Mouth watering. I can tell you that first-hand.

Click to read more ...

2 New Freebirds World Burritos Opening in Agoura Hills and Simi Valley in December

Freebirds World Burrito is opening has opened two new local locations at 29125 Canwood St, Agoura Hills (Shoppes at Oak Creek - you can see it off the 101 freeway) and at 2490 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley (Sycamore Square).

Freebirds opened it first Ventura County location in Ventura back in June 2011.

More information about the grand openings at freebirds.com/locations/. I suspect there will be some grand opening events announced, so stay tuned.

FREEBIRDS is about awesome burritos and freedom of choice.   As guests join the queue, they are partnered with a team member, known as a "Roller," who helps them choose from four sizes of burrito made from four possible flavors of tortilla then hand-rolled with the guest's personal selection from more than forty freshly prepared ingredients including grass fed beef, hormone-free chicken, or all natural pork carnitas topped with hand-cut veggies and hot peppers plus house made salsas, queso and guacamole to create their perfect burrito.  Burritos range in size from the generously-sized Hybird starting at $5.29 to the legendary Super Monster which can weigh in at seven pounds. 

Each FREEBIRDS restaurant features the concept's signature Statue of Liberty – affectionately known as 'Libby' – riding a custom-built motorcycle while breaking through the Freedom Wall. Libby was designed to serve as a reminder that each of us can break through walls and truly change the world.  The restaurant has a free-spirited ambience with a rockin' soundtrack, reminiscent of a late-'60s rock 'n' roll roadhouse.

Jungle Land Indoor Kids Playground in Agoura Closing Its Doors November 22nd

UPDATE: New owners have taken over and opened the facility as CA Kiddo club on December 5, 2011.

Today, Jungle Land, the 5,000 sq ft indoor play facility on Canwood Street in Agoura geared towards kids up to 6 years old, announced that it will be closing. Its last day will be November 22, 2011. Jungle Land has provided safe indoor play for little ones over the last 6 years.

Jungle Land joins Jolly Jumps Party Place in Camarillo that closed its doors on September 30, 2011 (though Jolly Jumps still provides rental bounce houses and other items for parties) and The Roller Dome indoor skating rink that closed its doors in October 2010.

It is never a happy time to hear about a local business closing, though there could be a number of reasons for a particular business doing so. And of course while some places close, others open, like My Party Playhouse in Agoura and Sky High Sports - The Trampoline Place in Camarillo.

For over 100 venues and ideas for birthday parties around Ventura County, CLICK HERE!

Terri's Cafe in Agoura Hills is Closed

While stopping by one of my favorite local running shoes, Future Track, I noticed "Available" signs posted on the windows of Terri's Cafe, 30135 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills. Apparently Terri's Cafe has been closed for awhile, maybe a few months or so. That is too bad, as I know several people who enjoyed the place (though apparently didn't eat there often enough to keep them in business). I peeked inside and it appears everything is still inside the restaurant, tables, signs, etc.

Across the parking lot of course is the newly opened The LAB Brewing Company. I stopped inside and it does look nice in there, with its own microbrewery.

The Lab Brewing Company to Open in Agoura This August (Updated: Early November)

Update 11/1/11: The Lab has opened today! Live music on Friday night, 11/4.

Update 10/18/11: Tentative opening changed to Friday, November 4th if not earlier.

Update 10/17/11: Website indicates tentative opening date is Thursday, October 20th from 7pm to 2am.

Update 9/29/11: According to this craigslist post, The LAB is hiring for an anticipated opening in mid-October!

New Brewery Opening Looking for wait staff (Agoura Hills)

The L.A.B. brewery, full service restauant and bar, will be opening up in mid October and is looking for waiters, waitresses, bar tenders, and hostesses. Come interview at The L.A.B. brewery, located at 30105 Agoura rd., Agoura Hills, ca, 91301, between the hours of 10am -- 12:30pm, and 3pm -- 6pm Monday October 3rd. Please bring resume and references. We look forward to seeing you.

www.labbrewingco.com/

Originally posted in July: MOZ Buddha Lounge in Agoura closed on May 14th this year but the owners are planning to open The Lab Brewing Company sometime this August.

According to The Lab's Facebook Page:

The LAB Brewing Company is a collaboration and experimentation in good eats and craft brews. Executive Chef Moez Megji will pair his unique California fresh, farm to table dishes with He

Click to read more ...

Hugo's Restaurant to Open at Whizin's Center in Agoura Hills this August

Originally posted 6/8/11: Hugo’s, the popular family restaurant with the highly eclectic menu, will open its third full-service location in Agoura Hills on SEPTEMBER 26th!

The new Hugo’s will be located in the revitalized Whizin’s Center just off the 101 Freeway.  It will be 4200 square feet with 120 seats.

The opening marks a return of sorts for co-owner Tom Kaplan, who attended high school in Agoura before its growth into a sizable Los Angeles exoburb.

Tom’s father, Terry, opened the first Hugo’s in West Hollywood 30 years ago, turning his prime butcher shop into a breakfast spot for the local residents, many of whom were Hollywood big shots who would have their morning “Power Breakfasts” there.  It was not uncommon to see the likes of George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg hanging out over a cup of coffee and strategizing their next big movie.

Hugo’s has evolved from veal to vegan and now sports a menu that includes not only one of the best Burgers in town, but a vast array of vegan and vegetarian options and a commitment to what Tom calls, “our Stealthy Healthy menu.” Mustard and ketchup are gluten-free as is most of the menu and special attention is paid to food allergies and to creating delicious vegan alternatives to traditional fare.

Hugo’s Pasta Mama, originally designed as a breakfast item featuring pasta, eggs and Italian seasonings, is so popular it has been featured “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and Hugo’s is at the top of many Best Breakfast lists.

