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HOTS: Heard On The Street

Apr 27, 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, reference materials, and some unverified street-talk, and tall tales from the Heart of Marin and surrounding hospitality finds. Enjoy. – Pat Townsley, Ringleader

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

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • TRAGEDY: Community continues to grieve after fatal car crash kills local Archie Williams High School teen girls > CLICK HERE
  • METERS DOWNTOWN > Get ready to Pay to Park as our small town vibe gets next-gen parking meters along downtown San Anselmo Avenue business district. In response to retail merchant pleas and subsequent unanimous vote by Town Council, 11 parking kiosk stations are being installed now, with parking space numbers coming. These new stations are the same “ParkMobile” kiosks like at the Ferry Terminal, downtown San Rafael, and Sausalito. To download the ParkMobile app > CLICK HERE. Better than individual parking meters at each stall, these two-hour limit solar and WiFi stations will take card, tap, and app payments (no cash). Annual “merchant” and “resident” stickers Do NOT work on these spots nor in lots like Magnolia or Pine streets. Free parking on town side streets have two and four hour limits, along with Sir Francis Drake Blvd. As always, please be respectful of our neighbors as you park on residential streets. CLICK HERE to see the Town’s Parking information. Downtown SA already had a long-standing 2 hour parking limit, however, there was little or no enforcement, so, there ya go. This isn’t a thing about “making money” at all (these things will likely never pay for themselves), it’s all about “turning spaces” in a commercial zone and business district. RELAX: There will be a “grace period” as this rolls out, where CMPA will not be ticketing, just leaving notices of the future enforcement. Next: Prepare for the loss of a few more downtown parking spots as new state laws requiring “daylighting” at intersections are implemented. To comply with state laws, this is 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
  • MURAL DISPLAYED TODAY: The student-created “Mural of Hope” on display in the front window of Creekside until Wednesday night. It will be donated to AWHS on Thursday. This 12 foot canvas mural was created this past weekend, a project provided by local artist Michael Feldman. A second project is in the works at Michael’s studio this week, allowing AWHS students to creatively and passionately express themselves and create a memorial piece in the wake of last week’s tragedy. Follow Michael on Instagram @MiFeldman for days and times.

  • Click to Vote

    BEST OF THE COUNTY 2025 poll in Marin Magazine is happening now. Vote for your favorite Marin County businesses and services. We’d love your vote for Best Pizza and for Best Taproom. Take a moment to support all of your favorite local, small, and family owned businesses here in San Anselmo and throughout Marin County > CLICK HERE TO VOTE

  • FUNDRAISERS abound right now, starting with the multi-fatal car crash of local teens: CLICK HERE, plus ..there is a lost dog fundraiser going on as the county searches for a lost Doodle (see Marin IJ 4/15/2025 front page, top of fold)…and   every school is doing a fundraiser including YES Foundation > CLICK HERE
  • SMALL BUSINESS MONTH > Shop local in San Anselmo. Many merchants will be giving away branded San Anselmo tote bags with your purchase, courtesy of the Town of San Anselmo.
  • NEW STORE DOWNTOWN > A new stationary store “Shorthand” will be opening their doors soon at 629 San Anselmo Avenue, promising goods “for the love of your desk.” Founded in 2008, this coming-soon retail outlet is a brick and mortar brand extension of their existing locations; tasteful cards, stationary, creative home office and art supplies. Follow them on Instagram @ShopShorthand and visit their website for portal into the future of the upcoming San Anselmo location CLICK HERE. Shorthand is looking to hire a store manager and retail sales reps: To find out more and apply online CLICK HERE. Other recent store openings include OKU Design and Marin Outdoor Company (see below); welcome to San Anselmo: GREAT additions to your downtown shopping experience. Not opening is Woods Beer (see below).
  • TEEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS > Confirmed for May 31st in Creek Park. 10 local teen bands competing for $1000 cash prize and a slot at Live on the Avenue. Susan Zelinsky aka Susan Z (Mountain Play, Winding Road, Urban Outlaws) will be this year’s Emcee; Nice! Mark your calendars for this great local event. Bands can apply now at the San Anselmo Rec website: CLICK HERE
  • BEATLES IN THE PARK > The 21st annual Fab 4 tribute show and arts fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th. Mark Your Calendars.
  • SIP & STROLL in San Anselmo has been approved for Saturday, May 10th. Tickets on sale in April for this downtown shop-to-shop strolling experience. Wine, appetizers, complimentary souvenir wine glass, art show, pre-Mother’s day event from 4 to 7PM. Always enjoyed. Mark your calendars for May 10, 2025: Sip & Stroll 2025 Tickets On Sale Now > CLICK HERE
  • DOCLANDS documentary film festival returns to San Rafael Film Center (CaFilm) April 30 to May 4th. Creekside will be catering VIP events. Tickets and More Info > CLICK HERE
  • BATTLE OF THE DAD BANDS is happening on June 7th in Larkspur. This debut show will feature vendors, brews, and many local bands plus a special headliner. More Info > CLICK HERE

