Rancho Bernardo Elephant Bar in RB among 16 company closed

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

The Elephant Bar & Restaurant, a longtime dining option in Rancho Bernardo, has closed.

While a sign on the restaurant’s front door does not state a reason for the Rancho Bernardo business shutting down last week, officials from the Costa Mesa-based restaurant chain announced on Monday the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In its filing with a federal court in Santa Ana, officials sought approval of $3.3 million of “debtor-in-possession” financing that would allow the company to stay in business during bankruptcy proceedings. Executives announced they intend to sell the chain.

They blamed the “challenging economic environment and increasing competitiveness of the industry” for its financial problems.

According to Elephant Bar President and CEO Robert Holden, the company closed 16 locations this month and kept 29 locations open.

The Elephant Bar was at 17051 W. Bernardo Drive, near Westwood.

Over at Bernardo Winery, the weekly Art Walk has returned. From 4 to 8 p.m. each Friday through September there is locally produced art on display, live music, plus food and wine available for purchase in the winery’s courtyard. The Tasting Room, Village Shops and Café Merlot stay open late and speciality food trucks are typically on site. Admission and parking are free. This is a family-friendly event, but pets must stay home.

The Bag Cellar, which reopened on June 13 after being closed for a quick remodel, will be celebrating its fifth anniversary during Art Walk on Friday, June 27, said Sam Pewitt, the winery’s marketing director.

During the four-hour anniversary celebration customers will receive a free gift with purchase and appetizers will be offered. The store specializes in handbags and accessories. Pewitt said it will also be launching a new jewelry line, Uno de 50, with a trunk sale. She described the jewelry made in Spain as “very organic and artisan.”

The winery is also getting ready to host the fourth annual San Diego Wine Country Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Tickets are $30 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com and $40 at the door. For details, call 858-487-1866.

Bernardo Winery is at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo.

In 4S Ranch business news:

• The 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon opened on June 12 at 10543 4S Commons Drive, Suite 176 near CVS in the 4S Commons Town Center. The Southern California-based company is known for offering “upscale men’s services.”

Spokeswoman Samantha Kritt said while men get groomed, they can chose among the salon’s collection of craft beer from a list of rotating beers on tap. “A salon experience for the manliest of men,” she said.

• Ulta Beauty Supply has recently signed a lease for a 10,000 square foot space in the 4S Commons Town Center, said Omar Hussein, the center’s leasing agent. It will move next door to Cost Plus World Market, in the space formerly occupied by Barbecues Galore and an adjacent vacant suite.

• This fall a Carl’s Jr. will be opening in the former Union Bank of California, at 16613 Dove Canyon Road in the 4S Village Shopping Center, said Ann Forella, vice president of asset management for Buie Stoddard Group, which manages the center. The stand-alone building has 3,900 square feet of space.