Nut Tree Sprouting More Firms

Nut Tree Sprouting More Firms
Several more stores in both the retail Nut Tree Village and the Nut Tree Market Pavilion are set to open later this year and in early 2007.
By Amanda Janis/Business Editor
TheReporter.Com


Numerous new leases have been inked for both retail portions of the 76-acre Nut Tree project, according to San Francisco-based developer Westrust.

At the Nut Tree Village, which is anchored by big box retailers like Borders and Old Navy, a 3,782-square-foot Citibank branch is slated to open in early 2007, as is a 7,000-square-foot Famous Footwear store, and a 1,725-square-foot nail salon, Top Coat Nails & Spa.

The Nut Tree Market Pavilion - an open-air artisan marketplace similar in spirit to San Francisco's ferry building - is scheduled to open at the end of January. Its tenants will include Vacaville resident Janece Long's Made in California store, and Potter Family Farms, whose founder, Travis Potter, describes its operations on its Web site as a "true ma and pa meat shop" offering specialty meats from its Willamette Valley, Ore., ranch.

Also leasing space at the Market Pavilion is The Fruit Tree, which operates a roadside location in Winters; regional Mexican chain Villa Corona; Stonehouse California Olive Oil Company; and Vacaville-based Mariani Dried Fruits.

Though most of the new lessees won't open their doors until next year, "now open" signs should start slowly appearing within the complex.

Previously confirmed tenants that noted they would likely open in "late 2006" include Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, Fentons Creamery, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Jelly Belly Candy Co., and girls clothing retailer Justice for Girls.

Negotiations continue for skate/surf apparel chain Tilly's, though Westrust noted there is not yet a fully executed lease.

Because the developer's policy is not to comment on tenants with which it has not signed a contract, it couldn't provide information as to whether or not Elephant Bar & Grill or P.F. Chang's China Bistro were considering Nut Tree locations.

Vacaville City Manager David Van Kirk previously noted P.F. Chang's was negotiating a deal, though company officials have told The Reporter that Vacaville is not on its development schedule, and Elephant Bar & Grill has been one of several widely rumored possible tenants.

Westrust did, however, note several other possible tenants which had been confirmed as interested in leasing space are no longer prospects. These include Marin French Cheese Co., Famous Dave's Legendary Barbecue, Shari's Berries and Suisun City's Athenian Grill.

Amanda Janis can be reached atbusiness@thereporter.com.