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HOTS: Heard On The Street

Aug 16, 2025

HOTS: Heard On The Street > Local gossip, facts, news, rumors, and red herring  The following posts are editorial comments with some links to resources, and reference materials, with unverified street-talk and tall tales from the Heart of Marin and surrounding hospitality finds. Enjoy.

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New Announcements, Foodie News, and HOTS. Ready? OK.. Here We Go:

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS & GOSSIP:

  • BACK TO SCHOOL here in Marin. Elementary schools start Tuesday and High Schools back on Wednesday the 20th. This means SLOW IT DOWN and watch for those who aren’t watching; e-bikes, pedestrians, distracted, oblivious.
  • SAN ANSELMO SHINES in MARIN as local businesses take the center stage in Marin Magazine’s 2025 BEST OF COUNTY > CLICK HERE
  • LIVE ON THE AVENUE returns with Free live bands in both Creek Park and Town Hall Plaza. Weekend Kids’ Zone, Street Party, and family friendly Good times. Coming: Pride & Joy, Traveling Wilburys Revue, and Super Diamond.  Free performance starting at 6PM! CLICK HERE
  • ON FIRE: Ross Valley Fire, Marin County Fire, and Central Marin Police Authority responded wicked-fast to an overnight residential fire on the evening of August 14th on Elm Avenue, quickly dousing a garage fire that started to burn the upstairs. Result: A LOT of first responders happy to use a midnight fire as a training exercise while stopping a potentially devastating home or neighborhood blaze. Firefighters also reported to be on the loose this week in Fairfax doing controlled hillside burns. Don’t Panic
  • HEART OF MARIN: Our most recent newsletter > CLICK HERE
  • MADCAP celebrates their 8th Anniversary. Congratulations Chef Ron & his team for making culinary history here in San Anselmo. LIKE/LOVE their anniversary Facebook Post: CLICK HERE
  • DOG PARK Fundraiser on August 24th at Pond Farm Brewing Company.
  • TAY TAY: New Taylor Swift album comes out on Oct 3rd entitle “The Life of a Showgirl at Creekside Pizza“
  • YOU’RE INVITED to a ONCE IN A LIFETIME CULINARY EVENT on MONDAY August 18th, an AMAZING line-up of pizza chef stars at Pizza Da Laura in Berkeley from 5pm to 8pm (This place is OFF THE CHARTS and an EASY hop over the bridge). This is a benefit for legendary pizza master John Arena (amongst many things, owner of Metro Pizza in Las Vegas where we shared a wonderful VIP meal with John last year). Benefiting the John Arena Foundation, which harnesses the power of pizza-making as therapy in supporting those with Parkinson’s Disease. Join us as attendees for this benefit. Seven incredible chefs in a once-in-a-lifetime culinary event including Laura Meyer (world champion pizza chef), Tony Gemignani (world’s #1 pizza chef), and Leah Scurto (owner PizzaLeah …#1 pizza restaurant in Sonoma Co., gaining global recognition as a top chef). FUNDRAISER: Ticket sale proceeds go to the fundraising effort. More info on IG: CLICK HERE and to purchase tickets: CLICK HERE …  and we will see you at Pizza da Laura on Monday! 
  • NEW LANE LANE for vehicles traveling on Center Blvd at the bus pad across from Andronico’s. New striping allows for two lanes of outbound traffic towards the hub intersection, relieving congestion a bit and reducing the “lane splitting’ that cars do to sneak into the bus lane, which they’ll still do anyway. the bus lane will require a 20″ clear setback from the crosswalk as well for “daylighting” safety laws, which the busses will ignore as well. TOWN: Make sure that Daylighting area is clearly marked at the Crosswalk so that busses don’t block the daylighting view. This is even more important now that TWO lanes of people won’t be paying attention to the crosswalk when busses block the flashing signal.
  • DRIVE-THRU FOR SALE as EDO GRILL on SFD (formerly a Jack in the Box at Red Hill) is listed with HL Commercial at $1.5M clams. That’s the building and the restaurant (which Edo Grill is still operating business as usual). The sale comes as-is and shows it is a “turnkey” business ready to operate,,, HOWEVER, any serious buyer will have to comply with County of Marin Environmental Health Services and bring anything out-of-code … in to code compliance, so “Turnkey” doesn’t always mean there won’t hurdles and additional TI to comply; you can bet on it. Check with EHS and Town of SA. An on-site pre-sale inspection by EHS is a MUST with any food establishment purchase. This EHS thing is a real stickler. ANY and ALL prospective food establishment buyers, sellers, property owners BEWARE. Any change of ownership triggers 100% compliance and upgrade, which triggers a cascade of other building issues and code enforcement. Budget for 2x Cost and 3x Time to open and 4x years off Your life expectancy. You’ve been warned. Good hunting. 
  • SOLD on the AVENUE: Small commercial building next to Creek Park bridge, former home of J-Architecture (now vacant) and ongoing (not moving and will continue daily) San Anselmo Gelato. This double unit commercial space is rumored to see a new retail space going in next to Gelato.
  • FREE KIDS’ PANCAKES: Hilda’s Coffee Shop is our local business spotlight. This family run iconic breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot has been serving generations of families since1960. Open daily at 7:30AM, Hilda’s is known for their legendary pancakes, scrambles, benedicts, their Tasty Delicious Burgers and… Right now, Hilda’s is offering a FREE… CLICK TO READ MORE
  • NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL OFFER as we welcome DIVINE SPA to San Anselmo, now open EVERY DAY (that sounds familiar) at 805 Sir Francis Drake, kind of across from Red Hill center next to All Autos in that “small mall,” SFD at Madrone Ave. This GREAT full service spa offers chair, table, hot stone, deep tissue, and full massage treatments in a well-appointed, clean, and welcoming interior setting; step inside and be transported to relaxation and wellness. Lily and her team are friendly and professional CMTs. They have introductory deals going on in August. Great deals noted in the image here for body and chair massages. Open daily from 9:3AM, drop-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated and recommended: Call (415) 200-2992
  • FRAMED: A new framing store has taken roost, transplanting from over 50 years in Larkspur, (with a couple other bay area shops as well. THE PAINTERS PLACE (apparently no apostrophe because the owner’s family name is actually “Painter”…so it’s a plural) has opened its doors at 380 San Anselmo Avenue (formerly “Collage” boutique across from the San Anselmo Inn. Looks like their doors are open. Time to dust off those prints, posters, and lithos and get them framed. Website still shows the Larkspur info, but they’ll get around to it. Larkspurians welcome. MORE INFO
