Openings & Closings: Pizza, Pho, Pets, a Playhouse and More

The economy is bubbling in the San Fernando Valley. Here's Patch's collection of recent retail activity.

California Pizza Kitchen opened a new prototype restaurant  in "The Canyon" at the Westfield Topanga mall in Canoga Park. In addition to the main dining area, a 1,000-square-foot bar with seating for 39 has been built in the mall space outside the restaurant.

Prime Steakhouse is opening a second location next week at 29020 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills, the former site of the Sunset Room. Owner Jan Schuster, who describes the restaurant as "an upscale steakhouse without the upscale attitude," said that menu will remain the same as her original location at 2009 Thompson Blvd., Ventura.

Umami Burger's new location at 4300 W. Riverside Drive, just outside of Toluca Lake, is the chain's first to serve hot dogs with ingredients like truffle and lots of bacon, similar to its burger offerings. It replaces Papoo's Hot Dog Show which shuttered last year. A breakfast menu will be added in mid-August.

Robyn Davis : : Being is the new home base for artist and photographer Robyn Davis, who produces one-of-a-kind designs to capture, celebrate, and commemorate the story of people’s lives. It is located at 3949 Laurelgrove Ave. in Studio City. What's the deal with the two colons? They serve as a graphic symbol for people to take a pause (or two), slow down, and enjoy life.

E-Cig City and a massage spa are locating in the North Hollywood Arts District at 11044 Magnolia Blvd., next to Cafe NoHo.

Unleashed, a division of Petco, has opened at the former Blockbuster location at 4821 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. The store specializes in pet treats from companies like Nature's Balance, Merrick, Blue Buffalo and Natural Treats. Grooming services will be offered soon, but self-cleaning stations for pet owners are up and running.

Sprouts Farmers Market at 6605 Fallbrook Ave., West Hills, has been open since late May. It is the latest store in the growing chain. There's another nearby at 21821 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.

Georgy's and Mami's Finds at 5520 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, is cluttered with everything from old books to rocking chairs hanging from the ceiling, and racks upon racks of vintage clothing and jewelry. In addition to selling items, the store also buys from customers and does consignment deals.

Skynny Kitchen offers a menu comprised of items under 500 calories. Located at 5166 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, the eatery features dishes like bison wraps, turkey meatloaf and portobello burgers.

CLOSINGS

Sergio's, after decades of serving up pizza pies in Chatsworth, shuttered to make way for a cafe specializing in Vietnamese noodle soup cuisine known as pho. A new sign at 21701 Devonshire St. indicates the spot will be called Pho Saigon.

IN TRANSITION

Avery Schreiber Theatre on Magnolia may be gone, but the venue is scheduled to reopen at 4934 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, as the Avery Schreiber Playhouse with its debut production, Doubting Thomason, premiering Aug. 2.

Fat Dog gastropub is taking over the former location of the Avery Schreiber Theatre at 11050 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, and planning to tear down the building.

The Crystal banquet hall is being planned for 11150 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. The facility will sell alcohol and have an outside area for smoking.