New Stores Open in Downtown Sacramento as Restaurant Shuts
- Three new retail stores have recently opened in downtown Sacramento within a short span of time.
- This development coincides with the permanent closure of a well-known local restaurant.
- The changes reflect a dynamic shift in the downtown business landscape.
SACRAMENTO – In a vibrant turn of events for downtown Sacramento, three new stores have opened in less than two weeks, marking a significant moment for local entrepreneurship. Hope Menefee, the owner of Ecojoyous, expressed her excitement at the grand opening, calling it a "dream come true." However, the new establishment comes on the heels of the closure of Rio City Cafe, a family-owned business that had served the waterfront for 30 years, highlighting the challenges faced by local businesses. Despite the recent closures, the downtown area is witnessing a wave of new openings, including the Cabana Club and Lucky Gold Jewelry in the Downtown Commons (DOCO). Paula Thompson, owner of the Cabana Club, emphasized the importance of creating engaging spaces for both locals and tourists, suggesting a positive outlook for the area’s economic revival. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership has been instrumental in fostering local business growth through initiatives like the Calling All Dreamers contest, which helped Menefee develop her business plan. This program has been pivotal in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs by guiding them through essential business concepts such as financial projections and marketing strategies. Mayor Darrell Steinberg is also taking steps to revitalize the area, working to revive a $40 million modernization plan for the Old Sacramento waterfront that was delayed due to the pandemic. With new businesses emerging and city support, there is a sense of optimism about the future of downtown Sacramento.