Cafe and Dance Studio, "Connections Cafe" and "Builders of a Better World" Look to Open in Agoura Hills

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Next Thursday, December 4th, the City of Agoura Hills Planning Commission will be reviewing an application for the operation of a dance studio, cafe, and outdoor dining area in the Agoura Village Center at 29020 Agoura Road. The proposed name of the cafe is "Connections Cafe" and the dance studio will be called "Builders of a Better World." The applicant described the concept as a destination for locals in search of community through dance or the simple act of grabbing a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. The project calls for a 2,272 sq ft cafe, 5,351 sq ft dance studio, and 662 sq ft of outdoor dining area. Agoura Hills city staff is recommending approval of the project.

The proposed space is at the southwest corner of the center, in the space formerly occupied by Prime Steakhouse, Chapter 8 Steak House & Lounge, Sunset Room, BL Dancehall & Saloon, and long ago, Hamburger Hamlet.

UPDATE: At the planning commission meeting, we learned that this represents a local owner of the Dance Master’s Studio in Agoura Hills. The project was approved by the planning commission.

Sender One to Open Climbing Gym at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks in 2027

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On Wednesday, Sender One announced that it will be opening a 24,000 sq ft full-service climbing gym at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks in 2027. The gym will feature Sender City interactive climbing center, bouldering, rope climbing, fitness, and yoga. Learn more and sign up for updates at www.sender.one/thousandoaks.

Other Sender One locations near LAX, Santa Ana, Playa Vista, Westwood, and Lakewood, with an Aliso Viejo location planned for 2026.

Toys "R" Us Flagship Store Slated to Open at the Camarillo Premium Outlets This Month

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UPDATE: It’s looking more like October 25th from the grand opening date. Follow www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/camarillo/stores/toys-r-us for updates.

A 14,000 sq ft Toys "R" Us store is anticipated to open at the Camarillo Premium Outlets on October 18th, just in time for your holiday shopping. It will be located in The Promenade section of the Outlets, between Panera Bread and the Vans Outlet.

Toys "R" Us filed for bankruptcy in 2017, when it closed its brick and mortar stores. The brand is now owned by WHP Global, which acquired it in 2021 and is partnering with Go! Retail Group to open 10 new flagship stores and 20 seasonal holiday shops in the U.S. by year's end. The Camarillo location is one of those "flagship" stores.

Apply to work there at www.goretailgroup.com

www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/camarillo/stores/toys-r-us

Hyatt Regency Westlake Announces Drop Yard Food Truck Park to Open Later This Year

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The Hyatt Regency Westlake announces the addition of Drop Yard, a 40,000 sq. ft. food truck park slated to open by the end of 2025. It will be located at the corner of Westlake Blvd and the 101 south onramp, with access on Village Glen. Drop Yard owners are partnering with the Hyatt in establishing and maintaining the venue.

Drop Yard will host rotating food trucks, beer and wine, local pop-up vendors, a game area, a stage area for live music, and family-friendly events. The overflow parking area slated for the site will be transformed over the coming months to include new pavement and artificial turf areas for family seating.

Stay tuned for more information over the coming months.

Erewhon is Coming to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks in the Summer of 2026

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Erewhon is coming to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, with an anticipated grand opening date in the summer of 2026. This will be Erewhon's first Ventura County location, offering organic produce sourced from regional farms, like Apricot Lane Farms and Harry's Berries.

Erewhon is an independent, family-owned Certified B Corp and Certified Organic Retailer with 10 locations across Southern California, providing organic, ethically-sourced food since 1968. Learn more at erewhon.com.

Purrrlandia Cat Lounge & Cafe to Open Soon in Thousand Oaks (UPDATE: June 24th)

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UPDATE: Grand opening date has been announced: June 24th

The Purrrlandia Cat Lounge & Cafe sign is up and the doors will be opening soon. Located next to Whole Foods at 728 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Purrrlandia will offer sessions with adoptable rescue cats. If you're looking to be one of the first to experience this, they are currently pre-selling sessions at www.purrrlandia.com. The space is dedicated solely to adoptable rescue cats. Purrrlandia joins over 260 cat cafes across the country.

IKEA Thousand Oaks "Plan & order point with Pick-up" Now Open on Moorpark Road

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The IKEA Thousand Oaks "Plan & order point with Pick-up" showroom is located at 60 N. Moorpark Road, next to CVS. It opened on Wednesday. They offer a small showroom open for browsing, consultation services, ordering, pick-up and delivery. Open daily from 11am to 7pm.

“Welcome to the IKEA Plan and order point, where we are open for all visitors to browse our showroom and get inspiration and ideas for your home or small business. We offer one-on-one consultation services for kitchen design, bedroom & bathroom solutions, small space living solutions and so much more. Book an appointment and sit down with our expert planners while they design, quote, and order your IKEA goods. Don’t worry about lugging furniture – there is no stock at our studio because we conveniently deliver all goods directly to your home.”

“You can also pick up your qualifying IKEA-USA.com online order for free at the Plan & order point. In order to qualify to pick your order up, you’ll need to have at least one qualifying furniture item included in your online shopping cart during the checkout process.”

They do not accept returns at this location. And, most importantly to some, there is not a restaurant, bistro or Swedish food market, nor are there any Swedish meatballs, at the Plan and order point.

Learn more at www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/plan-and-order-point-thousand-oaks.

See a couple more photos at THIS LINK.