Throwback Moment: Price-Costco Store Opened in Westlake Village in August 1996

Costco Westlake Village seen from the North Ranch Open Space

Let’s face it…the Westlake Village Costco is one of the most popular places to go in the Conejo Valley. Always teeming with shoppers and sample hunters, it seems the local community would be lost without this store.

Let’s go back in time to when it opened…

The store opened its doors as PriceCostco on Thursday, August 8, 1996 at 5700 Lindero Canyon Road. Price-Costco was formed in 1993 with the merger of Price Club (which opened its first location on July 12, 1976 in San Diego) and Costco (which opened its first warehouse in Seattle on September 15, 1983).

One of my guilty pleasures…the $1.50 Costco Hot Dog and Soda deal.

Who remembers PriceCostco? The merger between the two companies took place in 1993. Price Club was being pursued by Walmart to merge with the Sam’s Club warehouse store chain. Price opted to merge with Costco instead. And wallah…PriceCostco was created. At the time, there were 206 locations. As of August 2022, there are 838 Costco locations worldwide.

The prior management team from Price Club, the Price brothers, left the company in 1994 and in 1997, “Price” was dropped from the name and it became Costco.

According to a 1/4/96 VC Star article, PriceCostco purchased the 30 acre site at Lindero Canyon Road and Westlake Boulevard in Westlake Village for $9.3 million, with plans for a 136,000 sq ft Price Club.

Local residents were against the addition of the warehouse club to the community. City Council approved the project as it was allowed as part of a long-term commercial development agreement in place with owners of the property. However, the city stipulated approval was required for specifics like exterior color scheme, roofing materials in earth tone colors, etc.

Flashback to 2009: There were high hopes for a 2nd Conejo Valley Costco location in Newbury Park at the corner of Grande Vista Drive and Academy Drive. But according to a T.O. Acorn article on 1/29/09, Costco could not make the project economically feasible as it was “unable to finalize a lease for the site.”

It is clear that Costco prefers to own its land and buildings, not lease them. In Costco’s annual Form 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended August 29, 2021, fully 79% of its 815 warehouses around the world were owned; the remaining 19% were leased.

Lowe’s and LA Fitness were able to work a deal with owners of the property in Newbury Park and the City of Thousand Oaks Planning Commission approved the project to build locations there at a meeting on 12/13/10. Lowe’s Newbury Park opened on July 4, 2019.

New Eateries That Opened in 2022 and Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County as We Enter 2023

We’re at the end of 2022, just a week away from 2023. Here’s a compilation of the some of new local eateries that opened in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas in 2022 and eateries anticipated to be opening soon in the new year.

New Eateries That Opened in 2022

• The Stand Westlake Village opened on February 15th

• Rikugo Japanese BBQ opened in Newbury Park early in the year

• Two Doughs Pizza Company opened in Agoura Hills in February

• Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers in Calabasas opened in February

• Roast & Rice Asian Fusion opened in Westlake Village in February

• Hummus Lali opened at The Shoppes at Westlake Village in February

• Phil’s Restaurant Thousand Oaks opened in March

• Decker Kitchen moved to a new, larger location in Thousand Oaks in March

• Rhineland Deli relocated to new location in Thousand Oaks in April

• Ox Bone Ramen opened in Westlake Village in April

• Clean Juice Superfood Cafe in Agoura Hills opened in April

• Patron Mexican Bar & Grill Westlake Village opened in May

• Eureka Brewing Company opened in June at Janss Marketplace

• Mai Thai Kitchen opened in May in Newbury Park

• The Fisherman’s Wife Fish Market and Eatery Thousand Oaks opened in August

• The Cliffdiver Restaurant opened in Thousand Oaks in June

• Latitude 34 Restaurant opened in September at the Camarillo Premium Outlets

• Luau Grill Hawaiian BBQ & Poke opened in Newbury Park in July

• Crumbl Cookies Westlake Village and Oxnard in July

• Hikari Sushi opened at former Sushi Ai Westlake Village in October

• Philz Coffee Thousand Oaks opened in November and Calabasas in December

• Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Thousand Oaks opened in July

• Pick Up Stix Westlake Village moved to the Westlake Plaza

• Parma’s Pizzeria Agoura Hills opened September 14th

• Yunnan Restaurant Oak Park opened in mid-November (formerly Zen Garden)

• Vegan eatery Crossroads Kitchen opened in Oct at The Commons at Calabasas

• Rose’s Garden Bar opened at The Summit at Calabasas in November

• Pieology Pizzeria opened December 15 at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

• Currying Flavors opened at The Oaks mall food court

• Seabutter Sushi now open at The Promenade at Westlake

• The Baker’s Daughters in Simi Valley

Eateries That Are Anticipated to Open in 2023

• Schatzi Smoothies opening at Whizin Market Square Agoura in January

• Culichi Town Mexican Cuisine opening soon in Camarillo

• Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern Thousand Oaks is on the cusp of opening!

