Working out, feeding folks

A few years ago, Chicoans looking for a place to work out had a handful of places to choose from. There were the big two—In Motion Fitness and Chico Sports Club—and a few smaller, more niche establishments focusing on specific things like yoga or crossfit. Today, they’re everywhere.

We at the CN&R noticed this trend was ramping up last summer, when we decided to add the category of Best Boutique Gym to our Best of Chico award list. Based on the response, it was warranted. Even still, they continue to pop up in strip malls across town. (I have to imagine, with 10,000-20,000 extra people in Chico, the gyms are filling up along with everything else!)

Recently, Creed Strength & Fitness opened in my neck of the woods, at the corner of Walnut and Sixth streets. I stopped in to see what it’s about and was impressed with the place. Owner Taylor Catrett gave me the spiel—he works with people in small groups, so it’s kind of like having a personal trainer, but you also get workout buddies and a smaller bill at the end.

Catrett is no joke, either—he’s got a master’s in kinesiology and is certified in specializations like weightlifting and corrective exercise. A U.S. Army veteran, Catrett trains first responders and offers “sport-specific training” for athletes. I could tell he was pumped about opening the gym, and wish him luck. To find out more, go to creed-strength-fitness.triib.com or find it on Facebook.

Biz in Paradise In an effort to spur the reopening of businesses in Paradise, the Town Council recently voted to extend the deadline for existing businesses to purchase a business license until July 1, 2019. The original date was set to Dec. 31, 2018. Annual $25 renewal fees will still be required.

Speaking of … As I was driving down the hill last week, on my way from Paradise to Oroville, I silently cursed to myself as I spied my favorite food truck, The Lamb & the Wolf, driving the other direction. The truck had been slightly damaged in the Camp Fire but has since been fixed.

I went online to see the L&W’s schedule (it’ll be in Paradise Feb. 11-13), and happened upon food truck schedules for Paradise listed by Susie Rees, owner of the popular Cupcake Obsession food cart. While her cart sadly didn’t survive the fire, the woman behind Food Truck Paradise wants to make sure all the people living and working up there have full bellies—and that the trucks get some business in the meantime. There’s a pretty steady lineup around town: Fiesta Fresh Grill, Tacos el Paraiso, Campfire BBQ, Burritos el Caporal, Slyderz and Fiesta Tacos are all regulars. I’m excited that the L&W will be rejoining their ranks.

As for Rees, she tells me she’s living in Corning currently and is working to build her new kitchen. Find out what she’s got cookin’ at facebook.com/CupcakeObsession62. She posts food truck schedules on the Paradise & Magalia – Rants and Raves FB page as often as she can.