Biz-News: Ruby’s to open ‘Dinette’ on 17th Street

The Ruby’s Diner at 428 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa will reopen Thursday as Ruby’s Dinette. The new concept advances the diner’s look a couple of decades — from the well-known 1940s theme of red vinyl booths, Formica counters and juke boxes, to what a press release calls a 1960s “vibe” with lava lamps, mosaic tile, pendant lights and Terrazzo counters.

The restaurant will feature a new menu, as well as familiar Ruby’s items, craft beers on tap and an ice cream counter. Ruby’s will start with lunch and dinner but there are plans to add breakfast service Aug. 28.

Irvine-based Ruby’s is also introducing “fast-casual” service. That means customers order at a counter and then have their meals delivered by servers to their tables. The restaurant will feature indoor, patio and take-away dining.

Ruby’s opened in 1982 on the Balboa Pier. The chain is named for CEO Doug Cavanaugh‘s grandmother, Ruby Cavanaugh.

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Sushi restaurant coming to Fashion Island

Sushi Roku is coming in early 2015 to Fashion Island — its first Orange County location.

The Innovative Dining Group establishment combines “centuries-old culinary traditions with contemporary accents in a trend-setting environment,” according to a news release.

Sample menu items listed in the release include the Salmon Sashimi Basil Wrap, with burrata and a red wine yuzu sauce, Tuna Tartare, with yuzu guacamole, and a Baked Lobster hand roll in creamy miso sauce.

The Japanese restaurant first opened in 1997 and has locations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Las Vegas and Scottsdale.

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Back Bay Bistro names new chef

The Back Bay Bistro in Newport Beach has a new executive chef: Bruno Massuger. He will run the kitchen and the Dunes’ catering division.

Massuger, a native of France, served in the same role at The Center Club in Costa Mesa for 16 years and worked with the club’s parent company at other properties.

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Pedego Electric Bikes opens on Newport Pier

An electric bicycle store, Pedego Newport Pier, recently opened at 2001 W. Balboa Blvd. The store owned by Chasen McNaughton and his father, Kent, offers bikes for sale, rental and self-guided tours.

The Pedego Newport Pier store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

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Melamed joins Newport practice

Dr. Hooman M. Melamed, a spine surgeon who has appeared on the “Dr. Oz Show,” recently joined the DISC Sports & Spine Center at 3501 Jamboree Road, Suite 1250, in Newport Beach.

“Melamed specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and treats a wide range of conditions including herniated discs, complex cervical and lumbar disorders, cervical and lumbar stenosis and scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine),” according to a news release.

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Togo’s opening in Los Olivos

Togo’s Eateries Inc. plans to open a new deli Aug. 18 in Los Olivos Shopping Center, 8685 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. The first 1,000 guests who redeem an offer on Togo’s Facebook page through Aug. 24 will receive a free #8 hot pastrami sandwich.

Information on the giveaway is at https://www.togosirvinegiveaway.com.

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Clothing drive to help job seekers

A monthlong clothing drive for business attire is taking place countywide for Women Helping Women and Men2Work, organizations that help the disadvantaged find employment.

Organizers are looking for new or gently used business and casual clothing, shoes, ties, belts, purses and jewelry, that can be worn to job interviews.

Those who wish to help can place donations in USAgain clothing collection bins countywide. A complete list of locations can be found at https://www.usagain.com.

Some of the local drop-off points include: Airport Self Storage, 3760 Campus Drive, Newport Beach; Boys & Girls Club, 2555 Vista Del Oro, Newport Beach; Newport Beach Golf Course, 3100 Irvine Ave.; Extra Storage, 1250 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; International Christian Montessori, 2950 McClintock Way, Costa Mesa; Baker Fairview Self Storage, 2955 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa; Davis Magnet School, 1050 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa; Killybrooke Elementary School, 3155 Killybrooke Lane, Costa Mesa; Kids Kastle Preschool, 2525 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa; Vagabond Inn, 3205 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; Giant Step Learning, 758 Saint Clair St., Costa Mesa; and TeWinkle Middle School, 3224 California St., Costa Mesa.

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