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HOTS: Heard On The Street

Jun 7, 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:

  • HEART OF MARIN: Our most recent newsletter > CLICK HERE
  • PAID PARKING coming to San Anselmo. Yeah. Scroll down a bit for details or for map > CLICK HERE
  • NEW RESTAURANT rumored to be going into the former Kientz Hall space (more info below)
  • NOW OPEN: “Shorthand” opened 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
  • TEEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS … was an absolute kick-ass production this past Saturday. Emcee Susan Zelinsky and a panel of celebrity legendary musical judges plus a crowd of a thousand were treated to the finest new upcoming talent in the North Bay, all competing for the $1000 grand prize and a slot at Live on the Avenue
  • COMMUNITY PAGE.. because we don’t have enough to do, Creekside will be starting a  new… “community help” page. This might blow up in our faces, but in recent weeks, we have had so many people asking us to help them with awareness, lost dogs, to GoFundMes… from official requests for support from County of Marin HHS, to children with cancer, to “please help find our lost dog”… we are building a community resource landing page called UPSIDE (named from a recent anonymous neighborly Thank You card to Creekside for being… nice). Anyway. we’ll try to keep you Uplifted, Upright, and on the Up and Up with Creekside’s UPSIDE.
  • LIVE ON THE AVENUE Summer Concert Series books Pride & Joy, Lavay Smith, Wonder Bread 5 and Super Diamond as top headliners, plus 3 family movies nights and San Anselmo’s first ever Comedy Day in Creek Park. Countdown to Fun! Opening night is FRIDAY JUNE 20th. Entertainment Schedule > CLICK HERE
  • CLOSED: Women’s boutique “Collage” on SA Ave closed last week. Plastic up on windows indicates a new tenant is getting a new coat of paint for a new retail space; tenant unknown.
  • WHAT’S THE STORY? The downtown Bank of America building has Story Poles on the roof; Story poles (2x4s and yellow tape) tell the story of the new proposed footprint 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.
  • NEXT > Daylighting Crosswalks: Prepare for 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. Creekside is advocating for flashing LED stop signs and additional “ALL WAY” reflective signage at SA Ave and Tamalpais (like the Stop signs in front of Marin Academy on Mission Ave in San Rafael), as “California Stops” and rolling through intersections, and bikes simply blowing past “limit lines” and crosswalks continue. In the meantime, paid parking is here, and SLOW IT DOWN. This community cannot live through another crisis. For a video (an LA story, but relevant) describing Daylighting > CLICK HERE
  • GOING GREEN-ER as the Town of San Anselmo installs a solar system in the Magnolia parking lot. Upside: 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. Downside: 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+
  • REAL ID deadline is here. Flying to San Anselmo International Airport? Gotta have an ID. For a short time, TSA may also allow Passports, Malibu Grand Prix drivers licenses, and Creekside Gift Cards.

  • Mill Creek Residential – Fairfax, CA

    THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD of soon-to-be formerly as “Funky Fairfax” as a proposed SEVEN story multi-residential 240 to 270 unit project is being fast-tracked to comply with government housing mandates. Located behind M&G’s.. aka School Street Plaza (where “Frog’s” spa was), bulldozers and large cranes will make way for a range of residents including low income and Section 8 families. Diverse, high density, inclusive, and knocks out all future state mandates with one giant box. Think… water demand, sewage, parking, and 240+ units with two cars each, infrastructure, roads, sanitation. Perfect. “Mill Creek Residential” (some locals already calling it Trump Tower) high density dwelling coming to your town soon. Congratulations. Don’t Look Up, the Vogon Constructor Fleet is on its way. Some project info > CLICK HERE

    • 243 new apartment homes, including 41 affordable units (new data suggests 270 units)
    • A mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units
    • 322 parking spaces located within the building
  • BEATLES IN THE PARK > The 21st annual Fab 4 tribute show and arts fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th. Mark Your Calendars. By popular demand, Joe Bagale and his Beatles cover band take the stage this year. This is the only show that is a paid event as the singular fundraising concert for the San Anselmo Arts Commission. Have fun and support local art. Tickets on Sale Now > CLICK HERE

NORTH BAY FOODIE & HOSPITALITY RUMORS & UPDATES:

  • NEW RESTAURANT rumored to be going into the former Kientz Hall space with a Vietnamese cuisine (heard to be operated by San Francisco investors/restaurateurs). We’ll take a guess that if this is true, then it will be a Vietnamese French style like the always tasty “Le Cheval” in Oakland or the former Le Maison at Town Center.  Additional rumors say it will be an Asian-fusion concept… plus Dim Sum, and that is a good play. Mentions of “Slanted Door” operators taking this on.Yum. Either way, that’s exciting news for foodies and a solid group taking on a big space.
  • VOYAGE, the corner spot swank hip wine bar (500 San Anselmo Ave) has applied for a FULL liquor license. This will be another game changer in San Anselmo. Word on the Street is that they are going to be pouring full-bar spirits by July. In the meantime, their wine and beer program is satisfying the hip in-the-know crowd.
  • 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.
  • WOODS BEER & WINE CO is Strong and still moving forward 100% with their plans and build out of their new San Anselmo location. Jim Woods has confirmed that they are still fully dedicated and proceeding. Visit their website to subscribe to their newsletter for exclusive updates to their new location here in town >CLICK HERE< and follow | Instagram | Facebook
  • ANOTHER ONE GONE: Petaluma/Santa Rosa brewery Civilization ends their run. They were on tap at Stonework Pizza & Tap, brewed in Petaluma, opened a taproom in Santa Rosa, and now, party over. Super nice guys. Hate to see them go.
  • NEW SANTA ROSA TAPROOM: Cooperage has opened a (sounds awesome) new taproom in Santa Rosa, near the recently departed Civilization taproom.
  • FREEWHEEL BREWERY TAPROOM coming to downtown San Rafael in the location of the ill-fated “Libation” on B Street near California Gold. New tenants (with a brewery in Redwood City and taproom in Fremont, now crossing one more bridge into Marin) will likely get rolling June in time for summer. Craft beer taproom and parklet. No brewing on site, and no food. Visit their website > CLICK HERE
  • 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 ONE
  • MASHED: HenHouse and Fort Point Brewing come together to move forward in an announcement on their Facebook page, HenHouse Brewing notes that Fort Point will be closing their Fort Point namesake location at the Presidio to brew with HenHouse. Be it distribution or brand, it’s an interesting play with two Bay Area powerhouses. See their Instagram post for more info > CLICK HERE
  • LARKSPUR 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.. well, that’s as far as the rumor got.
  • PERRY’S in Fairfax was sold in late 2023, remodeled, and became “Salt – N – Pepper Sandwich and Grill Deli” which is now transferring to a new owner. Unknown if they’ll keep the name of the late 80s pop rap trio. Speaking of Perry’s, another former Perry’s location (the one on Lincoln Ave in San Rafael between Golden Cream Donut and Sol Food) has reopened as “The Hot Italian,” a fast casual 3-location pizza concept.
  • 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.
  • WHIPPERSNAPPER in San Rafael closed and rumor says a new Pizza place is going in there (in addition to Another pizza place on 4th Street where Iron Springs attempted a taproom). 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 coming to Bon Air shopping center soon. While we will be launching some square pizzas in April at Creekside along with Chicago Tavern-style pizzas, 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)