Proposed Merger of Kroger and Albertsons Could Change Ownership of Four Local Grocery Stores

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Vons at 5671 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills

A number of folks have messaged us regarding the list of local grocery stores that would be divested if Kroger's proposed acquisition of Albertsons is approved by federal regulators. The list of 579 stores includes 63 in California.

The merger was first announced in October 2022. It would combine Kroger (which owns Ralphs and Food 4 Less, among others) with Albertsons (which owns Pavilions, Safeway and Vons, among others). Kroger/Albertsons say the merger would better help them compete with Amazon, Walmart and Costco. The fate of the merger will be decided in a trial set to start in Portland, Oregon on August 26th. The trial may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Local stores that would be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers include Vons stores at 5671 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills, 820 Arneill Road in Camarillo, and 6040 Telegraph Road in Ventura, and Albertsons at 541 S. Reino Road in Newbury Park.

As part of the acquisition, C&S retains the Albertsons brand name in California. Does that mean these stores will retain their existing Vons/Albertsons names if the acquisition goes through? Perhaps, but we shall see.

Handel's Ice Cream Coming Soon to The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

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Handel's Ice Cream is coming soon to The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks. The Oaks directory currently shows it will be located in the space adjacent to the former Menchies space. Timing TBA.

Alice Handel created her first ice cream in Youngstown, Ohio in 1945 and their stores continue to make fresh ice cream in-house. Local area locations in Calabasas, Northridge, and Santa Monica, as well as others. Learn more at handelsicecream.com.

FROZEN TREATS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Pho & Tea at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks Has Closed Its Doors

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The Pho & Tea eatery in the food court area at The Oaks mall has closed its doors. Pho & Tea opened its doors in December 2017 in the space previously occupied by Tacone Wraps (which I have delicious memories of).

Pho & Tea indicated via its Facebook page that it is relocating and will be reopening for to go and delivery for online orders via Doordash/Uber Eats on Monday, July 15th.

Makenna Koffee Coming Soon to North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village (October 11, 2025)

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UPDATE: Grand opening date Saturday, October 11, 2025

Makenna Koffee, with locations in Simi Valley and Valencia, is opening a 3rd location in Westlake Village in the North Ranch Shopping Center at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in the former Veggie Grill location (that closed in May 2023). Timing TBA. Learn more about Makenna at makennakoffee.com.

CONEJO VALLEY COFFEE PLACES

Lola Betty's Kitchen Filipino Cuisine Coming Soon to Camarillo (UPDATE: Opening Saturday, August 10th)

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UPDATE: Lola Betty’s Kitchen will be opening on Saturday, August 10th,from noon to 6pm. www.facebook.com/lolabettyskitchen

Lola Betty's Kitchen Filipino Cuisine is coming soon to 2071 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo. This spot was previously occupied by drive-through market Quik & Ezy, which closed in early 2020. lolabettyskitchen.com

Former 99 Cents Only Store in Thousand Oaks to Re-Open as Dollar Tree

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The 99 Cents Only Store at 950 East Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks, along with all other 99 Cents Only stores, recently closed its doors due to the company’s financial issues. However, just a few weeks later, there is a “coming soon” sign up on the building.

In late May, Dollar Tree announced it would be purchasing up to 170 of the closed 99 Cents Only store locations and will be reopening them later this Fall.

Prior to 99 Cents Only opening at this location in early 2013, the Roller Dome roller skating facility operated here from May 1995 until October 2010.