Restaurant Rewards Programs and Birthday Freebies Around Ventura County

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It's nice finding Kids Eat Free deals around Ventura County but there are also dozens of local rewards programs and birthday clubs that give you something for FREE!!!

This list includes programs where you get something for signing up or for being a repeat customer...a free burger, gift card, dessert, etc. Excluded are programs that do not provide an obvious freebie (i.e. only sends you promotional emails).

These deals often change, so click through to the restaurant website to confirm the deal is still good. Let us know of any changes, broken links or additions!!

Corner Bakery

Corner Bakery Rewards: Sign up and get $5 off your first order, then receive 5 points for every $1 spent, to get various offer. Also, receive a free bakery sweet on your birthday.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Rewards: Earn “pegs” for each dollar spent and redeem for rewards. Free birthday reward - a dessert.

Location: Camarillo Premium Outlets

Daphne's Greek Cafe

Pita Points Rewards Club: Earn one point for each dollar spent; 100 points = $5 off any purchase. Plus another $5 credit on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Simi Valley

Dave & Buster’s

D&B Rewards: $10 free game play with $20 game play purchase for joining. $10 free game play for every $100 spent.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Del Taco

Dell Yeah! Rewards: Get two free tacos for signing up, get a free birthday reward and free ice or hot coffee before 11am daily with purchase. Accumulate points and exchange for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley (3), Oxnard (2), Ventura, Santa Paula

Denny's

Denny's Rewards: Sign up and get 20% off your next visit.  Free Grand Slam on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Rewards - 1 order of $5 or more = 10 points. 60 points = a free pizza.

Locations: Various

El Pollo Loco

Loco Rewards: Earn points and redeem for free food or discounts.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (3), Santa Paula, Ventura

Farmer Boys

VIF (Very Important Farmer) Loyalty Club: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Redeem points for rewards. www.farmerboys.com/vif

Location: Newbury Park

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Rewards App: Use their app and earn points towards free subs and more. Get free birthday sub too.

Locations: Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks

Fire Island Grill

Rewards: Sign up with your email and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. Receive $5 off for ever 50 points; effectively 10% off.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura

IHOP

IHOP Bank of Pancakes: Earn one PanCoin for every $5 spent. Trade 3 PanCoin crypto-pancakes for a short stack of 3 pancakes and other items. www.ihop.com/en/rewards

Locations: Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Fillmore, Carpinteria

Islands

Islands Locals Program: Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 150 points = $10 reward. Get a free chips, salsa and guacamole upon sign-up. www.islandsrestaurants.com/locals-program

Location: Newbury Park

Jack in the Box

Loyalty Program: Download the app, create an account, and earn 10 points for every $1 spent. Redeem points for menu items. www.jackinthebox.com/faqs

Locations: Various

Jamba Juice

My Jamba Rewards App: Earn points for each purchase and redeem for discounts on future purchases. You also get a free birthday smoothie.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura

Jersey Mike's Subs

myMike’s: Sign up and earn free subs with Shore Points and receive a free sub on your birthday.

Locations: Over a dozen locations...Ventura, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oxnard, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, etc.

Juice It Up!

Juice It Up! Rewards: Free medium classic smoothie when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 50 points = $5 reward.

Location: Westlake Village

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Rewards App: Register and get a free doughnut with any purchase. Earn points towards free doughnuts and drinks and get a free gift on your birthday. www.krispykreme.com/rewards

Location: 220 Riverpark Road, Oxnard

La La Land Kind Cafe

La La Land Rewards App: Earn 5 hearts for every $1 spent. Exchange for drinks, food or merchandise.

Locations: Westlake Village, Calabasas

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Email Club: Sign up and get free birthday and anniversary treats (dessert or appetizer)

Locations: The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks and The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard

Maria's Italian Kitchen

Maria's Kitchen Club App: Free birthday dessert. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Cash in 200 points for a $10 award (effectively a 5% discount). Free medium cheese pizza at signup. Free birthday month dessert.

Location: Agoura Hills

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

My Smileage Club: Earn a Smile point for each dollar spent. Cash in 50 smiles for $5 towards a future purchase.