  • CONTRACTOR EVENT: Our friends at Marin Color Service in San Rafael are hosting a PRO SHOW on Friday August 22nd rom 11AM to 1PM. Food, drinks, many paint and supply vendors and raffle for new airless sprayer. Add this to your punch-list. Marin Color has been a great partner for us at Creekside; our one and only supplier of all paints and commercial grade NSF flooring epoxy, and they’re just awesome people. MCS website: CLICK HERE
  • HAPPENING in SAN RAFAEL: Our friends at Pint Size Lounge are back to producing the West End Block Party. Free live music with some of our favorite bands (not to take away from San Anselmo’s awesome Live On the Avenue). Also noting the owners of Miracle Mile Cafe on Miracle Mile thanking the Town of San Anselmo for pushing their sales up by over 40% as people abandon San Anslemo in a backlash to SA’s paid parking. Also happening in San Rafael: Dining under the Lights continues on a somewhat confusing schedule > CLICK HERE . and West End Block Party > CLICK HERE
  • WHAT’S NEW IS OLD… AGAIN: Only 3 years after opening in SF, New Belgiam Brewing Company has folded. Everything at the brewery is going up for auction. Is this another example M&A overexpansion in the wrong market? Probably. Another example of Not To Big To Fail, New Belgiam is actually owned by an Australian conglomerate, “Lion,” …which is owned by Japanese monster (not Godzilla), Kiran. This stinks like when Sapporo took over SF’s legendary steam beer icon, Anchor Steam in Potrero/Goat Hill area of SF; a heartbreaking failure. In today’s world, a new brewery without heart, passion, a unique value proposition, and understanding of their market is doomed to fail, and right now, Craft Beer, while still popular, has kind of “jumped the shark” or is in our generation’s “maturity to aging/decline.” If you know “The Fourth Turning” or studied the Kondrativ Wave, generation and economic cycles are just that, cycles, roughly falling into an 80 year loop of FOUR 20-year cycles. Somewhat Fatalistic, but the cycles and patterns are there, even if we study history, it seems we are doomed to repeat it, and so it goes for trend in the food and beverage industry. We’ve seen the rises in craft cocktails give way to wine give way to shots, give way to Matilda Bay and Bartle’s & Jaymes’ wine coolers, to Red Bull and Rum, hard cider and hard kombucha, to micro and craft beers, to small batch distilleries, and right now, craft cocktails again are popular along with another seasonal (and sure-to-pass trend) for hard seltzer driven drinks. Oh, additional rumors hear that Santa Rosa’s Seismic Brewing Company will be folding their tent this year. They were one of our first on tap at Creekside. They have a few beverages in the tank and will sell that off. Well… Drink responsibly. So long, and thanks for all the pints. All of this has happened before, and it will all happen again.
  • FINAL SUMMER FAMILY FILM NIGHT in CREEK PARK. Totally Free. Saturday September 13 is “Music Night” with SCHOOL OF ROCK at 5:30PM and THAT THING YOU DO at 7:30PM. All movies are FREE of Charge. Low-back chairs, blankets, well behaved pets, and coolers welcome. Double Feature nights have “G” General Audience rating, and the second feature may be PG to PG-13. Parental discretion is advised. Come early for best seating. Large format digital projection with closed captioning provided. Sponsored by your town merchants and several generous local Live on the Avenue donors, and the Town of San Anselmo, Film Nights are presented by the CA FILM aka California Film Institute (producers The Mill Valley Film Festival). For more info on CA FILM > CLICK HERE
  • COCKTAILS & DREAMS as San Anselmo’s downtown sees a rise in “spirts” and hard alcohol. Cucina s|a was the first in this generation to get a full liquor license after their remodel and expansion; great classic cocktails expertly made, plus a robust wine list. Taco Jane’s was next, changing from a Type 41 beer and wine license to a Type 48: Full bar, specializing in Tequila and Mezcal and recently expanding to “all spirits” and several signature cocktails. Voyage opened this year with an international wine selection and a hipster vibe, complete with a pair of SL-1200 turntables. Recently, Voyage reconfigured their bar with two speed racks and a shiny new Type 48 license, boasting great mixology and craft cocktails. That’s Three; each unique in style, vibe, and specialties. Next, buckle up for a likely mid 2026 new restaurant and bar…
  • NEW RESTAURANT confirmed and underway at the former Kientz Hall space: Big project, big space, and big names behind this reboot have been tossed around… making for many rumors, speculation, and truly mouth-watering anticipation. This will be a true game changer in town; full bar, South Asian… (more info below)
  • THE MORE YOU KNOW: Restaurant industry job growth has screeched to a halt over the last two months, as the number of people leaving their jobs has risen, offsetting hiring activity. Food, transportation, and labor costs continue rise month over month – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Restaurants are taking a hit as consumers go out less, and spend less at each visit per person while all operational expenses continue to increase.
  • VENTI IS BETTER? Going bigger at Safeway at Red Hill Shopping Center, Starbucks has completed their new full service coffee bar to the center entry at Safeway at Red Hill, moving it from their dinky little wall corner next to the sushi counter. I guess the shrimp tempura latte wasn’t a favorite.
  • PUT A LID ON IT: A somewhat ridiculous new law is in effect for bars and restaurants with a full liquor license (Type 48). Anyone with this “full bar” license must be able to provide guests with a Drug Detection Kit, and provide a lid for any drink upon customer request. I guess this is to reduce slipping a Mickey, Roofie, or Spanish Fly in your Brass Monkey. Your tax dollars at work for you. State Assembly Bill AB-2375 > CLICK HERE
  • CLOSED and AVAILABLE >  “Crepevine” and “Casabel” in San Rafael has served their last crepe and shot (more info below)
  • LIVE ON THE AVENUE is made possible thanks to spotlight sponsors REDWOOD CREDIT UNION for throwing $25,000 into the kitty to make Live On The Avenue happen this season; Bank local with your north bay Credit Union, now located here at Red Hill Shopping Center next to THE HUB restaurant (in the old Chase Bank space). Live on the Avenue continues every weekend > CLICK HERE
