Black Bear Diner Simi Valley Has Closed Its Doors

Black Bear Diner Simi Valley at 2022 1st Street closed its doors on August 7th. It opened on May 28, 2019. Black Bear Ventura at 2401 E. Harbor Blvd is still open. blackbeardiner.com

Isaki Sushi Opening Soon in Newbury Park

Isaki Sushi is opening soon in the former Sushi Yusho at 2365 Michael Drive, Newbury Park. They will be offering 10% off during the grand opening, August 5-10 (dine-in only). Learn more at www.isakisushi.com..

Red O Taste of Mexico Now Anticipates Opening in Fall 2024 at The Promenade at Westlake

The Red O Taste of Mexico sign at The Promenade at Westlake has been updated to show a Fall 2024 opening date. We first learned of this eatery coming when The Grill On The Alley closed in late October 2022. Fall 2024 begins September 22nd and ends December 21st, so we'll see if Red O is a GO in that time frame. Updates at redorestaurant.com.

Shrimp vs Chef Shrimptruck to Open Eatery at Northstar Plaza in Thousand Oaks

The Shrimp vs Chef food truck seen frequently around town at Wendy Fuel in NP and other local locations is in process of opening its first brick and mortar location in the Northstar Plaza in Thousand Oaks at 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. #116 (in the former Barone's Pizza location), just east of Rancho Road.

Shrimp vs Chef is the brainchild of Temple Sewell, who has operated the popular "shrimptruck" since 2015. The menu, which changes daily, includes items such as Baja Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp PoBoy, Crab Cake Sando, Baja Shrimp Burrito, Jambalaya and more.

For updates, visit shrimpvschef.com or follow them on IG at @shrimpvschef

Luau Grill Coming Soon to the North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village

(photo credit: Lucas C)

Coming soon to the North Ranch Shopping Center at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in the space previously occupied by Jersey Mike's (that moved to the other side of plaza, closer to Trader Joe's) is Luau Grill. Assuming this is the same Luau Grill that opened in the Ventu Park Shopping Center in Newbury Park in July 2022, they will offer Hawaiian BBQ items, poke and more. Stay tuned for updates. www.luaugrill.com

Kids Bowl Free This Summer at Various Ventura County Bowling Centers

Here's a great summer deal that will bowl you over! Bowling alleys across the country are offering Kids Bowl Free deals during the summer months once again this year!

Up to two games per kid on designated days and times, subject to lane availability. Note that applicable ages for Kids Bowl Free vary up to 15 to 18.

The deal also does not apply to parties, camps and other organized events. And lastly, the deal does not include bowling shoe rental. With no further ado, here are local alleys in Ventura County and nearby areas that are participating in Kids Bowl Free!

NOTE: You first must visit www.kidsbowlfree.com and register with specific bowling alleys. After registering your children, you will receive coupons via email or through mobile devices, and in turn redeem them at the time of purchase. In addition to the 2 FREE Games, you may be able to purchase a family package (at participating centers) and generally must pay for standard shoe rental rates at the time of bowling.

Harley's Camarillo Bowl offers Kids Bowl Free Monday through Wednesday from 9:30am to 4pm for kids 17 and under, from June 9 to August 30, 2024.

Harley's Simi Bowl offer Kids Bowl Free Monday, Wed, Thurs and Fri from 9am to 4pm for kids 15 and under, from May 28 to August 28, 2024.

Harley's Valley Bowl offers Kids Bowl Free Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm for kids ages 18 and under, from June 6 to August 29, 2024.

Click this link to pin down information about all the local Ventura County area bowling alleys.

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

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

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

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.