Comings and Goings: Chile Pepper among top 10 burritos
Burritos from the Chile Pepper are much loved by Yumans and still craved by those who have moved away. Come to find out, their fame has spread farther.
The website www.thedailymeal.com has rated restaurants with the 10 best burritos in the country “wrapped and ready to blow your mind.” And Yuma's Chile Pepper not only made the list, it was eighth. Here is what the review said about Chile Pepper:
“At the Chile Pepper, it is not about the girth of the burrito or all the extras but the exquisite execution of simplicity. Locals rave over the simplest of burritos here — bean and cheese — where the fresh tortillas and hot sauce make it go from simple to excellent.”
The article also featured a photograph of the burritos Yumans know and love.
Read more: www.thedailymeal.com/best-burritos-america-0#ixzz2DRWQKrs2.
***
Pets Plus Superstore, 1491 S. 4th Ave., is now under new ownership and management. Scott Stanhope, who opened the store in 1989, has sold the business to Delmer and Sherrie Wentzel (owners of Jump Up Trampoline and Tumbling).
Douglas Wentzel and Chip Durham are managing the pet store, which carries puppies, kittens, salt and freshwater fish, reptiles, snakes and many other types of animals — as well as the supplies and foods for those pets. If it's not in stock, the store can special order just about anything to meet a pet owner's needs, whatever the pet. The store also offers animal baby-sitting.
Future plans include adding a grooming department, saltwater classes for beginners and a snake/reptile club.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. It can be reached at 726-2880.
***
It's that time of year again to compile the annual wish list of businesses that Yuma-area residents would like to see come to the community.
So, dream a little and send me the names of retailers, restaurants and other businesses you most hope Santa will bring us in the year to come. And include some information on how you came to like the business and why you would like to have it close to home.
Please have your “wishes” to me by Dec. 14 so I have time to get them to Santa for Christmas. You can email your suggestions to me at jlobeck@yumasun.com.
***
In good news for those enjoying Friendship Park or playing tennis at the nearby courts, the new restroom facility at Friendship Park has been completed, reported Alan Kircher, city of Yuma deputy building official.
In other city building activity, he reported:
• A certificate of occupancy has been issued for tenant improvements at the PMG Building (formerly Citizens Title) at 350 W. 16th St. for offices for Arizona Counseling/Treatment.
• Alterations have been completed for Community Intervention Associates at Tuscany Plaza 4B, Suite 405.
• A certificate of occupancy has been issued for Yuma Dentistry 4 Kids at 2816 S. 4th Ave.
• Building permits have been issued for the Aviation Industrial Center at Yuma International Airport.
• Building permits also have been issued for a mezzanine addition for Greengate.
• Plans have been submitted for a new office for AmeriFirst Financial at 1271 S. 4th Ave.
• Plans are under review for a solar photovoltaic system for Manzella Laundry at Cielo Verde Shops B, Suite B6 (next to the Foothills Walmart).
• Plans were submitted for a new multitenant medical office at Tuscany Plaza, Lot 25.
• Yuma Regional Medical Center has submitted plans to relocate its Steris Room.
***
Retta Springer, longtime membership supervisor for Sam's Club, has joined the Yuma Sun advertising staff as an account relationship specialist. In that position, she will work with the local sales team and advertisers.
Springer can be reached at 539-6942.
***
For the past 10 years, Dawn Lawson has been helping Yumans select flooring and make design decisions for their homes as the design consultant and residential sales manager at Flooring America.
Now she will be helping people purchase those homes. Lawson has chosen to move into real estate as a licensed agent under the guidance of Carolyn McKelvey Malouff with Realty Executives/Yuma Casa, 593 S. 4th Ave. She can be reached at 782-0405 or 259-1122.
***
The October sales tax report doesn't have the same spark as September with a 6 percent increase over last year, compared with last month's 12 percent increase, reported city of Yuma officials. Retail was flat, but construction continues to improve.
And both calendar and fiscal year-to-date growth remains strong.
***
It's now looking like mid-January for the opening of the new Denny's under construction in the Foothills, reported owner Mike Manos. He'll be ramping up the hiring process after the holidays.
***
Construction is nearing completion for Pita Pit, a new restaurant going in next door to Chipotle at Yuma Palms Regional Center. Target opening is mid-December.
Blanca Runyan (Dr. Todd Runyan's wife) is the franchise owner, and her brother, Jerry Magana, will be the general manager.
Dr. Runyan will continue to oversee Kneaders Bakery.
Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.