  • COMMUNITY PARADE returns on Saturday, September 20th with rumors of the return of the official Star Wars 501st Garrison and.. potentially YOU. Want to be in the parade? The Town Parade is open to having Schools, Sports Teams, Cultural Groups, and Community Organizations. We didn’t see “Local Businesses” listed, but they’re likely able to participate. It’s a short and fun parade from the Pine Street Parking Lot to Creekside starting at 4PM, Saturday, September 20th, followed immediately by our second to last night of Live On The Avenue street party, plus live music at Town Hall and a very special Comedy Night in Creek Park featuring Johnny Steele, Michael Prichard, and friends. For more Parade info and how to participate > CLICK HERE
  • FANTASTIC VOYAGE, the corner spot swank wine and craft-snack bar (500 San Anselmo Ave) is now serving a full bar with exceptional craft cocktail, brews, international wines, and expanded food menu. Voyage, now “Bar Voyage” and kitchen partner “Sam’s Sonoran Menu” …is crushing it on the corner. A new must-experience here in San Anselmo. More info > CLICK HERE
  • A+: GOING GREEN-ER as the Town of San Anselmo nears completion of a solar system in the Magnolia parking lot. PLUS: Rebates and incentives to the Town to do this in a lot that already features e-vehicle charging stations and provides temp power to Town hall in the next emergency. MINUS: Some temporary loss of use of the lot while the project is under construction, and given today’s storage capacity v demand, this will in no way eliminate the need for the existing emergency generator, which is used only in extreme crisis situations. Town of San Anselmo: Looking forward, embracing green alternatives, emergency prepared to serve the community. A+
  • F-: RANT > SPUN-OUT: Paid parking is here in downtown San Anselmo. Yeah. For a map > CLICK HERE …and depending on who is “spinning” this as a “good thing” and that the Chamber, EDC, and ALL the merchants were behind this plan, endorsing it shoulder-to-shoulder, well, that is NOT the case. Only a small handful of vocal merchants wanted this. But, in the many months of public Town Hall meetings and hearings on this issue, nobody got up to effectively oppose the few advocates for paid parking, and the Town Council, which if passed promised to bring full time enforcement as well to ensure the “turning” of parking spaces; a ridiculous expectation versus the unrecoverable investment of taxpayer money into this trainwreck. Businesses are suffering. It’s also in no way supportive of an “Age Friendly” community. Small town charm: Gone. So, you get the government you vote for. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller ...and if you don’t pay attention and get involved, you pay, as in this case: $1.50 an hour. Got issues? Talk to the Town; write, call, email each of the town council members, town manager, and public works to vent your rage. Creekside and the majority of downtown business owners are crying: It is NOT our fault (with the exception of not aggressively opposing this program during the due diligence and hearings). We feel your pain, every day. Please come back to shop and dine in San Anselmo. Note that there are no parking fees after 6PM and never on Sundays or Holidays. Let’s make every day a holiday here in San Anselmo.
  • PRIOR PROPER PLANNING: We’ve been “lucky” the past few seasons here in Marin: No floods, no fires, …but vegetation is high and the weather is turning dry. Town of San Anselmo Public Works has been out in force, cutting down and cutting back weeds, shrubs, trees, and median work. In an emergency, what’s you’re family Exit Strategy? It already takes 15 minutes to get out of San Anselmo…if Ross Valley burns, there’s no way out. MCFD and RVFD Fire Prevention teams will be again addressing residential opportunities to “Harden Your Home” against fire. Ross Valley Fire Department has resources to help you create that Defensible Space to protect your home, family, and neighborhood. Get your “Go Bags” for family and pets, and get a plan. When would Now be a good time? CLICK HERE
  • TEAR DOWN THE WALL .. and… that’s a big fat NO: Creek Park Plaza will remain “fenced off” as “unsafe” by the County of Marin, unusable and blighty. Rumors on the avenue and on Facebook sites of being able to use the “Plaza” (aka Building Bridge 2 aka BB2 aka Creekside Commons) and opening to the public were only wishful thinking. The County of Marin holds the key. This is NOT a “Town of San Anselmo” public works or planning FUBAR.. this 100% falls on The County of Marin. Got issues? Talk to them. “You Give ’em Hell” – Hangman, Top Gun Maverick
  • HAPPENING > Daylighting Crosswalks: You may or may not notice the loss of a few more downtown parking spots locally and statewide as new state laws requiring “daylighting” at intersections are implemented. To comply with California State Assembly Bill 413, this is way out of the Town’s control; they must comply. In short, “daylighting” intersections at crosswalks means eliminating parking spaces and loading zones where a vehicle can block the line-of-sight between pedestrians and moving vehicles. In the daylight of recent events and people blowing through intersections, this makes sense, but losing parking is always the rub. In the meantime, paid parking is here, and SLOW IT DOWN: school opens soon and this community cannot live through another crisis. Visit the Town’s website for more information on parking, projects, and daylighting > CLICK HERE and for a video from an LA station describing Daylighting > CLICK HERE
  • NOT TOO BIG TO FAIL: Spirits/Beverage giant RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company), who grew pretty fast the past few years, buying well-established companies like Young’s Distributing… and now RNDC is closing. This company is a monster, with massive distribution centers and inventory. Many brands (like Korbel) have already jumped ship and found new channels. We’ll take a stab at it and guess that they were way too “top heavy” in management, that smaller localized/regional distributors are more nimble, and that the overall niche of “alcohol” may be in a declining trend in a more health-conscious lifestyles, Each one of these factors by itself along with regional and interstate regulations likely added up to the meltdown. At Creekside, we only used RNDC for a few select California wines (we just stocked up on a few of our faves). DNDC didn’t distribute beer, so Don’t Panic.