• Wood Ranch BBQ coming to The Oaks mall in the spring

• Selvin’s Restaurant & Lounge at the Palm Garden Hotel Newbury Park

• El Sancho Loco Taqueria to open Westlake Village location

• Amy’s Drive Thru Thousand Oaks anticipated to open in 2023

• Bad Ass Tacos to open 2nd Thousand Oaks location in 2023

• Mad Era Brewing Co. Simi Valley perhaps will open in 2023

• Finney’s Crafthouse to open at the Camarillo Premium Outlets

• Mirchi Indian Cuisine coming to the Smart & Final Center in Newbury Park

• Slice House by Tony Gemignani coming to Thousand Oaks in 2023

• Michoacan a Pedir de Boca Ice Cream Shop coming to Thousand Oaks

• Kalaveras Mexican Cuisine coming to former Islands location in Simi Valley

• Crumbl Cookies to open Newbury Park location soon

• Freda’s Woodfired Kitchen coming to North Ranch Mall in Westlake Village SOFT OPENING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST!

• Jugo Organic Eatery to open in the spring in the Oakbrook Plaza Thousand Oaks

• 101 BBQ Hut is opening soon at The Shoppes at Westlake Village

• Buster’s OG BBQ & Grill opening soon in Thousand Oaks

• Vegan Thyme is moving to larger location in Newbury Park

• Crawford’s Social coming to Westlake Plaza

• RED O Restaurant - Taste of Mexico coming to The Promenade at Westlake

• Zankou Chicken to open at some point in Thousand Oaks

• The former Corrigan’s Steakhouse to reopen at some point

• Board & Brew is coming to The Shoppes at Westlake Village

• Tiki Taco has plans to open at the Best Buy Plaza in Thousand Oaks

• Pizza Twist is coming soon to the Conejo Gateway Plaza in Newbury Park

Eateries That Closed in 2022

• Corner Bakery at The Commons at Calabasas closed in March

• Togo’s Sandwiches Westlake Village closed in April

• Arby’s Thousand Oaks closed in May

• Nanu Bento at Janss Marketplace closed its doors

• Armando’s Tacos Thousand Oaks closed after a brief stint

• P. F. Chang’s at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks closed August 28th

• Hook Burger Westlake Village also closed on August 28th

• Natural Cafe Simi Valley closed in August

• Pink’s Hot Dogs at the Camarillo Premium Outlet closed :(

• Zen Garden Oak Park closed but changed ownership as Yunnan Garden

• Peebee & Jay’s Newbury Park closed its doors

• The Grill on the Alley Thousand Oaks closed its doors on October 29th

• Blaze Pizza Thousand Oaks closed in October

Other New Businesses That Opened or Closed in 2022 or That Plan to Open in 2023

• Sue’s Candy opened at The Oaks mall in August

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing opened in Newbury Park in February

• California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks closed in June

• Ventura Harbor Carousel relocated to Pacific View Mall - to open at TBA date

• Grocery Outlet Thousand Oaks opened in July

• Regal Edwards Movie Theater at The Commons at Calabasas closed September 15th but Regency Theaters to open soon at that location

• Bikes & Cookies opened at Whizin Market Square in Agoura in October

• Wild Fork Meat & Seafood Market Thousand Oaks opened in January

• City of Camarillo announced Costco seeks to open new location by late 2024

• Bowlero seeks to develop bowling alley at former Dick’s Sporting Goods Moorpark

• Sunset Terrace Restaurant to add four lane bowling alley in Thousand Oaks

• Petco Westlake Village closed December 24; Daiso Japan Store coming soon

• Amazon Fresh is opening a Simi Valley store

New Eateries Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County as We Enter 2022

Here we are in mid-December 2021, 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic and looking forward to good tidings in 2022. Here’s a compilation of the some of new local eateries that opened in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas in 2021 and eateries that are anticipated to be opening soon in the new year.