“The idea behind Hugo’s,” says Tom, who lives on the street behind the Studio City restaurant, “is to introduce a lot more people to health food without them even knowing or thinking about it.”

Hugo’s Restaurants has locations in West Hollywood and Studio City and operates Hugo’s Tacos in Atwater Village and Studio City.  The company is owned and operated by Tom and Emily Kaplan, Richard and Leslie Brenner and Bill Kohne.

For more information on Hugo’s, visit www.hugosrestaurant.com and go to http://twitter.com/HugosRestaurant and www.facebook.com/hugosrestaurant

In-N-Out Burger May Be Coming to Agoura Hills!

FOLLOW-UP: City planners indicated that In-N-Out withdrew their application and it never went to the Planning Commission. That's not what a hamburger's all about, but so be it.

If all goes well on at the City of Agoura Hills Planning Commission hearing this Thursday night, May 19th, a new In-N-Out Burger may be coming to 28898 Canwood Street!

The new In-N-Out is proposed for a 2.73 acre parcel with 1,000 feet of frontage along Canwood and the 101 Freeway. The proposed project would include removal of 3 of the 4 existing billboards on the site and construction of a one-story, 3,654 square-foot restaurant building with a drive-through lane, trash enclosure, and outdoor dining patio. The site would have 100 parking spaces, including 5 handicapped spots.

Mock up from the Initial Study and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration report.

There is a 104 page Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration report on this project available on the City of Agoura Hills website at www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us.  Basically the report goes through all the types of potential environmental impacts of the project and concludes that any "negative" impacts can be mitigated in various ways. For example, scenic resources:

The project site is located north of the U.S. 101 Freeway and south of Canwood Street within the City of Agoura Hills. The Agoura Hills General Plan (2010) identifies several scenic resources in the City and identifies road segments that offer views of the scenic resources.

The following scenic resources are identified in the General Plan:

• Ladyface Mountain – located south of the U.S. 101 Freeway, between Kanan Road and the western City limits on the southern border of Agoura Hills;
• Strawberry Hill – located north of Canwood Street and south of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, just east of Forest Cove Park;
• Morrison Ranch Hills, the Morrison Ranch Hills – located north of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, generally between Reyes Adobe Road and Kanan Road;
• Palo Comado Hills – located in the northeastern corner of the City
• Simi Hills – the hills that border the City on the north

The report indicated there would be no significant impact of the project on the above.

Stay tuned! On a related note, I discovered that the In-N-Out Burger Real Estate and Development Department 13502 Hamburger Lane in Baldwin Park. What a great street name!

Yet Another New Farmers' Market - This One at Whizin's Mall in Agoura

A LATE SPRING UPDATE: THANKS TO ANOTHER READER, I'VE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS FARMERS' MARKET HAS BEEN CLOSED. :<

Thanks goes out to Diane at Diane, Pilates for providing the lead on a brand new Farmers' Market that opened today, Tuesday, December 7th, from 3 pm to 8 pm at the Whizin's Mall Shopping Center in Agoura.

And once again...for several dozen farmers' markets and other fresh produce providers througout Ventura County and surrounding areas CLICK THIS LINK.

Now what is it about the word Pilates. I read it and in my mind it pronounce it "PIE-LATES" but I know good and well that it is actually pronounced "PI-LAW-TEASE" but when I say it that way I can't help but think POTTIES. Is it just me or what? In any cases, Pilates, named after Germany-born Joseph Pilates, has become quite popular. Here are 19 other places to go for Pilates around Ventura County.

City of Agoura Hills Appoints New Art Council

The City of Agoura Hills announced it has selected and approved five members to serve on the new Cultural Arts Council (CAC). The selected members, all Agoura Hills residents, were recommended for the council at the November 30, 2010 Agoura Hills City Council meeting. They are: Edward Ball, a professional in the arts and the Creative Director for a local marketing consultant company, Red; Steven Bavin, a writer, director and talent manager for Agoura-based Shalee Productions; Cim Castellon, a 17-year Los Angeles County Museum of Art staff member coordinating commercial activities in support of exhibitions; Priscilla Kromnick, a fiber artist with a background in art gallery administration and an active member in the local schools’ art programs; and Craig Morton, a digital artist and photographer who owns MNM Art Studio in Agoura Hills and former officer for the Westlake Village Art Guild.

Agoura Hills Community Service Director Amy Brink who made the recommendations stated that the selected individuals demonstrated the leadership that the community needs to fulfill a vision for the arts. “We received many extremely qualified applicants who verbalized a real desire to be involved with this cultural arts movement,” said Brink. “We selected the top candidates who can help us create a cultural identity for the community and showcase the abundance of talent within our borders.”

The CAC recommendation and approval took place at the City of Agoura Hills Reorganization meeting. Mayor Koehler presided over the approval of the arts council before stepping down as mayor. In December 2009 the mayor identified the Cultural Arts Initiative as one of his goals, which was approved at the September 22, 2010 council meeting. At the November 30 meeting he stated, “When I brought this up at the reorganization meeting a year ago I thought it would take a couple of years to envision. Needless to say I am thrilled to approve the appointment of the new council.”

The CAC will be a working committee that advises the Agoura Hills City Council on issues relating to arts and culture. The formation of a council is one of the first steps outlined on the Cultural Arts Initiative to develop a comprehensive cultural arts program within the community. The Agoura Hills Department of Community Services has worked with creative consultant Creative Hub to formulate the blueprint for the Initiative, which also outlines the formation of a Cultural Artists Society to help raise funds for the new arts program and serve as a vehicle for obtaining future grants. 

For more information on the Cultural Arts Initiative, contact Agoura Hills Community Service Director Amy Brink at (818) 597-7353 or by email ajbrink@ci.agoura-hills.ca.us.