Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, an innovator in the upscale casual dining sector known for its from-scratch kitchens and community-focused philanthropy, will be setting down roots in Oxnard with its Grand Opening at The Collection in Oxnard on Thursday, June 12th.

This will be the second outpost of the family-run restaurant in Ventura County, which also houses a sister restaurant at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks.

To commemorate its arrival in Oxnard, Lazy Dog will host a pre-opening fundraiser with proceeds from its invite-only mock-run events in the days leading up to the Grand Opening benefiting the Oxnard Scholars After School Program. The non-profit organization was founded to align with California's After School Education and Safety's (ASES) grant program to use after school programs to close the achievement gap by providing children with opportunities to develop skills, competency, and efficacy in an environment that values children and a love of learning. Through the programming at Oxnard Scholars, students are able to participate in after school activities that expand their regular learning day, including trips to UCLA, an Impression Art Gala Event and Family Math & Literacy Nights. The organization serves 17 elementary schools and 3 intermediate schools in the Oxnard School District, providing support to more than 2,000 children a day.

After the restaurant officially opens on Thursday, June 12th at 5 p.m., families, dog-owners and craft beer aficionados can enjoy an al fresco meal on the pooch-friendly patio, a brew at the bar during Happy Hour or a leisurely meal with friends. Executive Chef Gabe Caliendo's menu seamlessly blends modern, globally-inspired flavors with comforting and craveable classics. All dishes, from the Spicy Moroccan Chicken and Cous Cous to the restaurant's new summertime favorite Ceviche Tostadas to the soulful Baja California Burger and Black and Bleu Pizza are thoughtfully composed in Lazy Dog's from-scratch kitchen with fresh, whole ingredients.

For diners looking to lighten up for the warmer months ahead, Chef Caliendo's wholesome “Nutritious & Delicious” menu offers selections like the newly unveiled Chimichurri Mahi Mahi, Lemon Caper Pasta and Ahi Nicoise Salad that each clock in at 650 calories or less. Kids will also be at home with “The Puppy Dog Menu” with options including the signature Build-Your-Own Pizza and healthful snacks like Steamed Edamame and Sliced Apples to round out their meal. To finish on a sweet note, families and friends will delight in the restaurant's shareable desserts, including the insta-favorite homemade Butter Cake and Strawberry Cheesecake Jar - a perfect complement to the summer season.

On the weekends, locals can catch sporting events on one of the ­­­nine flat screen TVs outfitting the bar and patio, while enjoying brunch sweets and savories including the Wild Blueberry Pancakes & Maple Bacon Butter, and Country Chicken & Biscuit, thoughtfully composed with crispy fried chicken, scratch-made chicken sausage, two sunny side up eggs, and a housemade buttermilk biscuit. Daytime libations include Lazy Dog's housemade Hair of the Dog Bloody Mary and Sangria Samplers, along with Mimosas and Bellinis. 

Equal attention is paid to Lazy Dog's full beverage program that includes unique and approachable specialty cocktails like their Seasonal Peaches & Moonshine Mason Jar, "Straight Up Martinis" like the Cucumber & Mint, and "Clean Cocktails" that feature low calorie offerings made with all natural ingredients like the Coconut Mojito. A wide selection of craft beers including suds from local breweries Tap it Brewing in San Luis Obispo, Barrelworks in Buellton, Surf Brewery in Ventura, and Telegraph Brewing in Santa Barbara reflect Simms' and home-brewer Chef Caliendo's shared passion for craft beer. The restaurant's expansive bar will be equipped with 30 beers on tap, including a signature IPA, Hefeweizen and Pale Ale brewed in collaboration with LA favorite Golden Road Brewing, as well as approximately 20 hand-selected beers by the bottle. 

The design of the 7,833 square-foot restaurant, built from the ground-up to recall the aesthetic of the Rocky Mountains where the Simms spend part of every year, invites guests in with warm accents like cozy fireplaces and a chandelier crafted from Aspen logs. The generous use of real ledge stone, and fabric- and leather-lined booths and chairs featuring rich hues of chocolate and rust further accentuate the welcoming, lodge-like atmosphere that inspired the restaurant's founding in 2003.

The adjacent 2,147 square-foot patio offers ample seating and fire pits where dogs can cozy up with their owners and enjoy bites from a "Dog Menu" featuring wholesome brown rice and grilled chicken breast or hamburger.

The restaurant, which has generated 200 jobs for locals in the area, is located at 498 Town Center Drive, Oxnard at The Collection at RiverPark (you can't miss it...quite visible from the 101 Freeway!).

Hours will be 11 am – 12 am, Monday – Saturday and 10 am – 12 am on Sundays. Brunch will be available until 2 pm on weekends and Happy Hour will be from 3 pm – 6 pm, Monday – Friday and again from 9 pm until 12 am, Sunday – Thursday.  For locations and more information, visit www.lazydogrestaurants.com.