Santa Monica new business openings FTW
August 29, 2024 10:02 AM
by Jennifer Taylor
If you’ve visited the Third Street Promenade in the past week, you know that big things are happening. And if you haven’t, it might be time to check it out! In the span of just one week, we saw the launch of three exciting and highly anticipated stores.
Odd One Out now brings world-renowned Taiwanese craft milk teas to customers at a colorful new kiosk in the 1200 block. Stop by any afternoon and pick up a tea — with or without their signature silk boba — or sample one of their unique and delicious gelato flavors!
Trendy retailer MINISO opened its doors at 1418 Third Street Promenade last weekend, offering everything from makeup to backpacks to pet costumes to Hello Kitty accessories. Just try not to ooh and ahh over the adorable offerings or find yourself humming their signature theme song as you leave — we dare you!
And we have officially welcomed back Barnes & Noble! We know the community couldn’t be more excited to have this beloved bookseller back on the Promenade. They opened their doors on Aug. 28 to a waiting crowd with much fanfare, and ribbon cutting and book signing by bestselling author and Santa Monica native Olivie Blake.
***
And there’s so much more on the horizon. While fencing comes down on these projects, it is going up on others.
You may have noticed the construction fencing at the Keller Building, the iconic property at the corner of Broadway and Third Street Promenade that was purchased by Festival Real Estate in 2021. They are in the process of a multi-million-dollar restoration of the landmarked historic building, combining it with an adjacent retail space to create a large new Google Store. This will be one of only a few Google Stores in the country and the first in Southern California.
And you probably saw the giant crane on Santa Monica Boulevard these past two weeks, a very visible sign that the delicious and popular HQ Gastro Pub is moving forward!
And even more happening downtown:
- Regent Santa Monica Beach is accepting reservations and will hold a ribbon cutting in early September.
- AJA Vineyards (1417-C 2nd St.) is set to bring its award-winning wines to Downtown in October. Join them for their Grand Opening Week Oct. 9 – 13.
- After a decade away, Cirque du Soleil is bringing its superhuman acrobatics and captivating storytelling back to the Santa Monica Pier with Kooza in October. Tickets are on sale now!
There are several more activations to look forward to – more details to come!
- An internationally known specialty footwear retailer has leased the space located at 1437 Third Street Promenade.
- The property at the southeast corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Third Street has been leased by a national restaurant chain that will occupy the existing location as well as two additional retail spaces along Santa Monica Boulevard.
- A lease has been signed by Holey Moley, a miniature golf and restaurant purveyor, for the second and third floor of the former food hall building at 1315 Third Street Promenade. They plan to start work very soon to bring an exciting new type of entertainment to Santa Monica.
These are just some of the exciting new investments and activations coming to Santa Monica. The city’s Community Development Department has been working hard on the city’s key priority of Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality by:
- Making it easier than ever to start a new business in Santa Monica
- Promoting local businesses through the Buy Local program and Most Loved awards
- Waiving outdoor dining fees on the Promenade
- Working with investors and property owners to find the perfect fit for bringing their business to Santa Monica.
And there are more updates in the works to encourage and assist businesses to come, stay and thrive here. Stay tuned!
It’s clear from a walk down the Third Street Promenade that it’s undergoing an exciting revitalization. This re-envisioning has been a long time coming, and we at the city hope you are as thrilled as we are to see it coming to fruition.
Authored By
Jennifer Taylor
Economic Development Manager