New Eateries That Opened in 2021

• The Waffle Experience Newbury Park opened in June

• California Fish Grill Thousand Oaks opened in July

• Sweetgreen Westlake Village opened in August

• West Tasting Room Thousand Oaks opened in July

• Ma-Kin Vegan Sushi Agoura Hills opened in July

• Azuki Boba & Tea Westlake Village opened in September

• Chakaa Tea Cafe Newbury Park opened in September

• Viet Kitchen Newbury Park opened in October

• Maru Kitchen Westlake Village opened in June

• Nick the Greek Souvlaki & Gyro House Westlake Village in March

• The Bamboo Room Westlake Village opened in June

• Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery Newbury Park opened in August

• Valentino’s Take & Bake Pizza Thousand Oaks opened in October

• Pokitomik Thousand Oaks opened in November

• Cork Dork Wine Bar Westlake Village opened in May

• Angry Ferret Brewing Moorpark opened in late spring

• Country Harvest Camarillo opened in November

• Itala Bakery & Cafe opened at The Oaks in July

• Loru’s Cafe opened at the Camarillo Premium Outlets in November

• Sweet Lady Jane Bakery opened in Calabasas on November 11th

• Drive-through Starbucks on South Westlake Blvd opened in October

• M on High Street in Moorpark opened in late October

• Country Harvest Moorpark opened in June

• Naughty Pine Brewing Co. Westlake Village opened in late summer

• Wingstop Thousand Oaks opened in April

• Everbowl Westlake Village opened in June

• Eddie’s Grill Ventura opened in April

• Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Oxnard opened in March

• Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen Agoura Hills opened in January

• O’t Bistro Asian Comfort Food Thousand Oaks opened in March

• Agoura Wine & Beer Co. opened in January

• Furn Saj Bakery Calabasas opened in May

• Drive-thru Starbucks at Janss Marketplace opened in January

• Burnin’ Mouth Nashville Hot Chicken in Oxnard opened in January

• Dave’s Hot Chicken Port Hueneme opened on December 10th

Eateries That Are Anticipated to Open in 2022

• The Stand to open at former Pitfire Pizza Westlake Village location in early 2022

• Black Bear Diner Ventura to open in January 2022

• Encore Kitchen & Bar at the Palm Garden Hotel Newbury Park to open in 2022

• Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Thousand Oaks in the spring of 2022

• Phil’s Restaurant Thousand Oaks

• Parma Pizzeria to open 2nd location in Agoura Hills

• Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern Thousand Oaks is “coming soon.”

• Caribbean Haven will be opening soon in Thousand Oaks

• Rose’s Garden Bar in Calabasas

• Amy’s Drive Thru Thousand Oaks

• Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers in Calabasas

• Clean Juice Superfood Cafe in Agoura Hills

• Mai Thai Kitchen in Newbury Park

• El Sancho Loco to open Westlake Village location in 2022

• Mad Era Brewing Co. Simi Valley we sure hope opens in 2022

• Crumbl Cookies Westlake Village

• Salsa & Beer Calabasas - not sure about the timing

• Harold’s House of Omelettes - closed but we thought they will be reopening - status TBD

Eateries That Closed in 2021

• Jessica’s Cafe in Camarillo (now Country Harvest)

• STACKED Thousand Oaks announced they would not be re-opening after 18 month closure

• Red Robin Thousand Oaks also announced they would not be reopening

• 101 BBQ Hut Thousand Oaks closed in the summer

• Draught’s Restaurant & Bar closed in August

• Le Pain Quotidien Calabasas closed in May

• Flame Broiler Newbury Park closed permanently

• Fierce Ave BBQ Newbury Park opened and closed in 2021

• Lemonade Restaurant Westlake Village closed in February

• Mimi’s Cafe Thousand Oaks and Ventura closed in February

• Mali Cuisine Thousand Oaks

• Prawn & Basil Thousand Oaks

• Pitfire Pizza Westlake Village announced they would not be reopening after a long closure.

• Hunan Restaurant Westlake Village

• Mejico Grill in Agoura Hills closed after suffering fire damage in February

Other New Businesses That Opened or Closed in 2021 or Plan to Open in 2022

• Five Below opened at Janss Marketplace in November

• Bowlero opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard in October

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park to open TBA date

• Agoura Farmers’ Market at Whizin Market Square Agoura opened in November

• The Disney Store at The Oaks Mall Thousand Oaks closed in September

• Office Depot Thousand Oaks closed in late summer to make way for a Grocery Outlet

• Burlington at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks closed in July

• Weekly farmers’ market opened at The Collection in Oxnard in June

• Wild Fork Meat & Seafood Market to open soon

• The Mighty Axe Thousand Oaks opened at Janss Marketplace in August

• Amazon Fresh stores coming at some point to Moorpark and Westlake Village

Whole Foods and Amazon to Start Offering Lower Prices on Grocery Staples on August 28th

Amazon and Whole Foods Market recently announced that Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market will close on Monday, August 28, 2017, and the two companies will together pursue the vision of making Whole Foods Market’s high-quality, natural and organic food affordable for everyone.

Whole Foods Market, which will continue to operate under its own brand name, will offer lower prices starting Monday on a selection of best-selling grocery staples across its stores, with more to come.