Locations: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard and Ventura.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Mountain Rewards: Earn points points for each purchase and for ever 100 points, receive $10 towards your next purchase.

Locations: Moorpark, Oxnard

Nick the Greek

Rewards App: Earn points from purchases and redeem for food and drinks.

Locations: Ventura, Westlake Village

Noah’s New York Bagels

Noah’s Rewards: Free bagel and shmear with purchase, free egg sandwich on your birthday and redeem rewards points for items.

Noahs App: Download the app and receive 2 points for every $1 spent to redeem for items. Order on the app and get a free hot or iced coffee reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura

Nothing Bundt Cakes

eClub: Sign up and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Camarillo

Old New York Deli

Deli Dough Rewards Program: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points  =  $7 in Deli Dough.

Location: Camarillo

Panera Bread

MyPanera: Sign up and receive a free "surprise" like a free pastry or sweet. Then receive other surprises as you accumulate points.

Locations: Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Papa John's

PapaRewards: Earn 1 point for every $5 you order ONLINE (including tax and delivery). Accumulate points for food items.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Peet’s Coffee

Peetnik Rewards App: Earn points and exchange them for drinks and food. FREE drink or baked good on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Philz Coffee

Philz Rewards App: Earn 10 points for every $1 spent. Use for free rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Calabasas

Pickles Deli

Pickles Deli Rewards - Fill out a form or download the Royalty Rewards Member App to receive $10 off your next visit for signup, free birthday reward and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 100 points equals a $5 reward certificate.

Location: Newbury Park

Pizza Hut

Hut Rewards - Earn 2 points for each $1 spent. Use points for free pizza and other items.

Locations: Various

Pizza Man Dan's

Pizza Lover's Email Club: Free pizza on your birthday and much more.

Locations: Ventura (2), Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark and Camarillo

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Caniac Club: Get a free box combo for signing up.

Location: Oxnard

RedBrick Pizza

RedBrick Rewards: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent. Receive a $10 reward for every 1000 points. Effectively a 10% discount. Receive a small gelato after registering.

Location: 4990 Telephone Road, Ventura

Red Lobster

My Red Lobster Rewards: Earn points for your purchases and redeem for food items. Receive something on your birthday too.

Location: Oxnard

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty: Free burger on your birthday and every 10th item free.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard

Regency Theatres

Regency Rewards: Earn points on purchases. 10 points for each adult ticket...100 points gets you a free companion ticket.

Locations throughout the area.

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

Rise Rewards: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem points for food and beverages.

Location: Thousand Oaks, near Topper’s Pizza.

Rita's Italian Ice of Newbury Park

Rita's Birthday Club: Sign up and receive free birthday treat.

Location: 2290 Borchard Road, Newbury Park

Robeks

Robeks Rewards: Download app. Receive $5 in rewards for signing up. Earn point for each $1 spent. Receive free menu items with your points. Receive $5 birthday credit.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

Birthday Club: Sign up for Rori’s email list and get a free birthday scoop

Locations: Camarillo, Ventura

Sbarro

Sbarro Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food items.

Locations: Pacific View Mall in Ventura, The Oaks Mall

Subway

Subway MVP Rewards: Earn 4 tokens for every $1 spent on food and drinks. 200 tokens = $2 reward. Free cookie with sub purchase.

Locations: Everywhere

7 Eleven

7Rewards Loyalty Program: Download app on your smartphone, scan when you purchase coffee, Slurpees and other fountain drinks, and get 7th drink free. Not a bad deal!

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill

Sharky's Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points = $7 good toward future purchases. Effectively a 7% discount.

Locations: Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Slice House Rewards: Get $5 upon sign-up, earn 1 point for each $1 spent. Redeem 150 points for $10 off.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Sprinkles

Sprinkles Perks: For every $1 spent, get 5 points. 300 points equals a free item (cupcake, cookie or brownie).

Location: The Promenade at Westlake

Starbucks

My Starbucks Rewards: Members receive a free birthday drink or treat. Free refills and other items based on number of Stars collected over designated periods.

