Business Journal: University Station, Jimboy's, Hot Italian

New Grocery Store Planned For University Station

People who live near Sacramento State may soon have another option for getting groceries. The Sacramento Business Journal's Digital Editor Sonya Sorich says there's a plan to revamp the University Station retail center at 65th Street and Folsom Boulevard.

"And the first step in that redevelopment could be securing a grocery tenant for University Station," says Sorich. "Those plans are still in the works, but the center's owner says nearby Sac State would give the possible grocery store lots of customers."

New student housing is in the works direclty south and west of the retail center.

"Two different developers are planning what would be more than 1,000 new beds for Sac State students," says Sorich. "Those new projects are in addition to various other student housing projects previously announced or already under construction."

University Station's current tenants include Dollar Tree, Kelly-Moore Paints and a Urijah Faber Ultimate Fitness gym.

Fast-Food Worker Shortage

A fast-food restaurant in midtown Sacramento has posted a sign to its customers apologizing for slow service, saying it simply can't find employees. The sign — at the Jimboy's Tacos near 29th and N streets — told customers that in the more than 40 years the location has been in business, its operators have never experienced such difficult staffing issues. Sorich says Jimboy's claims very few people want to work.

"The CEO of Jimboy's said several restaurant operators are experiencing the same labor shortage challenges," says Sorich. "He attributed that to the pickup in the economy - businesses are expanding and there's a greater need for workers."

And there's more competition for workers. In recent weeks, several new eateries have opened in the downtown area, including Mas Taco Bar with 50 employees, and Echo & Rig Butcher& Steakhouse with 120 employees.

Hot Italian Closes Davis Site

Hot Italian, a locally-owned pizza chain, has closed its Davis location. The restaurant was located at the Davis Commons shopping center in downtown Davis and had been open for about two-years. Sorich says Hot Italian's co-founder, Andrea Lepore, attributed the closure to a variety of factors, including rising labor costs.

"She told me that there are simply more places where people can get food now, as well," says Sorich. "Consumers don't just turn to restaurants anymore. Grocery stores are expanding their pre-made meal offerings and the arrival of various delivery services has also impacted the dining scene."

Hot Italian still has locations in midtown Sacramento and Emeryville. Over the years, Davis Commons has lost other eateries and retailers - such as The Habit, Whole Foods and Borders Books.