Here’s what will be new in Whole Foods Market stores on Monday and what can be expected over time as the two companies integrate:

• Starting Monday, Whole Foods Market will offer lower prices on a selection of best-selling staples across its stores, with much more to come. Customers will enjoy lower prices on products like Whole Trade bananas, organic avocados, organic large brown eggs, organic responsibly-farmed salmon and tilapia, organic baby kale and baby lettuce, animal-welfare-rated 85% lean ground beef, creamy and crunchy almond butter, organic Gala and Fuji apples, organic rotisserie chicken, 365 Everyday Value organic butter, and much more.
• In the future, after certain technical integration work is complete, Amazon Prime will become Whole Foods Market’s customer rewards program, providing Prime members with special savings and other in-store benefits.
• Whole Foods Market’s healthy and high-quality private label products—including 365 Everyday Value, Whole Foods Market, Whole Paws and Whole Catch—will be available through Amazon.com, AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry and Prime Now.
• Amazon Lockers will be available in select Whole Foods Market stores. Customers can have products shipped from Amazon.com to their local Whole Foods Market store for pick up or send returns back to Amazon during a trip to the store.

Tesco Announces Sale of Fresh & Easy Stores to Yucaipa Today

After signaling it was looking at "strategic options" for its money-losing Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market chain early this year, Tesco today announced that it is selling a substantial part of its Fresh & Easy operations, including its Riverside distribution and production facilities, to private equity holding company, Yucaipa Companies LLC.

Tesco indicated the sale is expected to be completed within three months. Yucaipa is purchasing over 150 of Fresh & Easy's 200 stores and is anticipated to retain over 4,000 employees. Currently Fresh & Easy employs over 5,000 people, including 1,300 at its Riverside facility.

On a positive note, this means that they are retaining over 75% of the stores...on a negative note, 25% Fresh & Easy's stores will be closed and 20% of its labor base will be on the job market soon.

WHICH STORES!!?? Yes, this is what everyone wants to know right now, as evidenced on Fresh & Easy's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/freshandeasy. Tesco and Fresh & Easy have not announced which stores will be closed yet but indicated that "those stores not included in the transaction wil be closed over the coming weeks."

So stay tuned, Fresh & Easy fans. There are 10 Fresh & Easy stores in Ventura County and directly adjacent areas.

Yucaipa has quite a track record in the grocery store chain arena, having acquired and/or sold Food 4 Less, Boys Markets, Alpha Beta, Smitty's, Ralphs and Dominick's grocery store chains in the past.

British Retailer Tesco Indicates it Will Be Selling Its Fresh & Easy Stores

On January 31, 2013, Fresh & Easy parent company Tesco said it was looking at "strategic options" for its money-losing U.S. based Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market stores.

We all pretty much knew where that was going...when you have a business segment that is losing $250 million a year, there was little doubt that Tesco would be leaving the U.S. market.

But that does not mean...yet, at least...that Tesco is shutting down Fresh & Easy. In a posting on the Fresh & Easy website today, the store indicated "As many of you have heard or read today, our parent company Tesco updated on the future of Fresh & Easy.  While we don’t yet know who our new owner will ultimately be, Tesco has already received interest from a number of parties including groups looking to purchase Fresh & Easy as an operating business.  We appreciate all the support and love we’ve received from our loyal customers and even though our parent company plans to leave the US, we’re pleased to confirm there are no plans to close any portion of Fresh & Easy."

So what Tesco and Fresh & Easy indicated today is that 1) Tesco is indeed exiting the U.S. market; 2) there are a number of potentially interest parties who may acquire the Fresh & Easy chain; and 3) there are no current plans to "close any portion of Fresh & Easy."

As part of today's announcement, Tesco said it is treating Fresh & Easy as a "discontinued operation" and as such, has written down the value of Fresh & Easy assets and future anticipated liabilities on its books...to the tune of £1.2 billion...which is approximately $1.8 billion in U.S. dollars. OUCH. The $1.8 billion loss includes roughly $257 million in operating losses, with the remainder the write-down in assets and estimate future lease costs.

That's gotta hurt a bit. Tesco is a British company but its stock also trades on Nasdaq under symbol TESO, which was down 3.3% today, over double what the S&P 500 was down today.

In any case, best of luck to the Fresh & Easy chain in finding a buyer and figuring out a way to generate a profit. There are 10 Fresh & Easy stores in Ventura County and directly adjacent areas.

Lastly, I heard what I found to be quite an odd Fresh & Easy commercial on the radio this morning that is posted below. Very unusual, kind of surprising use of the shortened "f&easy" - a bit risque if ya ask me :)