News - Local - South County

Saturday, Jun. 21, 2008

Biz Buzz: Rosa’s Italian Restaurant will reopen Sunday with a new look

After eight weeks and $550,000, the Pismo eatery boasts a new bar, waiting lounge, bathrooms and décor

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Rosa’s Italian Restaurant, 491 Price St. in Pismo Beach, has renovated its 5,400- square-foot-plus space with a new look and waiting lounge for patrons.

Its reopening is set from noon to 3 p. m. Sunday with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink specials.

The $550,000 remodel took eight weeks and closed the eatery for three days in April, co-owner Bill MacMillan said.

He runs the restaurant, which seats up to 200 people, with his son Doug MacMillan, who is also the executive chef.

The design work features an old world Italian theme with modern detailing and includes a new bar at the center of the restaurant, new bathrooms, an addition to the front dining room and a décor makeover.

The 50 employees continued working during the changes, which also include a new menu for the bar.

The MacMillans used Tom Ehlers of Specialty Construction Inc. in San Luis Obispo, architects Aaron Williams and Tom Reay of Omni Design Group in San Luis Obispo and designer Mari Robeson of WM Design Consultants in Arroyo Grande.

“The bar’s interior is colorful and sparkles with glass mosaic tile, rich walnut cabinets and handmade light fixtures,” Robeson said.

Other touches include a new fireplace and a hand-painted mural of a fig tree on the property that Rosa loved, owners said, referring to Ada “Rosa” (Cristallo) MacMillan.

She was Bill MacMillan’s wife and opened the restaurant with him in 1988. She died in September 2006.

—Tonya Strickland

Lucky local grad will win a Camaro today

McCarthy Wholesale, a used car dealer in San Luis Obispo, will give away a 2002 Chevrolet Camaro today to a graduating high school senior.

The contest was open to all graduating seniors in San Luis Obispo County who pledge to remain safe and sober and participate in their schools’ official sober grad night activities.

It’s the 10th year the dealer has offered the prize.

Hundreds of students from high schools from San Luis Obispo County signed up for the chance at www.mccarthywholesale.com, and one was randomly selected from each high school to participate in the car drawing set for 10 a. m. today.

—Tonya Strickland

Battery store opens new location in SLO

Batteries Plus, a national retail chain and franchise that sells battery-related products and offers technical support, opened in San Luis Obispo this week.

Jeff Shaffer is the franchise owner of the shop at 481 Madonna Road.

The business provides the equipment and on-site service to assemble, test, condition and design battery packs for rechargeable household and commercial products.

Its stock includes batteries for watches, cameras, cell phones, larynx batteries for electronic voice boxes, solar landscape lights, talking books for children and keyless entry door locks for hotels.

The chain has 325 stores in 41 states and Puerto Rico.

—Tonya Strickland

••• On the Horizon Communications, a Pismo Beachbased public relations firm, recently hired Jennifer Robillard as a public relations specialist. The San Francisco State University graduate will oversee accounts and implement communication campaigns for On the Horizon. The firm promotes sustainable products and healthy living. Robillard previously worked as a copy editor for The Tribune.

—Tonya Strickland

•••

Boutique furniture store San Luis Traditions has a new name and has updated its building at 748 Marsh St. in downtown San Luis Obispo. Now operating as San Luis Style, the 1,300-square-foot shop boasts new paint and signage. It first opened in 1989.

—Tonya Strickland