Itala Bakery & Cafe Now Open at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

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Itala Bakery & Cafe recently opened on the 2nd floor of The Oaks mall, east side, next to Wetzel’s Pretzels and Macy’s Men’s & Home store (and just up the escalator from the Starbucks stand). Itala offers a variety of fresh pastries including 26 layer Crepe Cakes (Rainbow Strawberry, Chocolate, Coffee, Green Tea, Coconut, Mango, others), Cannoli, Lemon Bars, Lemon Tarts, Eclairs, Pecan Bars, Tiramisu, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Macaroons, Hawaiian Cake, Double Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Ganache, Cupcakes and more. Open daily.

Grand Opening of California Fish Grill Thousand Oaks is Monday, July 26, 2021

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At last! Today, California Fish Grill announced that the grand opening of its new location at Janss Marketplace (in east parking lot - next to Wingstop and Starbucks) will be Monday, July 26, 2021. More information at www.cafishgrill.com.

They announced VERY LIMITED pre-opening Friends and Family meal specific time slots 7/21-7/24. I suspect these will fill up very quickly. See www.eventbrite.com/e/california-fish-grill-thousand-oaks-friends-family-event-tickets-163081277491

Burlington at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks to Permanently Close on July 23, 2021

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Burlington at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks will be permanently closing its doors July 23rd.

Burlington Coat Factory (now just Burlington) opened at this 85,000 sq ft location in September 2010.

No word from Janss Marketplace about what’s next for this location. But I can tell you that MB2 Raceway has stated on its website since February that it will be relocating to Janss Marketplace. We shall see!

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Red Robin Thousand Oaks Permanently Closed

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For anyone holding out hope that Red Robin at The Oaks mall would re-open someday, I have confirmed with Red Robin that this location is permanently closed.

Other Ventura County Red Robin locations still open include Oxnard (The Collection at RiverPark), Ventura (Pacific View Mall) and Simi Valley (Simi Valley Town Center).

STACKED at The Oaks is still closed, though no official confirmation on if the closure will be permanent.

Pizza Rev appears to be permanently closed. But the good news is that Hot Dog on a Stick recently reopened.

Visit shoptheoaksmall.com for more information.

Maru Kitchen Now Open at the Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village

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Maru Kitchen has been open for a week or so at the Westlake Plaza, 2725 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. Previous occupants of this space have included Spireworks Modern Doner, Big Fish Poke and The Ice Cream Lab.

Maru serves Korean specialties like Kimchi Gumbo, Bibimbap, Kimchi Fried Rice, Korean Lettuce Wraps, Bulgogi, Galbi Tang Noodle and more. 805-371-4577

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The Waffle Experience Opens June 19th in Newbury Park

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UPDATE: 6/18/21: The Waffle Experience opens on Saturday, June 19th at 8am. Open until 3pm.

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May Update: Anticipated grand opening in mid-June.

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Looks like something new called The Waffle Experience is coming to Newbury Park in the former home of Billy Dz BBQ at 765 Wendy Drive, based on this sign on the front door. And confirmed as “coming soon” to Thousand Oaks on their website at thewaffleexperience.com/locations.

The Waffle Experience offers breakfast and lunch, with a menu that includes savory items, sandwiches, salads and of course all types of waffles. Existing locations in Sacramento, Folsom and Elk Grove. Sounds pretty good! More details at thewaffleexperience.com

Commander Jeremy Paris Appointed Police Chief for the City of Thousand Oaks

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The City of Thousand Oaks, in conjunction with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office (VCSO), announced today the appointment of Commander Jeremy Paris as Chief of Police for the City of Thousand Oaks. Outgoing Police Chief Jim Fryhoff has been reassigned to another Commander position within the organization. Thousand Oaks contracts for police services with VCSO, who, in consultation with the City, appoints a commander to lead the City's Police Department to work directly with local officials as a member of the City's executive team.

Commenting on the leadership transition, City Manager Andrew Powers said, "Building our history of law enforcement leaders committed to community-oriented policing, Commander Paris brings diverse experience, authenticity, and deep knowledge of our community that make him a natural fit. We're thrilled to have him join the City's executive leadership team and help to build upon our community's legacy of excellence in policing. We have a real appreciation for Jim’s years of service to Thousand Oaks and especially his efforts in helping us manage through this extremely difficult pandemic year. "

Commander Jeremy Paris is a 23-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Jeremy has worked on various assignments with the Sheriff's Office, including detention services, patrol, special enforcement, investigations, and crime prevention. He previously served as the Assistant Chief of Police in Camarillo, where he managed a $21 million budget, implemented the Intelligence-Led Policing model, and developed strategic plans to address crime, traffic and homelessness. He brings a strong commitment to robust community outreach and engagement in this new assignment.

“Commander Paris has the depth of experience, intellect, work ethic, dedication, and interpersonal skills essential to providing the excellent public safety services the citizens of Thousand Oaks expect and deserve." said Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub on Paris’ new assignment. On his appointment, Paris said, "I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Police for Thousand Oaks. I look forward to bringing my experience and perspective to the community and working to maintain and improve this wonderful place we all love and enjoy."

Nearly lifelong residents and Thousand Oaks High School graduates, Jeremy has been married to his wife, Dana, for 25 years, and they are raising their six children in Thousand Oaks. Jeremy received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Geography and obtained the Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Management Certificates in Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).

Crumbl Cookies is Coming Soon to The Shoppes at Westlake Village

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The Shoppes at Westlake Village has announced that Crumbl Cookies is “coming soon.”

It will be located in the former home of Bubbers Bowls (closed in October 2019) and Bowl of Heaven, directly across from Tifa Chocolate & Gelato.

Since opening its doors three years ago, Crumbl has expanded to over 200 bakeries in 32 states nationwide, making it the fastest-growing cookie company in the nation.

Each week, Crumbl’s menu rotates to offer 4 different specialty flavors, as well as their famous chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookies. As I type this, I see that the current week cookie flavors are Red Velvet White Chip, Banana Cream Pie, Ultimate Peanut Butter and Dirt Cake (a warm chocolate cookie coated in OREO crumbs, topped with rich chocolate frosting, crumbly chocolate streusel and a gummy worm).

Learn more at crumblcookies.com and stay tuned for the opening date.

shoppesatwestlakevillage.com/restaurant/1838/