NORTH BAY FOODIE & HOSPITALITY RUMORS & UPDATES:

  • RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY in San Rafael: In an overnight closure, the once popular “Crepevine” and sister space “Casabel” vacated under cover of darkness, leaving a turnkey downtown 4th Street San Rafael location prime for a fresh concept. This place (we just did a walk thru with the owner)…has more than meets the eye. Owner is willing to lease either half, but a smooth operator would take both and find a three-legged approach to success in this space. As with any restaurant, Only serious and well financed parties should inquire. This is NOT an industry for under-capitalized dreamers. This is a well crafted turnkey space (noting it will require EHS, City, Fire, and ABC approvals).. where “Turnkey” does NOT EVER mean “overnight.” Contact brokers at Keystone RE Advisors (John 415.235-8115 or Grey 415-728-7036).
  • THE BEST AT SFO: Our friend, teacher, and mentor Tony Gemignani is opening SLICE HOUSE by Tony Gemignani at SFO. In addition to breakneck growth of his Slice House restaurants through franchising, Tony remains Hand On in the restaurants (including his original Tony’s Pizza Napolitana and Capo’s in SF and Pizza Rock in Vegas), creating new award-winning and industry leading pizzas and dishes to “wow” guests. Without Tony Gemignani, there would absolutely be NO Creekside Pizza. Tony and Laura Meyer (now of her own awesome shop Pizza da Laura in Berkeley) trained us in the recipes, the science, the process, and the passion of pizza, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
  • WINERY CLOSES: Marin’s award winning MANTRA WINES has close.
  • NEW RESTAURANT rumored confirmed to be going into the former Kientz Hall space with a Vietnamese cuisine (heard to be operated by big league San Francisco investors/restaurateurs). Not to spoil their entry into town, but names from operators of Beetlenut and Slanted Door have been heard on the street to be involved.. we’ll see. . Full liquor license and a true “destination” Asian-fusion experience with veteran SF operators taking this on. We know this team by reputation; they crush! Very exciting news for foodies and a solid group taking on a big space. Rumors also hint to a late fall (very late) opening. That’s a lot of leg work to open before year-end. Go Gett’m, boys. A real game-changer here in SA. VERY EXCITING. Buckle up.
  • FAREWELL DG CAFE, Welcome a NEW DELI:  In a recent post by owner DG Cafe owner, Chef Clive Nisse, his beloved cafe is coming to an end. Named “DG Cafe” as a loving tribute to his daughter’s ability to Defy Gravity, Clive and his family are changing course for a new direction. We all wish Clive and his family the best on their new adventures, and a mighty THANK YOU for your passion and contribution to our community the many past years. Rumors on the street that Clive has has sold his operation to another Marin-based delicatessen operator. Given the challenges of doing anything food related in Marin (lots of rules, restrictions, oversight, compliance, fees, ordinances, multiple agencies et al) we should look to way-late fall for this alleged project to take flight. Thanks Clive. Godspeed.

