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Fifth Starbucks coming to Rancho Bernardo

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By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

Those seeking a Starbucks beverage will not have to get out of their vehicles once a drive-thru version is built in Rancho Bernardo.

It will be the fifth Starbucks in the community, joining the two in the Rancho Bernardo Vons Town Center — one as part of the center and another inside Vons, plus the Starbucks in The Village Shopping Center — next door to Albertsons — and another in Westwood.

The business is one of the latest developments on the Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch business scene.

Plans call for the Starbucks to be constructed south of California Bank & Trust at 16796 Bernardo Center Drive, according to Mitchell Berner, the project’s spokesman.

The new construction project on a 1.05-acre vacant parcel will result in a 1,731-square-foot-building with a 16-foot wide and 190-foot long drive-thru lane. He said it will be four feet from the bank’s drive-thru lane that has vehicles exiting onto a right-turn only driveway connected to southbound Bernardo Center Drive, which has a four-way signal at the intersection.

Plans for a mission-style structure with elements seen on other buildings in the area will be submitted to the city this summer. As soon as the permit process is complete, construction is to begin.

Not far away in the Rancho Bernardo Vons Town Center, San Diego County Credit Union recently opened at 11965 Bernardo Plaza Drive, Suite 169. As part of its grand opening, there will be a free “making smart money decisions” presentation by finance expert George Chamberlin from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. Since space is limited, RSVPs are required. Go to the branch or send an email to marketing@sdccu.com.

Over at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, its new restaurant, Avant, opened last week in the former El Bizcocho space. While still an upscale dining option, Avant is more casual than its predecessor. For more details, see the story on Page A11.

Café Merlot at Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, now offers take-out delivery, which owner Toni Kraft said is dubbed “out the door.” Customers may call for items on that day’s menu or can order custom dishes with at least 24 hours notice. Call 858-592-7785.

“It’s been working very well,” Kraft said of the delivery service that is free to Oaks North and Seven Oaks residents and typically $2.50 to $5 to all others in the Rancho Bernardo and Poway area, depending on distance.

Another change Kraft said has significantly improved her business is Bernardo Winery turning its Sunset Artwalk held each summer into a weekly instead of monthly Friday evening event. It features local and unique artisans and crafters set up in the courtyard, live music and food vendors from 4-8 p.m. every Friday through Oct. 4. Admission is free.

Because of that change, Kraft said Café Merlot is now open for dinner each Friday from 5-8 p.m. this summer. She recommends making a reservation.

On Monday, Rancho Bernardo Pet Hospital opened at 16588 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 160 in the space formerly occupied by Companion Care Veterinary Hospital. It is offering low-cost vaccinations, spay and neutering plus other medical, grooming and boarding services. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Call 858-451-1700 or go to www.myranchobernardopethospital.com for details.

In 4S Ranch, the 4S Health Center is fully occupied now that SKY Facial Plastic Surgery will be relocating from La Jolla to the center at 16918 Dove Canyon Road. Starting this winter patients can be in a spa-like setting when getting medical treatment or cosmetic procedures on their head or neck, including Botox, Juvéderm and Radiesse injections and surgical procedures that include facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty and browlift.

“We fell in love with the building’s beauty and the warmth of the surrounding community,” said Dr. Sirius K. Yoo. “We’re excited to bring the highest quality ENT and cosmetic surgery care to 4S Ranch and its nearby neighbors.”

Kid Ventures opened on June 17 at 10760 Thornmint Road in 4S Ranch. It is described as an “indoor play village for kids” and third location in the county. Staff members are trained in child development and how to lead classes and activities for children. Parents can wait in an adjoining café that offers gourmet coffees, sandwiches and salads.

CEO Darren Solomon said, “We take a lot of pride in being different than any other play place in San Diego – it truly is ‘edutainment’ – 50 percent education and 50 percent entertainment.”

Memberships, day passes and group rates are offered. Call 858-207-6088 or go to www.kidventuresplay.com.

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