Locations: Everywhere

Stonefire Grill

SFG Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Every 125 points equals a $10 reward. Free birthday dessert.

Locations: Thousand Oaks

Taco Bell

Taco Bell Rewards: Sign up and get a free reward, then earn 10 points for each $1 spent. Earn a new reward every 250 points.

Urbane Cafe

Urbane Cafe App: Download the app, use it to pay for your purchases, and receive $5 credit for every $100 you spend; a 5% discount.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura

Wienerschnitzel

Wiener Lovers' Club: Get a free chili dog for signing up and other stuff.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura

Wingstop

Email Club: Free birthday gift.

Locations: Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks

Yard House

E-Club: Register and receive a free appetizer

Location: Oxnard

Yogurtland

Real Rewards Program: Earn points for each ounce purchased and exchange points for free yogurt and birthday treats.

Locations: Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Arby's

Arby’s Email List: Get free Classic Roast Beef with purchase of full-price menu item after signing up.

Locations: Ventura, Simi Valley

Baja Fresh

Club Baja: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Every 100 points gets you a $10 reward. Special offer on your birthday.

Locations: Camarillo (2), Simi Valley (2), Calabasas, Oxnard, Westlake Village

Baskins-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins Rewards: Free scoop for signing up.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (2), Thousand Oaks (2), Santa Paula, Ventura (2)

BJ's Restaurant

BJ's Premier Rewards Plus: Earn 1 point for each $1 spent and redeem for discounts. For example, cash in 350 point for $25 off your meal, effectively about a 7% rebate. Free Pizookie at registration and on birthdays.

Locations: Westlake Village, Oxnard

Black Bear Diner

Bear Lovers E-Club: Sign up and get a free meal now and another on your birthday.

Location: Ventura

Buca di Beppo

Buca E-Club: Join and receive $10 gift.

Location: Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Buffalo Wild Wings

Blazin' Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food. Get 10 free boneless wings for signing up.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cafe Rio

My Rio Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Receive $10 reward for 100 points. Effectively 10% off.

Location: Thousand Oaks

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK Rewards: Free small plate when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 75 points equals a $5 reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks (The Lakes), Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura (Pacific View Mall)

Carl’s Jr.

My Rewards: Free sandwich when you join. Earn 10 stars for every $1 spent when you order in the app or online, then cash them in for free food items.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A One App: Earn points with each purchase and redeem them for free food rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura

Chili's Grill & Bar

My Chili's Rewards: Get free chips and salsa or non-alcoholic beverage on every visit. Free dessert on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Chipotle

Chipotle Rewards: 10 points for every $1 spent. Redeem points for free menu items, apparel, accessories or charitable donations. Get free guac at signup and on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cold Stone Creamery

My Cold Stone Club® Rewards: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. 50 points can be used as a $5 reward towards purchases of $5 or more. 25 points earned just for registering.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley

Non-Food Rewards

Ulta

Ulta Beauty Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for discounts. Free birthday item.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Calabasas

Vegetarian & Vegan Eateries in the Conejo Valley and Neighboring Areas

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According to a 2023 Gallup Consumer Habits poll, 4% of U.S. adults consider themselves to be vegetarian and 1% say they are vegan. With a population of 829,590 in 2023, that translates to about 33,000 vegetarians in Ventura County. Here are some vegetarian and vegan dining options in the Conejo Valley and greater Ventura County that attract vegetarians and their meat-eating friends alike. Here’s a list of such eateries.

(Note that this particular list includes places that only serve 100% plant-based food.)

In the Conejo Valley

Vegan Thyme is located in the Park Plaza Shopping Center in Newbury Park at 2247 Michael Drive. This popular eatery opened its doors in March 2019. Vegan Thyme’s menu is 100% vegan, with primarily an Asian/Fusion theme. Their meat replacement options include organic tofu, soy chicken, soy beef, soy fish, soy shrimp and vegetables. Their menu also includes burger, wraps and Mexican cuisine. Open 11:30AM - 9PM Tuesdays through Fridays and 12 - 9PM on weekends. www.veganthymecafe.com (805) 716-3088