  • Marin Joe’s: Classic mesquite wood grill.

    CLOSED FOR REOPENING: Marin Joe’s had to shut down due to an ownership change. When a business changes hands, it must be brought into “today’s” operational code compliance with the Environmental Health Services. Marin Joe’s, legendary decades of dining (lunch, dinner, cocktails, and one hell of a meat locker) survived COVID, but not the County of Marin. Joe’s is hopeful they will reopen soon, but the reality is… like any transfer, remodel, new, or reboot of a restaurant space… this is going to be an endurance test for any restaurant group. Good luck, boys: keep the flatiron steaks, meat raviolis, and your dedicated veteran staff on the grill and on the floor.

  • JUST NOTING the AMAZING work “Iron Chef” Ron Siegel has done here to the culinary scene of the bay area. With a Star-studded Michelin rating year over year, Ron and his team never miss a beat. The food and experience is absolutely stunning. Madcap Marin, a true San Anselmo shining star. Check out the pix and review on Michelin > CLICK HERE
  • FLOODED > Rumors of Mill Valley’s Floodwater restaurant closing and making way for the popular and expanding Richmond brewery East Brother Beer to take that space over in the fall. Trivia: Creekside’s development “working title” was Flood Zone Pizza during planning phase in 2016. Like the Blue Harvest of Star Wars, we changed the name to Episode IV, A New Hope before we opened. The power brokers designing Floodwater at about the same time said that Flood Zone was a dumb name. Not wrong. 

OLDER NEWS:

