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Costco just got a lot more expensive for people who enjoy eating at the outdoor food court.
It used to be that customers did not need a membership to buy hot dogs, pizza, ice cream or any of the other offerings at the store.
That will change effective Monday. Costco announced recently on Instagram that it plans to change its policy. Now, to eat at the food court, people will have to pay $60 for an annual membership.
The food court is known for its $1.50 hot dogs that come with a 20-ounce soda, or the $9.99 oversize-large pizza, or $1.99 per slice.
The food court policy apparently has always been in place from a corporate perspective, but the company is now going to enforce the rule vigorously.
A sign posted outside of the Goleta Costco reads: “Effective March 16, 2020, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court. You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details.”
The benefits of a membership include $5 chickens, three-pack cartons of milk, and a variety of electronics, but don’t expect to buy toilet paper — at least not at the moment. The big-box store was out of toilet paper on Thursday, apparently as a result of people oddly hoarding the product in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Star Drugs Fades
Star Drugs in Santa Ynez plans to close next month.
The owners, Steven and Joan Reden, made the announcement this week.
“It has been our pleasure to serve the Santa Ynez Valley for the past 20 years while operating our business, Star Drugs,” they wrote. “So it is with mixed emotions that we announce that Star Drugs will be closing on April 24, 2020. While we will miss our valued customers, we are excited to move forward into retirement and enjoy new adventures with family and friends.”
Prescriptions will be transferred to the CVS in Solvang.
“We are confident that they will do their best to make the transition as smooth as possible and hope that you will see familiar faces of our staff there,” they said. “We are proud that our independent drug store flourished within this difficult economic climate as our industry has evolved. We enjoyed serving you with the accuracy, attention and care which you expected and deserved. We realize that a family-owned business plays a vital role in the fabric of a community and know the unique nature of our store will be missed.
“Most of all, the relationships we have made have humbled us and made us so very grateful. We shared laughter and tears with our customers, experienced longevity with families, and most of all, cared deeply for every person who has walked through our door. Our lives are more complete because of you, the communities of the Santa Ynez Valley, and we thank all of you who made it possible for us to create such an establishment for our neighbors.”
The Oak & Violet Salon Grand Opening
The Oak & Violet Salon in downtown Santa Barbara plans a grand opening with a celebration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 1428 Chapala St.
The event will feature new and current clients coming together to socialize, win raffle prizes and toast to the new space.
“Our grand opening will not only be a celebration for The Oak & Violet Salon but also a celebration of our wonderful clients who continue to support us and allow us to grow,” owner and longtime Santa Barbra stylist Cristina Malovos said. “We are incredibly proud to be a strong and passionate team who not only create personalized looks that make our clients feel confident, but who also get to support one another while furthering our careers for ourselves and families. It’s this upbeat, supportive vibe and mentality that we’re so pleased to share with all who walk through our doors.”
The salon offers high-end hair services from colors and cuts to smoothing treatments as well as men’s grooming services, according to a news release.
Malovos acquired the AVEDA salon after working under the previous salon owner, Darin Jon, for 13 years.
The salon is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Angela Sanchez Joins Community West Bank
Angela Sanchez has joined Community West Bank as vice president and regional banking manager.
“Angela is an experienced banker with a commitment to responsive customer service and a proven business development track record,” said Brian Schwabecher, regional president. “She will work with our team of specialists in commercial lending, treasury management, and business and consumer banking to build professional relationships with our clients, helping them to reach their financial goals.”
Sanchez previously worked as a branch manager at Montecito Bank & Trust and held prior positions at Provident Savings Bank and First Bank in Riverside. She has served on the Ventura County Community Foundation Finance Committee, the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce Leadership Steering Committee and the Camarillo Rotary Club board of directors, and is a Ventura Education Partnership volunteer. She graduated from the University of California at San Diego, and earned an American Bankers Association Commercial and Business Lending certificate.
She will have an office at the Oxnard branch, 300 E. Esplanade Drive.
— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
