Surfliner Inn
Proposed boutique hotel with 36 rooms in a two-story building. Draft Environmental Impact Report released for public review. Project has received preliminary design approval and is progressing through city approval process.
White Label Cookies
125-square-foot walk-up window cookie shop offering 3-4 daily cookie varieties with rotating flavors. Signature item is the Salty Bottom chocolate chip cookie with sea salt. Cookies are about 6 ounces with fudgy texture. Husband-and-wife team planning to stay small and focus on community connections.
PonTu
Peruvian restaurant focusing on seasonal Peruvian cuisine with California coastal elements, offering lunch and dinner with seafood options like ceviches and tiraditos in an intimate neighborhood-oriented space
Pizzeria Sei
Tokyo-style pizza restaurant relocating from Pico-Robertson to larger Palms location. Features 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas and has received acclaim including Time Out’s top pick for pizza in LA.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Third location for franchisee Zara Afshar, who operates spots in Northridge and Calabasas. Ohio-based ice cream brand that makes fresh ice cream on site daily. Construction has just begun.
Makenna Koffee
Hawaiian-inspired coffee chain expanding with new location in Newbury Park. 2,800-square-foot location will offer espresso drinks, energy drinks, baked goods, smoothies, cold brew, and açaí bowls. Owner says opening planned for March or April 2026.
Intelligentsia Coffee
Chicago-based Intelligentsia Coffee is opening its first drive-thru location in Santa Monica at a former Weinerschnitzel spot. Will feature walk-up window, drive-thru, and patio seating for 40+ people. No indoor seating planned.
Phinology Coffee
Vietnam-inspired coffee concept preparing to open in former Chakaa Tea House location in Convoy Village Shopping Center. Will serve Vietnamese coffee and other beverages with tagline ‘Sip the Essence of Vietnam’.
Bacari
Mediterranean-inspired bar and restaurant opening in North Park’s two-story space. Family-owned concept founded by brothers Robert and Danny Kronfli with Executive Chef Lior Hillel. Features Mediterranean small plates, house-made cocktails, dinner daily and weekend brunch.
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza expanding in Sacramento area with new Lincoln location. Fast-casual pizza chain known for customizable, individually sized pizzas. Exceed Group will operate this location along with 12 existing regional locations.