  • CLOSED FOR REOPENING: Marin Joe’s had to shut down due to (more info below)
  • MOVED: Aesthetic Pearl has moved a few doors down to 552 SA Ave with a very nicely appointed new space and treatment experience (located) next to OCN Culture. Visit Aesthetic Pearl > CLICK HERE
  • NOW OPEN: “Shorthand” now serving our town on San Anselmo Avenue; A cozy small chain brand of boutique shops. Cards, home office goods, arts and supplies “for the love of your desk” > CLICK HERE
  • MILL VALLEY RESTAURANT “Floodwater” to become an East Bay Taproom (more info below).
  • EVENTS: Here’s a great site to find local “family focused” events across the bay area: Ronnie’s Awesome List > CLICK HERE
  • WHAT’S THE STORY? The downtown Bank of America building has Story Poles on the roof; Story poles (2x4s and yellow tape) tell “the roofline story” of the new proposed footprint, height, and/or envelope of the proposed new building or remodel. The story? May 27th Town Council Meeting heard an appeal by the building owners and approved the demo the entire site, grading, and a complete new mixed use commercial building (residential and commercial/retail). Have fun storming the castle.
  • DEMO DAYS at the old Jack’s Pharmacy location on Tunstead. Word that a French restaurant will be going in there. As usual, we wish them the best …in 2028.GOTT A LOT GOING ON AT THE MOMENT: Gott’s Roadside rumored to expanding to Santa Monica after success in opening at SF Ferry Building.
  • NEW SANTA ROSA TAPROOM: Cooperage has opened a (sounds awesome) new taproom in Santa Rosa, near the recently departed Civilization taproom.
  • GOT QUARTERS? There is fun to be had in downtown San Rafael at the Video Arcade & Taproom, PIXELS on 4th Street. Classic arcade games, pinball, and dozens of beers on tap with with scan of a wristband. Great selection of beers craft beers and a scorching case of PAC-MAN fever. Pixels > READY PLAYER ONELARKSPUR RESTAURANT Don Antonio’s (next to D.J. Cuisine and kind of across from Picco) closed a few months back. Rumor has it that an SF restaurateur (behind the now closed “Berber” Moroccan cabaret) has taken the lease, applied for liquor license, and signs in window indicate a November 2025 grand opening.DOMO ARIGATO: In addition to the raging success of Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen here in SA, Petaluma’s “Paradise Sushi” opened earlier this year in the old Sushi To Dai for location on 4th Street in San Rafael, and now, former Dai chef traveled a mile down the road and took over Taqueria Cancun turning it into Maru Jun, now open. Congratulations BTW to Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen for their wins in the 2025 Marin IJ “Best New Restaurant in Marin County.”
  • THE PARTY EXPANDS in Sonoma County as the popular Petaluma “Brewsters” takes over the lagoon setting brewery site the old Bear Republic in Rohnert Park. Bold move. Party On.
  • MANTRA WINES in downtown Novato is closing its doors after 25 years and winner of best Wine/Winery in Marin County. Here’s you chance to open a fully operational wine bar and production facility. The business will be going on the market, if it isn’t already. Do you homework and make some wine. CLICK HERE
  • OLD JACK’S PHARMACY building may be finally getting some new life. Word on the street is a French restaurant concept may be going in there. That, however, is a long, expensive haul; that building looks like a shoot location from Blackhawk Down or Saving Private Ryan,
  • MOYLAN’S Brewery is closed. Years after legendary early industry brewing in Larkspur with Marin Brewing Company (closed a few years ago), founder/brewer Brendan Moylan, selling the building, tanks, lock, stock, and barrels in April. Possible asset action as they fleece the gear for new tenant putting a French bakery in that space.
  • GUESTHOUSE restauranteurs (Kentfield) have closed their Petaluma “Easy Rider” and just opened “MIJO” in Corte Madera, in the former Savannah Grill (now we’re dating ourselves), Izzy’s, something else…ah, Brick and Bottle, and lastly Mosley’s (via Tamalpie group). Mijo (meaning “son” or male child) with a Spanish theme.. I’ll guess great full bar menu and tapas et al, this will quickly become a Marin must-go-to. Open now. Disfrutar! The owners are looking for your “likes” and endorsements on NextDoor.com as a “Neighborhood Favorite” if you roost on that site.
  • MARIN JOE’S (Corte Madera) has been sold, under cover of darkness; property and business, but it sounds like it will be business as usual for now, keeping the classic staff, Ralph as GM, and the food we know and love. Their meat locker is arguably the best in Marin: try their Flatiron steak, usually on their specials board. WHOOPS: 8/2025 update .. now closed indefinitely for remodel. 
  • WHIPPERSNAPPER in San Rafael closed and a new Pizza place is going in there (in addition to Another pizza place on 4th Street where Iron Springs attempted a taproom) plus The Hot Italian. Whippersnapper space will require a kitchen upgrade and that means delays in opening due to the time consuming processes and approvals and inspections by the Health Department. WHOOPS. 8/2025 Update – This is now a total gut job as Giorgios Pizza posts a liquor license, but the entire building needs to be brought to Health Department code, so… call it 8 months and $250k.
  • EDUARDO’S beloved soup and sandwich place on the frontage road in Terra Linda is rumored to be retooling with a new operator. Eduardo’s closed over a year ago. WHOOPS: 8/2025 Update – They still haven’t opened.
  • BURREN HOUSE (new Irish pub on 4th next to San Rafael Joe’s...see below for more) is taking over the ruins of the Phoenix nightclub, so if they put as much thought and funds into that space “Burren Live,” downtown San Rafael is looking at a revival of entertainment not seen since we left New George’s in 1996.
  • SQUARED: DETROIT PIZZA & BOBA is NOW OPEN in Bon Air shopping center. We’re hard pressed to think of anyone doing Detroit Style pizzas in Marin. Two new pizzerias going in on 4th Street in San Rafael as well.

