Places to eat, retail stores, energy healing — new businesses are opening in the La Jolla area from The Village to UTC.
Here are some of the recent arrivals:
858 Burger
858 Burger opened July 12 at 916 Pearl St., taking the place of Classic Burger, which recently left that spot.
Manager Andres Brambila said 858 Burger offers three types of smashburgers, fries, corn in a cup, onion rings, milkshakes and more and is different from other area burger places in that “our flavors are authentic and homemade.”
The establishment’s Classic Burger features American cheese, grilled onions, Thousand Island dressing and pickles. The American Burger adds lettuce and tomato, and the signature 858 Burger includes grilled onions, white cheddar cheese, bacon onion jam and black garlic mayo.
Dessert offerings include vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and cookies and cream milkshakes, cookies and mini churros with dipping sauce.
“We wanted to be in La Jolla because we felt like it needed a burger place, but something homey and not too commercialized,” Brambila said. “Something they felt they could be a part of.”
“We have been really busy,” Brambila added. “It’s been great.”
Learn more at instagram.com/858burger.
Venchi
Renowned Italian chocolate and gelato maker Venchi has opened its first “chocogelateria” in Southern California at the Westfield UTC shopping center.
Venchi products feature ingredients such as Piedmont hazelnut, green pistachio, almond, olive oil, cocoa butter and certified cocoa and contain no coloring agents, preservatives or palm oils, according to the company. It says its chocolates — all made in Italy — are gluten-free and that some are vegan-friendly as well.
Customers also can make a Venchi Mix to create their own chocolate assortment from more than 50 varieties.
The shop’s gelato is made fresh daily in the store, following traditional Italian recipes, according to the company. Twenty flavors are available daily in a cup or gourmet cone. The gelato also can be blended into a shake.
Venchi is at 4303 La Jolla Village Drive. For more information, visit us.venchi.com/store/utcsandiego.
My Reiki RX
My Reiki RX, an energy healing spot led by a La Jolla native, has been operating since May with plans for a grand-opening event in the fall.
“I offer several healing modalities based around energy medicine,” said owner Megan Guy. “I help people find deep layers of relaxation, healing and a safe space to let go if you are overwhelmed. It’s very similar to meditation, but I use hand placements to channel healing energy from your head to the feet. It’s not related to any religion or belief, it’s a relaxation experience. Reiki channels pure energy to connect to the subconscious mind.”
She said reiki can help with high anxiety, sleep issues, mental blocks or “energy that needs to be sorted out.”
Each 90-minute session is customized to the client, Guy said.
“I named it My Reiki RX because they are created for each person; no two sessions are alike,” she said. “I have clients that will come in and do a one-off session and some that see me every week. I can offer any level of support.”
As a promotional offer, anyone who mentions the La Jolla Light gets 20 percent off the first session, Guy said.
My Reiki RX is at 7534 La Jolla Blvd. Find out more at myreikirx.com.
Paige
Paige, an international apparel brand known for its wardrobe staples and premium denim for men and women, opened at Westfield UTC on June 28.
In addition to denim, Paige, at 4307 La Jolla Village Drive, offers knits, woven pieces, outerwear, swimwear, leather goods, shoes, accessories and more.
“I have always felt a connection to San Diego, as I had the joy of living there [for a year],” said Paige Adams-Geller, Paige’s co-founder and creative director. “We also have a huge following for the Paige brand there. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to open a boutique that offers the expansiveness of all the categories of the brand. We hope this will be a home away from home for the local community.”
Find out more at paige.com.
Forte Deux
Founders Bettina Rudat and Michelle Intaglietta announced the recent grand opening of Forte Deux, a luxury boutique in Bird Rock offering high-end home decor, linens, lingerie, fragrances and fashion brands.
The store at 5643 La Jolla Blvd. started as Bard’s in 1958 before becoming La Bella Figura and then being rebranded as Forte Deux.
Rudat, a third-generation La Jollan, is a luxury interior designer and furniture maker. Intaglietta is an expert in luxury retail.
To learn more about Forte Deux, visit fortedeux.com.
La Jolla Business Roundup is published monthly by the La Jolla Light. Send your business news to staff writer Ashley Mackin-Solomon at [email protected]. ◆
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