New leases signed, and others refused

It looks like fans of Peets Coffee will miss out on having a local outlet in Sausalito after the City voted 3-2 to refuse the zoning change required to locate a store on Bridgeway in the town. Despite being a Bay Area operation, Peets is considered "formula retail" because of the number of outlets it has; and chain retailers are banned from the waterside part of downtown Sausalito.

It's good to see local retailers expanding to new outlets in Marin. New leases have been taken in Novato for the Rustic Bakery at 1407 Grant Avenue and Stefano's Pizzeria at the Nave Shopping Center. The Rustic Bakery will be opening their second Marin location (the original bakery & cafe is on Magnolia Avenue, north of Larkspur), while Stefano's will be opening their third store, adding to their existing outlets in Mill Valley and Corte Madera.

Another new eatery expanding in the Novato area is Boca Pizzeria and Wine Bar, which has signed a lease at the renovated Pacheco Plaza. It's an interesting location choice by the owners of Boca Steak and Seafood, who must not be worried about opening a competing restaurant just around the corner from their existing eatery on Ignacio Boulevard.

In Mill Valley, crafts fans can look forward to February 1st, which is when Once Around will (finally) open their doors on Miller Avenue.