Of Mice and Gyros (and Miscellany)
The former Daughtrey's Department Store (which is also a former billiards hall, and is annually the Spirit Party Supply) is now a store specializing in Disney merchandise. Your Boulevardier walked past (alas, not into) the store this evening and noticed that the parking lot on the side was full. Was there not a similar store at Southland not so long ago? One wonders if, like the aforementioned Spirit store, the Disney store is a transient use of the building. Its signs are just banners hung from the exterior walls, lending to the air of temporariness. The building has been in limbo for some time, though in 2007 there was some talk of refurbishment.
It's also noted that the former Carry Outee is now fenced off and has a banner announcing that Toula's Gyros is coming to the site. Your Boulevardier misses the falafel that were served at Haim's Cafe (and also that served at Kampus Korner at CSUEB), and hopes this new place will offer this Middle Eastern dish.
Two doors down, the Daughtrey's children's store has reappeared; it closed in Castro Village but has reappeared in one of the tiny business cottages on the north side of the Boulevard between Worley's and El Rancho STEAK House.
Also of note in the dining world: the former Tam's Kitchen has been re-branded as King Kong. One imagines that the portion sizes are colossal.
Your Boulevardier does not know what to make of all of these comings and goings. The amount of churn definitely seems to be on the upswing. It's a strange and difficult time to start a business, though some say this is the best time to do so because of the leverage available with suppliers, landlords, and employees.
Labels: buildings, Castro Village, CV businesses, dining, economy, entrepreneur, new business, signs, window-dressing
posted by Your Boulevardier @ 11:42 PM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
I choose to look at the opening of new business as an upswing in our economy. In the closest town to me, Patterson, a new Walgreen's is being built and a West Side Campus for Modesto JC is breaking ground soon. And the largest Walmart in the county may be coming soon. Why all this activity in a town of 20,000 people I cannot guess. But I'm thinking these are companies that do their homework so I choose to think that good times are to come. At the very least jobs.
I say, "Hail and success to the new business owners!" in CV.
I for one am glad that Castro Valley is developing its culinary pallet.
I too long for the days of an inexpensive (but well made) falafel. I was recently reminded of Olga's Kitchen formerly at Southland Mall which had the most delectable yogurt sauce to dip your curly fries in.
I applaud any visionary who wants to share their cooking with our community.
i also agree that CV needs an anchor store at the former Daughtry's site. But please not a Disney store or an Abercrombie & Fitch
hello every one, Just wanted to clear the air on TOULA's Gyros & More. "ITS GREEK CUISINE" NOT Middle Eastern, Not falafo. There is a huge difference,Its a GYRO. A Gyro is a Greek dish , consisting of lamb & Beef meat, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, and is served with pita bread. Gyros may also be referred to a Greek sandwich.
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