Dressed to impress

Chico may have bid farewell to most of its department stores over the past decade, and it’s a bummer that we’ve never been able to attract a big name like Macy’s, but I’ve honestly never known this town to be overly concerned with brand names.

That’s a good thing. Chico has always felt more individual than the larger metropolises I’ve called home. That’s because we have variety—we do have Old Navy and American Eagle Outfitters but also a bunch of cool locally owned shops with hand-picked threads. And we’re soon to have a cool new chain store: Tilly’s.

When Aaron Brothers closed its Chico store last summer, it left a void in the shopping center anchored by Best Buy. It will be vacant no more. I was admittedly unfamiliar with Tilly’s when a co-worker alerted me to its impending arrival. But upon a little research, I understood her excitement. Tilly’s focuses on California style, mostly for younger people—teenagers and young adults—and features brands like O’Neill, Rip Curl, and Roxy. I look forward to checking it out.

More clothing Chico isn’t the only one preparing for a new clothing store in town. Oroville’s Ross Dress For Less is poised to open any day. I drove by earlier this week and saw the huge “opening soon” sign above the door, and the internet tells me they’re hiring. Good stuff!

Food news For anyone living in east Oroville or the foothills of Concow and Yankee Hill—or anyone who likes a good motorcycle ride—Scooters Cafe is a household name. It’s been a local favorite for decades, a fun place to gather over a good burger and pint of beer. The cafe survived the fire, owner Dan Salmon recently finished treatment for prostate cancer (congrats!), and he and wife Bonnie are ready to reopen.

The Salmons recently announced on KRCR—and subsequently on the Scooters Facebook page—that they’re scaling back a bit, going back to a mom-and-pop operation. They expect to be open by Feb. 27, but are awaiting their alcohol license and a new phone hookup from AT&T before doing so. Scooter’s is located at 11975 State Highway 70; find it on Facebook for updates.

New drinkin’ spot Chico certainly isn’t hurting for places to throw one back, but maybe that’s why the newest spots offer a little je ne sais quoi, a little something extra. Leave it to the James family to do it right. I actually haven’t made it over to Strong Water just yet and they’re keeping pretty mum on details, other than it focuses on “hand-crafted classic cocktails,” but I hear it’s pretty rad. Nestled in among the family’s Wine Time and Lost Dutchman Taproom drinking spots, I can’t imagine it’s not. Expect an update soon!

Happy V-Day! I would be remiss to overlook the fact that this issue comes out on Valentine’s Day. Last week’s cover story, featuring sexy local dishes, was so much fun it really got me excited about food (but when am I not, really?). If you missed it, check out “Passion plates,” Feb. 7. It’s worth it, I swear.