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Downtown Menlo Park continues to see businesses come and go.
Le Boulanger vacated its storefront at 720 Santa Cruz Ave. on Nov. 23, according to a sign posted on the business’ front door. The space is being gutted to make way for a wine bar, Somm Cellars, according to the alcohol license posted on the storefront’s window.
“Thank you for your support and business over the years and we will miss all of our loyal customers,” the note reads. “This is not a decision that we made lightly and we are sorry that we couldn’t stick around longer. We hope to see you at one of our other locations and that this is not a goodbye!”
In 2020, the main offices of this family-owned chain moved to Fresno, after its headquarters property, brand and business were purchased.
Its locations in Los Altos, San Jose and Mountain View are still open, according to the business’ website. Its San Mateo location closed in 2019 after 25 years in business, according to a note from the owners at the time.
Menlo Clock Works, the watch and clock repair shop permanently closed on Nov. 25, after four decades in operation.
“After 42 years of serving our wonderful community, we are sad to say goodbye,” the website announcement reads.
According to this news organization’s reporting, the owners plan to keep the shop building at 961 El Camino Real and lease it to a restaurant.
Both owners did not respond to this news organization’s requests for comments.
Openings, expansions
The Flegel’s Design at 1010 El Camino Real, Suite 90, expected to close at the end of 2023 but did not shutter afterall. Owner Brian Flegel confirmed to The Almanac the store remains open.
“Still chugging along,” he said in an email. The store, located next to Kepler’s Books, has made custom-made furniture and interior design services for generations.
Clark’s Menlo Park is going to take the place of the former home of Ann’s Coffee Shop, according to a liquor license posted on the 772 Santa Cruz Ave. storefront.
Ann’s closed in 2021 because of the impact on business during the COVID-19 pandemic and the building’s sale.
Ace Hardware, located at 700 Santa Cruz Ave, expects a massive, soft expansion located down the street in the back of where Menlo Church’s musical hall used to be.
The expansion will more than double the original store space, manager Vasile Oros said.
“Our inventory count shows in excess of 60,000 items,” Oros said. “We tried to jam them in a small store. Now we will be able to make them more shoppable.”
The entire expansion will take about another two months to complete, Oros said.
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