Pulcinella Italian Eatery Opening Soon in Newbury Park (Now Open)

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It opened a couple days after this post. More info at www.pulcinella-ristorante.com.

Pulcinella is the name of the new Italian eatery that will be opening real soon - I'm told possibly within a few days - in the former Cedro Italian Restaurant that closed on November 23rd at 2385 Michael Drive in Newbury Park.

The name of the eatery would appear to be inspired by the iconic Pulcinella mask - the mischievous soul of Naples - born in the 17th-century commedia dell'arte. Pulcinella is a trickster, a dreamer, a survivor - always laughing at life's contradictions.

No website or menu at this point. Stay tuned.

For a compilation of Italian eateries in and around the Conejo Valley, visit THIS PAGE.

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.

Cava Coming to the Westlake Plaza

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No sign up yet, but they are working away on the future Cava at the Westlake Plaza, 968 S. Westlake Blvd, in Westlake Village in the former Natural Cafe. Cava offers Mediterranean bowls and pitas with shawarma, falafel, lamb, steak, hummus and more in a fast-casual setting. The nearest existing Cava location is at 6256 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Woodland Hills. The first Cava opened in 2011 in Maryland and it has grown to 415 locations across the U.S. You can put your money where your mouth is with Cava, which went public with its stock (symbol CAVA) in 2023. It has a current market cap of $5.6 billion. More info at cava.com. 

Currently taking applications at cava.com/careers.

Sign is up as of mid-January

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.

Cedro Italian Restaurant in Newbury Park Announces It Is Closing on November 23rd

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Cedro Italian Restaurant in Newbury Park posted this announcement to its Instagram Story yesterday, indicating it will be serving its last meal on Sunday, November 23rd. The owners will be re-opening at a new location in East Los Angeles. Cedro is located in the former Stella's at 2385 Michael Drive, where it opened on January 18, 2024. cedrorestaurant.com

For a compilation of Italian eateries in and around the Conejo Valley, visit THIS LINK.

EōS Fitness Has Acquired Gold's Gyms in Thousand Oaks and 22 Other So Cal Locations

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EōS Fitness has acquired the Gold’s Gym at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks as part of a broader transaction involving 23 gyms. This acquisition expands EōS Fitness’s footprint to 46 locations across Southern California. The Thousand Oaks Gold's, as well as locations in Simi Valley and Oxnard, will continue operating under the EōS brand.

EōS Fitness is a U.S.-based gym chain whose name is inspired by Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn. The brand uses this symbolism to represent new beginnings, energy, and transformation—core themes in fitness and personal growth. Learn more at eosfitness.com.