Namaste Spiceland is located at 821 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. This popular Indian grocery market also offers hot vegetarian Indian cuisine for takeout or onsite. Inexpensive, large portions and delicious! Open daily from 10AM - 9PM. namastespicelandthousandoaks.com (805) 373-6761

JOi Café opened in late summer 2014 at 2855 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. JOi, named after co-owner Joi Stearns, offers a broad menu of organic, plant-based and gluten-free items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, matcha drinks, other drinks, smoothies, toasts, salads, breakfast goodies, plates and more Open daily from 7AM to 5PM. www.joicafe.com

Ma-Kin Vegan Sushi opened in August 2021 at 30313 Canwood St # 35, Agoura Hills in the Reyes Adobe Plaza. Ma-Kin offers unique plant-based, 100% vegan sushi dishes, along with gluten-free options. Open Tuesday through Thursday 2PM - 9PM and Friday through Sunday 11:30AM - 9PM. www.makinvegan.com (818) 699-6716

Jugo Wellness Bar is located in the Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks at 1772 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Suite I. Jugo offers organic smoothies, acai, toasts and more. jugowellnessbar.com

Bikanervala Indian Restaurant opened in mid-September 2025 in the North Ranch Plaza at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, offering a wide range of vegetarian selections. Learn more at www.bikanervalausa.com

Other Parts of Ventura County

Seed Ranger, located at 2950 Johnson Drive, Ventura, offers a vegan only memo that includes sushi, all-day breakfast entrees, burgers, pizzas and more, . Open daily 8AM - 8PM. www.seedranger.com (805) 765-4157

La Jenelle Natural Cafe is located at 2323 Roosevelt Boulevard #1, Oxnard at Silverstrand Beach. Open Monday through Friday 9AM - 5:30PM and 8:30AM - 5:30PM on weekends. Their menu offers only vegetarian/vegan options, including salads, a burrito, burger and more.. lajenelle.com (805) 263-6771

Hip Vegan is located 201 N Montgomery Street, Ojai. Open everyday 11AM - 8PM. They offer exclusively 100% plant-based items such as wraps, salads, bowls, sandwiches and more. hipvgn.com (805) 669-6363

Farmer and the Cook is located at 339 W El Roblar Drive, Ojai, offering smoothies, breakfast items, lunch/dinner entrees and more. Opens at 8AM daily. www.farmer-and-the-cook.com (805) 640-9608

SunOven Gluten Free Vegan Bakery is located at 11420 N. Ventura Ave, Suite 107 in Ojai, just south of the McDonald’s. It opened in late 2023, offering breads, bagels, buns, muffins, scones, doughnuts, and other baked goods…all gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, organic, and sesame free! Open 8am to 4pm Mon-Sat and 9am-1pm Sun. www.sunovengf.com

Vegan No More

Amy’s Drive Thru opened on June 15, 2023 at 400 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks but closed its doors after a brief stint on February 9, 2024.

Veggie Grill Westlake Village closed its doors after a nine year stint in the North Ranch Shopping Center in May 2023.

Sage Vegan Bistro at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills opened in May 2020 and closed in June 2023.

Café BōKU was located at 987 W Ojai Avenue, Ojai. It closed in October 2024.

Crossroads Kitchen at The Commons at Calabasas closed in late December 2024.

Harvest Cafe was located 175 S.Ventura Avenue, Ventura, It closed in spring 2025.

Vegiterranean Kitchen was located at Moorpark at 481 E High Street. It closed in 2024.

Delis and Sandwich Places in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas

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Looking for a deli or a sandwich in the Conejo Valley? Here’s a compilation of eateries that are known for sandwiches in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and nearby Calabasas for your dining pleasure. This list starts with the letter M, for meal.

