Two new shops to open in Atascadero’s Colony Square

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• Atascadero marks end of $1.5 million ‘loan’ for Colony Square construction

  Atascadero marks end of $1.5 million ‘loan’ for Colony Square construction

  Atascadero’s backing for a loan to help pay for downtown’s Colony Square construction ended Friday, relinquishing the city’s financial liability in the shopping center.

  The backing wasn’t an actual loan, but a $1.5 million guarantee used to strengthen the developer’s ability to get financing for a $9 million loan. The money originated from the city’s former redevelopment agency, which has since disbanded as part of Gov. Jerry Brown’s move to dissolve all redevelopment agencies statewide.

  In 2009, the agency pledged the redevelopment money to help kick-start the long-stalled Colony Square on El Camino Real. The backing was renewed last year.

• Flower shop marks its 25th year

  Flower shop marks its 25th year

  Bloom’N’Grow flower shop in Atascadero will celebrate its 25th year in business April 28. Twelve of those years have been in Atascadero.

  Jodi Bloom first opened her flower shop in 1987 in Pennsylvania with 500 square feet of space and only herself and two occasional part-timers.

  Then she moved the shop to the Adobe Plaza in Atascadero, where it spent 10 years moving around, expanding in size and services.

• Follow-Up File: Bright days ahead for Atascadero

  Follow-Up File: Bright days ahead for Atascadero

  For years, marketing and economic experts repeatedly told chamber members they needed to be open evenings and weekends. A bedroom community, Atascadero residents tend to work in other cities.

• T.J. Maxx coming to Paso Robles

  T.J. Maxx coming to Paso Robles

  National retailer T.J. Maxx is slated to open in fall 2012 at Golden Hills Plaza in Paso Robles, just off Highway 46 East.

  The Massachusetts-based store markets itself on selling brand-name clothing, accessories and other products at prices often lower than those found at department stores.

  The business will join the plaza’s two existing anchors, Lowe’s and Bed Bath & Beyond.

• Tacos, plus 100 types of tequila in Atascadero

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  Que Pasa Mexican Café, a Bakersfield-based restaurant with locations in Tulare and Visalia, is set to open its fourth restaurant in Atascadero’s Colony Square at 6905 El Camino Real.

  “The restaurant is about 98 percent ready,” Que Pasa owner Baldo Cisneros said. “We should be open in the next two weeks.”

  A staff of 20 employees has been hired and is being trained to work in the restaurant, he said.