HEARD ON THE STREET:

HARDEN YOUR ASSETS > A clear and present cautionary tale of caution crept into our corner of the world: windows smashed and bikes stolen from Sunshine Bicycles in Fairfax, a car stolen in Kentfield is torched near Fairfax Lumber, clothing stolen from racks from clothing stores in San Anselmo, businesses being “cased” by … shoppers who distract the clerk while an accomplice sneaks into the back room and steals all the employee’s handbags, ebikes being stolen, packages lifted. “Harden Your Assets” by locking doors, increasing use of cameras, effective lighting, and presence.

TEAR DOWN THE BRIDGE: On Tuesday, April 15th, the County of Marin hosted another “nothing new” meeting/discussion at Town Hall regarding the demolition of Building Bridge 2 (fenced-off “plaza” next to Creekside), a  would-be flood control project (PS: water always wins) that has become a “watch out for that glacier” type of race to nowhere. Most reminiscent of the Vogons destroying planet Earth in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, at least the County is “listening” and engaging the public. Stay in the know, vote, participate, and be heard. Follow the San Anslemo Town Manager’s newsletter (a weekly update > CLICK HERE)

NOW OPEN > MARIN OUTDOOR TRADING COMPANY Soft opened March 18: An obviously-named business…they have a nice selection of “get outdoors and hike” gear, just in time for spring. Check’em out at 570 San Anselmo Avenue near San Anselmo Gelato. More info below. MOTC Info & Mailing List: > CLICK HERE

NOW OPEN > OKU DESIGN is now open…and it’s Sustainable Clothing and Home Design. 615 San Anselmo Ave > CLICK HERE

SAN ANSELMO SHINES in the Marin Independent Journal’s “Best of Marin” Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 with a well over a dozen Winner recognitions and many more Honor Awards. To see all the 2025 winners, CLICK HERE! Thank you for supporting local businesses and Congratulations to everyone who all the winners throughout the county and here in the Heart of Marin. The Readers’ Choice nominations were held in the fall of 2024 and announced in print and HERE ONLINE on February 23rd, 2025. Well done San Anselmo. Many wins for restaurants and businesses.

LIVE ON THE AVENUE is scheduled to begin on JUNE 20th with weekend entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Subscribe to Creekside’s Heart of Marin newsletter for updates: CLICK HERE

RETURN OF THE BATTLE OF THE TEEN BANDS: After it’s debut year in Creek Park, the Town of San Anselmo Rec department will be announcing the 2025 Marin County Teen Battle of the Bands for Saturday, May 31st (NEW DATE). This was, by far, one of the greatest events in our town, with 10 teen bands from multiple schools, performing three songs of their choice, to be performed in 12 minutes, with a 4 minute set change between bands. Local celebrity judges included members of Huey Lewis and the News, Heart, and legendary rock columnist Paul Liberator. Registration/submission for local teen bands will be announced and handled by SA Rec in February 2025. Rock on.

PROPOSED TARIFFS ARE IMPACTING food costs already. We’re seeing lifts in pricing as supplies and wholesalers prepare for increased costs from products outside of the US, which impacts US products as well. Everyone wants to be market fresh, local, farm to table, organic… but the reality is that many supplies that support these ideals come from outside of our borders; boxes, bags, plates, spices, oils, kitchen-wares, packaging, fruits and vegetables, meats… then to the workers who pick the fruits, the handlers who transport goods, the drivers, pilots, quality control, sorting, packing, weighing, distribution, warehousing, sales, marketing, fuel, delivery… from “farm to table” for each ingredient has a very long supply chain.. so costs are going up in reaction, and if/when Tariffs take hold, we may see shortages, and shortages mean “supply and demand” costs will spike, especially on produce where a Lot comes from outside of our borders in the food industry overall. We are all interconnected, interdependent …no matter how “independent” one thinks we are. Take the impact of Tariffs, and compound that with an increased minimum wage, and we will see exponential costs from grocery stores to restaurants. This is going to hit across the board, and we’re seeing the costs rise already. This means “disposable income” will be more selective and less frequent. It’s simple Econ 101. Thank you for not freaking out, roasting and ranting on social media when your favorite restaurants, bars, takeout, and services start raising prices to stay in business, and Thank You for supporting local and family owned businesses in your town, and our town, San Anselmo, The Heart of Marin. (Posted 2/3/2025)

CAFE IN THE WORKS on Greenfield Avenue at the former “Java Hub” which was once a Taco Bell many many years ago..  next to Kris Kelson’s State Farm office. The “Leased” sign on the building for the past year is apparently reserved for the forthcoming “Cafe Reveille” … a group that has several locations in SF and one in Berkeley; bowls, burgers, salads, falafel, smoothies, juices, and coffee.  Unknown status as to when anything will get rolling in their Greenfield Ave location, but that’s what we hear on the street. More on them: CLICK HERE (Posted 1/10/2025)