Are we missing an eatery that primarily focuses on sandwiches? LET US KNOW

Mendocino Farms in the Westlake Plaza at 966 S. Westlake Blvd., with its vast array of interesting and unique sandwiches, deserves inclusion on this list. Some delicious alternatives include the Peruvian Steak sandwich, Vegan Banh Mi and “Unreal” Reuben (plant-based) sandwiches and others. www.mendocinofarms.com 805-379-9055

Mythpoint Greek Deli & Grill is a small Greek eatery that has operated since 2017 at 3825 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite E, Westlake Village in the North Ranch Shopping Plaza. In addition to delicious gyros, falafel and other Mediterranean specialties, they offer a variety of cheesesteak sandwiches that will knock your taste buds off. mythpoint.com 805-443-4242

Pickles Deli is located in the Kohl’s center in Newbury Park at 1940 Newbury Road. Pickles is a full-service Jewish deli serving specialties like pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup, as well as a full range of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Pickles has served the Conejo Valley since 2006. picklesdeli.com 805-480-4800

Rhineland Deli recently relocated to the Oak Leaf Square, 1817 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, offering delicious German style deli sandwiches and platters including roast beef, turkey breast, Black Forest ham, salami and more. www.facebook.com/RhinelandDeli 805-496-2045

Sienna Deli is located near the T.O. Auto Mall at 3900 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Established in 1994, Sienna offers Italian subs, roast beef, turkey and other delicious sandwiches. 805-494-7799 siennadeli.net

Jersey Mike’s Subs has the following locations in the Conejo Valley. www.jerseymikes.com

  • Newbury Park - 761 North Wendy Drive

  • Thousand Oaks - 605 E. Janss Road

  • Thousand Oaks - 2000 E. Avenida De Los Arboles

  • Thousand Oaks - 3825 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

  • Westlake Village - 30817 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

  • Calabasas - 26799 Agoura Road

Subway has the following Conejo Valley locations. www.subway.com

  • Newbury Park - 501B S. Reino Road

  • Newbury Park - 105 Broadbeck Drive

  • Thousand Oaks - 440 North Moorpark Road

  • Thousand Oaks - 1772 Avenida De Los Arboles (Oakbrook Plaza)

  • Oak Park - 702 Lindero Canyon Road

  • Agoura Hills - 5801 Kanan Road

  • Calabasas - 26500 Agoura Road

The Sandwich Spot in the Smart & Final Extra plaza at 2110 Newbury Road, Newbury Park offers an array of signature sandwiches made to order. All of their sandwiches have clever names, like The Lennox Lewis (turkey, ham, roast beef and jack cheese) and The Dodger Blue (marinated chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing and pepperjack cheese). www.thesandwichspot.com/newbury-park-menu 805-375-3400

Tasty sandwich from The Sandwich Spot.

Uncle Af's International Sandwiches opened in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5901 Kanan Road in 2017. Uncle Af's is a father and son owned business offering a delicious array of European paninis, salads and breakfast items. www.instagram.com/uncleafs 818-584-3556

Village Trader Neighborhood Market & Deli at 330 Via Las Brisas, Suite 110, Newbury Park (Dos Vientos) offers 19 delicious classic and specialty sandwiches. The deli is open from 9am to 7pm daily. Phone orders welcomed at 805-499-7533 www.facebook.com/villagetrader

Agoura’s Famous Deli, established in 1995, is the 3rd full-service Jewish deli in the Conejo Valley. Located at 5915 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. Like the other Jewish delis, Agoura’s Famous serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. www.agourasfamousdeli.com 818-889-9113

Alpine Deli is located in the Conejo Valley Plaza next to Eggs n Things at 1530 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Since 1989, Alpine is one of the most well-stocked European delis in the Conejo Valley, offering German, Hungarian, Dutch, Austrian and Italian specialties, sandwiches, subs and more. www.alpinegermandeli.com 805-496-4707

Board & Brew is a specialty sandwich place that opened in the spring of 2023 at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30734 Russell Ranch Road. They offer an assortment of 15 specialty cold and hot sandwiches, such as Turkado, Chicken Club, Left Coast Pastrami and others. Plenty of indoor seating and a variety of craft beers on tap. boardandbrew.com (818) 318-1448

Bottega Italian Deli is located at 3184 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, offering delicious Italian sandwiches on fresh baked bread… Turkey & Fontina, Speck & Gorgonzola, Meatballs & Provolone, Roast Beef & Parmigiano and many more. bottegafoods.com 805-449-8733

