Various Tidbits

by Mike Van Houten / Feb 24, 2013

Pizano's Pizza

I will miss the Hop in downtown Reno. I frequented the retro-style ice cream shop on Sierra Street often in the summer. But alas winter hit, and with the exception of corporate staples like Coldstone Creamery, I have yet to see a local ice cream shop/smoothie shop survive downtown/ Midtown. The Hop joins Beyond Juice and the recently-closed little ice cream shop on Wells Avenue as shops that have had difficulty surviving winter.
On the upside, there's already something new being built in the space! Pizano's Pizza will join the downtown pie club which includes Noble Pie Parlor, Reno Pizza and of course, Campo.

Reef on the River

Could this be where Reef Sushi and Sake Bar is going, in the Palladio? I walked by today and noticed the door open and work being done on the inside of the former Urban Beats/Spread Peace cafe space.

A Good Spot for a Sierra Tap House Expansion?

Speaking of ice cream shops that have recently met a cold icy ending, my beloved Truckee River Eats And Sweets closed a while back. With all the windows and door papered-over, it's a sign there might be some kind of work going on inside. Would be a great space for a Sierra Tap House expansion hmmm?

Marmot Offices

The Marmot Companies recently finished a massive renovation of two square blocks of properties encompassing Sinclair, Holcomb, Moran, and Stewart Streets, including a totally redone 8-plex on Sinclair. Two close friends of mine just moved into that 8-plex, and the apartments are really nice.

Now they plan to move their headquarters to the building pictured above, giving it a fresh paint job and landscaping. I can't wait to see the end result! I walk by this property near-daily on my trek to Dreamers or the Hub.

Post your comments
  • February 24, 2013 - 4:38:17 PM

    There's also a lot of activity in the west end unit of that little strip mall next to the Ponderosa, between S. Virginia Street and Tahoe Street. A sign says a new restaurant coming soon, I think the name was Great Full Garden Cafe or something like that.

  • February 25, 2013 - 11:09:05 AM

    That's right Remano! That would be Great Full Gardens, which will be a restaurant store front for Gino the Soup Man. Not sure of his web site addy, but if you Google 'Gino the Soup Man Reno' you should find at least his Facebook page.

  • February 25, 2013 - 2:35:20 PM

    Too bad about The Hop. Last time I was in Reno during Hot August Nights I walked downtown, got a waffle cone there, and went and watched the cars go by. I have to admit thinking the name was not a good one. The older generation like myself might get the reference but it would be meaningless to most people under 50. Anyway, sorry to hear about the closures but not surprised. The "hole in the wall serving foodstuff" business has got to have an abysmal survival rate. I am a small business person and that has to be near the end of the list of businesses I would attempt unless it was a well-known franchise.

  • February 26, 2013 - 9:05:34 AM

    A bit sad to hear about The Hop. Funny you mention Cold Stone though, as they were in that location originally and didn't make it work. By the way Cold Stone is a local franchise, a good friend of mine actually. As for the Reef, I hear its the same folks that own the Sushi Piers......

  • February 26, 2013 - 2:21:38 PM

    The Reef is indeed affiliated ownership wise with Sushi Pier/Sushi Pier 2, but I last I heard they're not going to be AYCE. Hopefully they can make it work. It's a GREAT location. .

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