Sprouts & Shutters: Khyber Pass Restaurant, Things Remembered, My Hot Cars and More

Wondering what’s moving into your neighborhood shopping center? Our weekly Sprouts & Shutters column highlights the latest Tri-Valley restaurant, retail and other business news.

My Hot Cars, Inc., opened an automotive showroom in Livermore July 22 in Kitty Hawk Plaza next to the new 24-Hour-Fitness that's currently under construction. Owner Brad Kassabian owned Kassibian Motors in Dublin for 25 years before closing that business and starting his new corporation this year. Kassabian says his new My Hot Cars, Inc., operates under the same business model, buying and selling high-performance, muscle and classic cars. See what's in the showroom at myhotcars.com.

Enjoy a food and wine stroll this weekend during Livermore's annual Taste of Downtown. The two-day event runs Aug. 4 and 5 from 12 - 5 p.m. through downtown, where you can sample local food and wine, listen to live music and relax in a horse-drawn carriage. Tickets cost $25 for food-tasting passport and $35 for passport plus glass. Learn more and buy tickets on the Livermore Downtown event link.

Things Remembered will open this fall in the Stoneridge Shopping Center. According to the 40-year-old company, Things Remembered is the nation’s largest retailer of personalized gifts and operates more than 600 stores, mainly located in shopping malls. The retailer specializes in gifts for weddings, anniversaries and graduations and other special occasions, featuring customizable items such as engraved photo frames, etched wine glasses and monogrammed jewelry. Learn more at thingsremembered.com.

See what changes the new owners have made to in Patch’s .

Khyber Pass Restaurant opened on Village Parkway July 20, replacing the that opened last summer. The new eatery specializes in Afghan cuisine, offering dishes such as Asush (Afghan noodle soup mixed with homemade yogurt, topped with ground beef and split peas), Borani Kadoo (Sauteed pumpkin seasoned with garlic, peppers and topped with yogurt sauce) and Quabili Pallow (baked brown Basmati rice with seasoned lamb topped with raisins, almonds and julienned carrots).

San Ramon’s ABC Pet Clinic moved in early July to the newly constructed building on San Ramon Valley Boulevard next to Windmill Farms. In addition to gaining a space more suitable for a veterinary practice, ABC Pet Clinic also added a new veterinarian to the practice.

San Ramon’s new Schubros Brewery released its latest craft beer on July 25. The new 680 IPA joins the brewery’s flagship beer, Nico American Wheat. Find out more in Patch’s .

Kathlyn Stone Jewelry opened a few months ago on Hartz Avenue next to Papyrus. The new store features contemporary stone jewelry created by artist and Danville resident Kathlyn Weis-McKnew. Before opening her new store, Weis-McKnew showcased her jewelry at local craft fairs and galleries. Learn more at kathlynstonejewelry.com.

Opening Update: Monster Philly Grill, previewed in a , opened July 16 on Railroad Avenue near Trader Joe’s.

Did you miss Patch's last retail and restaurant roundup? Read about these and more in our last Sprouts & Shutters column:  

• in Dublin
• and in Pleasanton 
• and closure in Livermore
• and closing in Danville
• update and in San Ramon

Know of a restaurant or shop opening or closing in the Tri-Valley? Please send me a news tip at patchsprouts@gmail.com.