Brent’s Deli has operated at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village since 2006 in a large dine-in location near the Hyatt Westlake. Full service Jewish deli serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.brentsdeli.com 805-557-1882

D. Mongeon’s Deli has operated as long as my brain can remember (actually 1987) at 1111 Rancho Conejo Blvd. #104, Newbury Park, offering a delicious assortment of subs made on fresh French rolls. www.facebook.com/MongeonsDeli 805-499-8713

Firehouse Subs, which opened in May 2024, is located in the Northgate Plaza, 111 S. Westlake Blvd in Westlake Village. Visit www.firehousesubs.com 818-337-1032

Italia Deli & Bakery at 5657 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills has served the local community since 1981. Italia bakes delicious Italian rolls and bread daily from scratch and carries a wide array of meat, cheeses and imported Italian groceries and of course a large selection of sandwiches. italiadeli.com 818-991-4838

Lovi’s Deli is just over the Calabasas grade at 24005 Calabasas Road. Another popular Jewish deli that also serves a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating available. www.lovisdeli.com 818-223-8777


SANDWICHES NO MORE

Togo’s Sandwiches in Westlake Village closed in the spring of 2022

Which Wich at The Shoppes at Westlake Village closed in December 2021

Peebee & Jay’s opened in August 2020 in the Thousand Oaks Marketplace (Walmart/Walgreen plaza) in Newbury Park and closed in the fall of 2022.

Roxy’s Deli in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in June 2011, after 20 years serving the Conejo Valley.

Nate ‘n Al Deli operated at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks from November 2009 to the beginning of January 2012.

Subway Westlake Village at the Westlake Commons closed in March 2026

Eateries That Opened or Closed in 2024 or are Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

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Another year is nearly behind us, so let’s take a moment to reflect on new local area eateries that opened in 2024, eateries that are anticipated to open in the coming months, and eateries that became dearly departed in 2024.

Opened in 2024

Coming in the near future

Fruit, Vegetable and Other Food, Beer and Wine Festivals In and Around Ventura County

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According to the California Department of Food & Agriculture, in 2021, California’s 69,000 farms and ranches generated $51.1 billion in revenue and was the largest producer of commodities in the country, producing 11.8% of the U.S. total. The top ten commodities in the state in 2021 were dairy products, grapes, almonds, cattle, pistachios, lettuce, tomatoes, walnuts, rice and chi

Ventura County ranks 26th out of 58 California counties in geographic size but in 2021 ranked 10th overall in terms of agricultural output, producing nearly $2 billion worth of strawberries, lemons, horiculture, raspberries and other commodities.

All that produce grown in Ventura County (as well as Santa Barbara County) and the hard work that goes into it must explain why we have so many nearby food related festivals and celebrations year-round! Specific dates each year are posted in the Local Events and Events Calendar sections of the site but here's a compilation for you to, ahem, digest. We also opted to include beer, wine and other long-standing festivals for your imbibing pleasure.

The Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off is in the late April to early May time frame each year. It is a charitable fundraiser that has taken place since 1977.

The California Strawberry Festival takes place on the 3rd weekend of May each year. This popular event has taken place since 1984. Up until 2020 the event took place in Oxnard. For the first time in 2023, the festival moved to the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The Soroptimist International of the Conejo hosts an annual "Margarita Mixoff" event in Thousand Oaks. For many years, the event took place in May. Since 2021, including the 21st annual event in 2023, the event has taken place in September.

The Ojai Wine Festival takes place in the June time frame at Lake Casitas has been around since 1987. They say over 5,000 people attend the event! The 35th annual event will take place in June 2023.

The Knights of Columbus of Simi Valley has been hosting an Annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show since 1988. The 35th annual event is planned for June 2023.

The Casa Pacifica Angels Wine & Food Festival benefits Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families and has been running since 1994. Currently takes place in early June.

The Conejo Food & Wine Fest premiered in 2010 and takes place in Thousand Oaks in the June time frame.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has hosted the Santa Barbara Wine Festival in the June time frame each year since 1988.

