COMINGS and GOINGS: JB's to be converted to a Coco's
In the unlikely event someone hasn't already heard that JB's Restaurant at 2198 S. 4th Ave. closed its doors - it did, effective last Thursday at 6 p.m.
Catalina Restaurant Group has announced that they will acquire the location and convert it to a Coco's Bakery Restaurant. The new Coco's Bakery Restaurant will open sometime during the first quarter of 2010, according to Cyndi Darlington, spokeswoman for the company.
Plans have been submitted to the city of Yuma for remodeling the building, both inside and out, reported Alan Kircher, city deputy building official.
Coco's currently operates 13 restaurants in Arizona and more than 100 restaurants throughout California, Arizona, Colorado and Nevada. Known for its fresh-baked pies and creative menu, Coco's has upgraded its look and its menu in the past several years.
For the Arizona market, the restaurant brings guest favorites like Angus steaks, fresh-baked bread and the Club 55 senior menu.
"The JB's concept is a good match for us from a customer demographic standpoint," said Jim Kensinger, executive vice president for Catalina Restaurant Group. "We are also excited to grow the customer base by bringing the unique Coco's brand to Yuma."
Dec. 27 will be the last day of business for Los Roy's Butcher Shop, 2215 S. Avenue A, Suite 15 in Palm Plaza.
Glen Roy, who owns the local butcher shop with his wife, Angeles, said the business was hurt by the economic downturn compounded by the road construction along Avenue A. He said he's seen a 50 to 70 percent drop in business since the construction project started.
"We have several orders for prime rib for Christmas. We'll take care of them and finish up our inventory."
The Roys expressed their gratitude to their customers and thank them for their support. They've been providing Yumans with specialty meats, including Kammann sausage, since April 2007.
In other building activity around the city, Kircher reported:
• A certificate of occupancy has been issued for the new home for Ambiance Salon and Spa in Tuscany Plaza at 2851 S. Avenue B, Lot 12. The salon, owned by Jill Resendiz, had been located at 2855 S. 4th Ave.
• Four housing permits have been issued for West Main Estates, a subdivision being developed by Roy Tyler at 3rd Street and 30th Avenue. The subdivision has approximately 40 lots.
• Plans have been submitted by Alexander's Flight Line Mazda to expand its parking lot to the property it purchased next door where the Sky Chief previously stood.
Voting is open until midnight on Dec. 31 for people to weigh in on their favorite Yuma-area businesses from top-notch restaurants and local services to annual events and recreation opportunities.
To vote in the Yuma Sun's 12th annual Best Awards contest, go to contestsinyuma.com/yumasbest.
Yuma Sun readers have been recognizing their favorites businesses since 1998.
The 2009 winners will be announced in a special section of the Yuma Sun on Feb. 11 and online at ContestsInYuma.com.
The Yuma Private Industry Council now has an account on Twitter.com to let the public know about jobs and job training programs available in Yuma County.
YPIC, which connects job seekers with local employers and job training providers, notifies its Twitter.com followers of new opportunities by messages - or "tweets" - in English and Spanish, reported Marco Garcia, YPIC's outreach coordinator.
Area residents who want to receive the messages will need to open their Twitter.com accounts and designate themselves as YPIC followers, he said.
The main benefit of Twitter.com for job seekers is that it lets them know about job openings and training programs as soon as those opportunities become available, Garcia said.
YPIC can be followed on Twitter.com at @YumaOneStop.
In other YPIC news, the agency has been selected by the National Association of Workforce Boards as a winner in its contest for the best stories about the 2009 summer youth employment program.
YPIC was one six winners selected from field of 70 submittals for demonstrating its summer program’s value, presenting the key components of a successful youth employment program, painting a picture of the program’s impact on individual participants and highlighting the importance of business participation.
The Official Visitors Guide for 2010 is now available. The publication for the Yuma Visitors Bureau highlights local attractions and events, features about Yuma and its history, business directory and "If you go" tips. The publication is paid for by the advertisers.
Copies are available at the Visitor Information Center at the Yuma Crossing Quartermaster Depot State Park, 201 N. 4th Ave., and other sites around the community.
Marlene Gleim has become an independent consultant with Passion Parties. To receive a catalog, purchase products or host a home party, call 446-9352 or visit www.PassionsByMarlene.yourpassionconsultant.com.
---
Merry Christmas.
----
Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.
