Brooks Burger SLO closed. Pismo remains open… So here’s the thing… and I’m just throwing this out there: Is SLO Public Market toxic? Are ALL public markets toxic? All I can say is, time will tell. And by *time* I mean: as the years progress will closures across the freeway start happening? The food scene is thriving there now–it would appear–but so was the place over the grade. Paso Market Walk seems to be following almost the same suit, though most vacancies there could be considered jumping-off-points for stand-alones. Somebody make a spreadsheet:
The three public markets.
Every resty that has closed.
Where are they now.
What’s in that space now.
Hell, I might even get bored later and do it myself.

Morimoto Ramen or whatever getting close in Atascadero, also around the corner at the former FIG GOOD FOOD, Lebber’s Pizza seems a long way off… And The Carlton? Now they are removing large amounts of concrete. This is of course after months of removing interior structure and kitchen furnishings. Are we to believe they are providing a blank gravel floor for prospective restaurant tenants? I mean… the potential there *could* be argued–but only for a major playa.

Nautical Bean opened in MB… Across the street a coat of paint and interior mods plus a sign say the long-abandoned Grape Leaf Deli is on the market. Don’t know if it is still structured as a food-service spot, but here’s a ridiculous opportunity for downtown bites. Babydudes had a *pop-up* Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. Fried chicken or something. Saw the owners hanging out with a few people in the courtyard… will be interesting to see what happens there. In keeping with a common Morro Bay Downtown theme: hand-lettered sign in window: “Business for Sale”

Coast Wine Collective just continues to sit for weeks and weeks with basically zero progress, but this has been the theme of this *remodel* since day one. Not sure if money or contractor, but I’ve never seen something progress with such giant pauses. Did I mention the new wine bar on Embarcadero??? GREAT list. Short but awesome. Some stuff so dorky I fear it will be a hard sell to the tourist palate. VINO ESTERO in a beautiful little space under Estero Inn. La Parisienne Bakery HAS to be getting close. Health Dept-pleasing interior improvements appear to be finished. Halfway expected them to be open this weekend. They only planned on being closed a couple weeks, but reality has turned it into a solid month. Hey, y’all have fun with Joel Schwartz now, ya hear?

In Paso: Flagship resty EMRE is not open yet but Pine Street Bistro (lobby coffee/short-order situation sounds like) and rooftop bar Esperanza both open in the new Ava Hotel. I gotta go check this place out. I assume the hotel is open? Also: old news but not sure if I said anything, McKlintock’s in AG and Cafe Della Via in Cayucos are both open with former employees at the helm. So that’s kinda interesting. Haven’t been to either and not in a hurry… Saw a sign on Laguna Plaza for “Restaurant Space for Lease” and can’t figure out if they just never took it down for where Nikolai’s is going in or if the sushi place went under finally? I know Nautical Bean and Laguna Grill are both open. Subway and BK are both open, and pretty sure Snofari as well. Oh wait. Mandarin Gourmet waaaaaaay back in the corner is still empty. The last of the OG SLO pho’s. All of them gone. Wait: is there even ANY Chinese food left in San Luis Obispo? I can’t think of a single one. HOW does that happen????

Now go outside and play.