The Oxnard Salsa Festival has taken place each summer (currently July) since 1994 (except for 2020-2022 due to the pandemic). It will be back in July 2023.

Since 1988, the Meadowlark Service League has been hosting A Taste of Camarillo Wine & Food Festival. The event currently takes place in late July - the 36th annual event is July 30, 2023.

The California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara in July marks 2004 as its first year.

The Port of Hueneme Banana Festival took place for the first time in 2012 and its 10th annual (2020-2021 were pandemic years) event is planned for the last Saturday of September 2022.

The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival takes place in October. There is a small admission charge.

The California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria goes back to 1987 and claims to be the largest free festival on the west coast. It currently takes place the first full weekend of October.

The Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival originated in 2001 and offers live lobster, crab, prawns, BBQ albacore, clam chowder, fish tacos, seafood gumbo and other prepared dishes in the October time frame.

The California Lemon Festival also takes place in October in Goleta. Free admission. This one has been around since 1992.

The Oxnard Tamale Festival takes place in the early December time frame each year. It began in 2008. The 2023 event is planned for December 2nd.

List obviously subject to change! Contact us for additions. The list is meant to include recurring, annual events, not one-time events, that focus primarily on food and/or drinks.

Summary of the California Homemade Food Act aka "Cottage Food" Bill

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In September 2012, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB1616, the California Homemade Food Act, that became effective January 1, 2013.

The law enables home food business entrepreneurs to run businesses, referred to as Cottage Food Operations, without being subject to the same level of regulation as commercial restaurants and bakeries. Before the law was passed, home cooks were required to rent part of a retail kitchen to prepare their products, among other things.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains a list of certain “non-potentially hazardous” foods that can be prepared within and sold from a private home, provided certain requirements are met. County Environmental Health Divisions are responsible for overseeing Cottage Food Operation permits. To learn more about obtaining this permit in Ventura County, visit vcrma.org/en/cottage-home-food-operations.

How to Qualify as a Cottage Food Operation:

  • You prepare or package cottage food products at home.

  • Your cottage food product(s) are on the state approved list (summary below).

  • You have one or fewer full-time equivalent employees, excluding immediate family an household members.

  • Your gross annual sales of cottage food are not more than $75,000 for “Class A” foods and $150,000 for “Class B” foods. These amounts were updated effective 1/1/2022 and will be adjusted annually for inflation.

    • Class A: You only engage in direct sales of cottage foods to customers (e.g. at events, farmers’ markets, etc.).

    • Class B: You engage in both direct and indirect sales (e.g. through a third party retailer, like a restaurant or retail shop).

  • You file for proper permitting with Ventura County Environmental Health Division.

Approved Cottage Foods:

The CDPH maintains a list of food that are deemed to be non-potentially hazardous as “cottage foods.” These are foods that do not support the rapid growth of microorganisms or toxins that could make people sick when the food is held outside time and temperature control.

  • Baked goods without cream, custard or meat fillings - examples include bagels, baklava, biscuits, bread, brownies, buns, cake, churros, coconut macaroons, cookies, crackers, cupcakes, donuts, empanadas (fruit only), flatbreads, fruit, nut or seed bars, macarons (with approved buttercream), muffins, pastries, pies (fruit only), samosas (fruit only), tamales (fruit only), tarts, torillla, torts and waffles.

  • Candy and confections (too many examples)

  • Extracts containing at least 70 proof or 35% food grade for human consumption alcohol.

  • Dried, dehydrated and freeze-dried foods

  • Frostings, icings, fondants and gum pastes that do no contain eggs, cream or cream cheese

  • Honey and sorghum syrups

  • Fruit butters, jams, jellies

  • Nuts, nut mixes and nut butters

  • Powdered drink mixes made from manufactured ingredients

  • Vinegars and mustards

And there you have it. So if you’re wondering why that pie vendor at the farmers’ market is only selling fruit pies, now you know why.

Comparing In-N-Out Burger to Whataburger

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Whataburger location that I visited in Birmingham, Alabama.

I was born and raised in Southern California and thus I am very familiar with the allure of an In-N-Out Burger. In-N-Out Burger originated in Baldwin Park, California in 1948 and has grown to over 350 locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado, In-N-Out Burger is known for its fresh, delicious ingredients and simple menu. I grew up with In-N-Out Burger.