NEW > BUBBALA’S JEWISH DELI: Now in full swing after a November soft opening, Bubbala’s Deli is serving up tradition Jewish deli classics every day. Located at Red Hill Shopping Center in the former Vine’s and “Jillie’s Wine Bar” near Pete’s Coffee, pastries, sandwiches (corned beef, brisket, pastrami, turkey, chicken) et al, are crowd pleasers. These guys had a long haul getting open, so give them a try. Visit their website CLICK HERE and follow them on Instagram CLICK HERE (Posted 12/22/2024)

WELCOME REDWOOD CREDIT UNION: New at Red Hill in the former Chase Bank, former Union Bank location, is now Redwood CU, offering full service banking and eliminating the nightmare of parking and lines at their Montecito location. Full service banking, loans, auto, etc. RCU is known for their community programs and member services > CLICK HERE (Posted 12/20/2024)

KIENTZ HALL CLOSES:  They say Tragedies come in threes, so hopefully this is the end of bad news here in town as KIENTZ HALL announces their closure here in San Anselmo. Our only Rooftop restaurant, Kientz Hall opened and won Best New Restaurant in Marin, plus several other awards in their time here on the avenue. A fairly massive space no doubt comes with a massive rent and extensive staffing to cover the building. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the operators of Kientz Hall, Marc and Linda, who put their lives and money on the line, and to the staff of KH and their families… we wish you all the best. Thank you for your service and vision to our community. Godspeed. Small family-owned businesses are the heart of small towns, driving economy and are the backbone of the local charm. Thank you for shopping and dining in your community. (Posted 12/19/2024)

NEW FULL BAR PROGRAM: Taco Jane’s has recently upped their game in the local beverage scene. Now in their 27th year here in San Anselmo and a passion for exquisite tequilas and premium mezcal, TJ owner Matteo has loaded the back-bar with a full range of spirits and is rumored to be making new recipes for Mai Tais, Caipirinhas, Mojitos, plus classic vodka, rum, and gin cocktails. Look for the expansion of Taco Jane’s full bar menu now and in the weeks to come. They also have buckets of Margaritas to go. Visit Taco Jane’s on Tamalpais across from Creekside. To visit Taco Jane’s CLICK HERE (Posted 12/17/2024)

MARINITAS is open under the same name with the New Operators of the two-location Avawaka restaurants (Petaluma & Novato Peruvian focused locations). Apparently they will continue the status quo menu and bar, and then may begin to offer more of their other successful Peruvian fair, which make sense and will set them apart with a proven model. Our best wishes to Marinitas founder Pat Coll and his family and team on their continued adventures in hospitality outside of San Anselmo.

FOODIE ALERT: In 2025, Leanne Battelle, food critic and columnist for the Marin IJ, will be launching a Marin-based Food and Restaurant website named after her popular foodie Instagram site, THE REAL DEAL MARIN (on Instagram @TheRealDealMarin). Website subscribers/members will be updated on new restaurants, menu items, and receive offers for select discounts and insider events. Follow on Instagram (CLICK HERE) and become an early subscriber for the pre-launch of The Real Deal Marin restaurant guide website: CLICK HERE (Posted 12/3/2024)

AURYN THAI RESTAURANT CLOSES > Red Hill area long-time Thai restaurant is permanently closed. New tenants will offer Breakfast and Lunch as “Pretti Platters.” Subsequently, the location has be issued a STOP WORK Red Tag (pink, really) by the Town for non-permitted work. Their next hurdle will be the County Health Department. Our prayers are with you. (Posted 12/1/2024)

FAIRFAX BREWING COMPANY: Off and running to a good start with a solid grip on the local community, a humble approach, and open doors, Fairfax Brew Co is cranking out the brews in the former location of the Ross Valley Brewing Company turned Iron Springs Brewing, stumbling as HenHouse Brewing West County Pub… and now back to basic with local branding by Alex Strickner and partners… also owners of the Flatiron and the State Room in San Rafael. Good vibe, good food, on-premise craft beers. Now on tap at Creekside as well, but visit Fairfax Brewing Company: CLICK HERE (11/20/2024)

KAMPAI! Check out San Anselmo’s newest restaurant (and surely to be award winning) KURO NAMI Japanese Kitchen in the former Sushi 69 space. Freshest fish, gyoza, rolls, soup, and sake at this beautiful space created by The Baan Thai’s Jackie Wave. Master sushi chefs Nina Simma and Yenni Soberanis are the twin driving forces behind excellent presentation, flavors, and classic Japanese fair in an upscale setting. To visit Kuro Nami CLICK HERE (Posted 11/5/2024)