NORTH BAY FOODIE & HOSPITALITY GOSSIP:

  • TAPPING OUT: Heard on the Street that Woods Beer Company has pulled the plug on their long-stalled San Anselmo brew/distillery/burger project, leaving the building (across from Creekside) a plywood-covered unfinished …project. Well, Shit.  It’s an expensive Mulligan and a tough vision to move forward without staring from scratch. Woods continues to operated their SF-based taprooms and Treasure Island brewery, but Marin…is out.
  • MASHING: 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.
  • FAIRFAX DELI 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.
  • DOMO ARIGATO: In addition to the raging success of Kuro Nami 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.
  • NEW BREWERY TAPROOM coming to downtown San Rafael in the location of the ill-fated “Libation” on B Street near California Gold. New tenants hope to get rolling late May in time for summer. Craft beer taproom and parklet. No brewing on site, and no food. In the meantime, there is fun to be had in downtown San Rafael at the Taproom Video Arcade: PIXELS on 4th Street; good selection of beers and a scorching case of PAC-MAN fever.
  • 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. Speaking of that, there is little news about Woods Beer progress.
  • MOYLAN’S Brewery is closing. Years after legendary early industry brewing in Larkspur with Marin Brewing Company (closed a few years ago), founder/brewer Brendan Moylan is rumored to be closing Moylan’s in Novato, 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!
  • 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 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 retooled 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 evil elements creeping 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 purses and bags, ebikes being stolen, packages lifted. “Harden Your Assets” by locking doors, increasing use of cameras and effective lighting, make your home and our community a “you’re not welcome” to easy target crimes. Consider taking a proactive approach to reducing your attack surface, making it harder for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities, aka, Wake up and CYA.

DEMOLITION DERBY: On Tuesday, April 8th, the Town of San Anselmo approved the demolition of the former Bank of America Building here in town (401 San Anselmo Ave). Hopefully this won’t turn into another stalled demo like Jack’s or Woods. Proposed is a 3 story residential and mixed-use commercial building with two ground floor retail units. Well, good luck with that. Check the plans yourself on “Agenda Item 6.A” of the Planning meeting: CLICK HERE

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) and join our newsletter here at Creekside, the Heart of Marin; local news, events, op-ed, witty banter. calendar, community stuff. 

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

NEW > 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 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 IRISH PUB in San Rafael at 925 4th Street (next to Joe’s) is now open. THE BURREN HOUSE does not disappoint. Named for the rock coast of Burren, Ireland, the space is a beautiful traditional Irish public house, with bar and all woodwork curated and shipped for this new venture. Good stuff. BH on IG: CLICK HERE (Posted 1/5/2025)

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: Bounces Back UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP (1/15/2025 update). After they announced their closure in early December, people heard they were closing and returned in mass for dining to say goodbye and give support (that would have been helpful all year),  Apparently the landlord had already helped find a buyer of the business months prior. So, after fleecing some staff and a lot of gossip confusion, Marinitas is open again under the same name with the New Operators of the two-location Ayawaka restaurants (Petaluma & Novato Peruvian focused locations). HOTS says they will continue the status quo menu and bar, and then 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 Pat Coll and his family and team on their continued adventures in hospitality outside of San Anselmo as they hand off the operations to the Ayawaka crew, or so we hear. For Marinitas Instagram: CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE for Ayawaka’s background.

DOWNTOWN VACANCIES: Dramatic rent increases by a single real estate investor has forced the uprooting and/or closure of Sugarfoot Books from their 50 year plus home (formerly known as Whyte’s Booksmith), Marinitas restaurant, as well as longtime established and locally owned TAM REALTY. Kira Swaim and her team remain dedicated to the community, clients, and excellence in Real Estate sales. Connect with Kira and TAM Realty online at TAMRealty.com (Posted 12/4/2024)

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 > Out of business without much notices, Red Hill area long-time Thai restaurant is permanently closed. New tenants will offer Breakfast and Lunch as “Pretti Platters.” Given the uphill battle of restaurant rehab and health department compliance, it will probably be late spring 2025 before Pretti Platters gets their go-ahead to operate.Update Feb 2025: Pretti Platters location has be issued a STOP WORK Red Tag (pink, really) by the Town for non compliant building upgrades. 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)