Whataburger was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950 and was family-owned until 2019, when a majority stake in the company was purchased by a private equity firm. There are currently (as of spring 2022) over 880 Whataburger locations, including over 700 in Texas. But there are no Whataburgers in California at the current time.*

On a recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama, there was a Whataburger directly across the street from my hotel. I've seen Whataburger from time to time in my travels, but never dined at one - nor did I know anything about Whataburger.

The topic of Whataburger came up with some folks I was hanging out with. They noted they were hungry the previous night, late at night, and that their hunger was resolved by a meal from Whataburger. Grandparents Bob and Gloria noted the deliciousness of their Whataburger late night snack. And thus, I decided it was time for me to try a Whataburger for the first time.

The layout of the Whataburger I ate at was very similar to the layout of an In-N-Out Burger. There multiple busy drive-through lines but there was also a large indoor dining area. The clean, bright, fairly spartan layout reminded me of the layout of In-N-Out Burger.

Simplicity of the In-N-Out Burger menu, circa Fall 2020..

Whataburger's menu is much more extensive than the simplistic In-N-Out Burger which I’ve always loved and appreciated. Whataburger’s menu was not overwhelming in size, but includes items such a chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, onion rings, breakfast items and more.

Staff was very friendly and attentive as soon as walked in. The manager was walking by and greeted me. The order taker was prompt. I decided to go with a simple Whataburger combo meal that came with fries and a drink. The burger comes with a 5" bun and beef patty, tomato, lettuce, diced onions and mustard. I also ordered some onion rings just to taste them. Oh, and I went with the sweet tea - which was very good.

I ate right there at Whataburger. They gave me a number to put on the table, and after a 5 minute wait, they brought my meal to me. Along with my meal, the employee gave me an assortment of condiments to choose from - ketchup, spicy ketchup and a few others. I went with the spicy ketchup (which was good, though not particularly spicy).

My first look at a Whataburger after opening up the package. Looked, smelled and tasted good.

The burger was delicious. Everything was hot and fresh - the burger patty was substantial, the tomato, lettuce and onions were very fresh, and the bun was toasted and tasted great.

The only big difference between a regular In-N-Out Burger and a regular Whataburger is the sauce. The Whataburger is made with mustard, while the In-N-Out Burger as we know is made with that delicious, addictive, special spread. Thinking about the taste of an In-N-Out Burger as I type this is really making me hungry.

From my vantage point, the Whataburger and In-N-Out Burger are equally delicious. If you don't like the taste of mustard, you can order the Whataburger with mayo, ketchup, honey BBQ or creamy pepper. If you prefer grilled onions to raw onions, that is also an option at both places. But if the In-N-Out Burger signature sauce is what you have a hankering for, you will be best served with an In-N-Out Burger.

Whataburger fries, with a cameo appearance by onion rings.

I'm ok with In-N-Out Burger fries, though I know some folks that are not fans of them. The Whataburger fries were very good. Cooked nice and crispy and more substantial in size than In-N-Out Burger fries, they also tasted very fresh. I'd have to give a slight nod overall to Whataburger in the fries department. The onion rings were ok to me but were not a standout.

Would I be happy to have a Whataburger in the Conejo Valley? Absolutely! As much as I enjoy In-N-Out Burger along with everyone else, I think Whataburger offers a fresh, delicious product that would do well here in Southern California.

Are there plans for Whataburger to expand to Ventura County, California? Not that I am aware of. But I would certainly welcome, now that I have tried it! Will I continue to be an In-N-Out Burger fan? Is the sky blue?

*Back in the 1970s until the mid 1980s, there were a number of Whatburgers in California, including locations in Thousand Oaks (400 Thousand Oaks Blvd - where Cho Cho San resides today), Oxnard (155 S. Oxnard Blvd - where A-Burger is today), 2250 East Main Street, Ventura (now Taco Bell), 1579 East Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley (now Jack in the Box) and 1650 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo (now Jack in the Box).