Sprouts & Shutters: The Pitching Center, Kangaroo Hopped to Town and Loss of Rockhouse

Wondering what’s moving into your neighborhood shopping center? Our biweekly Sprouts & Shutters column highlights the latest Tri-Valley restaurant, retail and other business news.

The Pitching Center has made a short move, literally, across the street from its original location at 7070 Commerce Circle in Pleasanton. The baseball training center has taken up residence in a larger building, which was formerly Bounce U. Director Eric Barron wrote, via email:

"TPC Baseball & Softball has moved into a new location just across the street from our original facility.  We have over 10,000 square feet, 22' ceilings, video analysis and a full weight room coming soon. With over 10 years of delivering the area's best training and the only A+ rating from the BBB in our area industry, TPC is the place to be for baseball and softball players looking to improve their skills. We have programs for players ages 3-5, 6-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18.  We also have training for college, pro and even recreational adult players.  Individual players, teams and leagues are welcome.  Come check out the all new TPC!"

Mobile Kangaroo has taken residence at 2911 Hopyard Road in the building that had long been The Bookstore. The Bookstore closed last fall at the end of September. In the same lot, Rancho Grande Taqueria, which has been closed due to a fire in September, still sports a sign posted in December that says the popular restaurant will be reopening soon. Patch has not been able to each the owner for an exact date for its loyal customers.

Judging by the bustle inside, the Dollar Tree appears to be opening soon in the Rose Pavillion shopping center. The Dollar Tree in Pleasanton will be the third in the Tri-Valley, after the Dublin and Livermore locations, and is in the spot that had been occupied by KB Homes located at 4266 Rosewood Drive.

Me and My Friend's Cafe closed its doors at the end of November. The popular downtown cafe, which was located at 4713 First Street in Pleasanton, had been in business since 2006, according to their Facebook page.

7-Eleven, located in the 7100 block of Dublin Boulevard, is open after a fast remodel. The convenience store chain is occupying the building that was previously Carl's Junior. Carl's Junior in Pleasanton on Hopyard also closed over six months ago, according to Pamela Ott from the City of Pleasanton.

In Livermore, the Rockhouse Sports Pub and Grill closed on Dec. 23. The owner, Billy Jordan, told Patch the restaurant was not making enough to break even so he got out before his "debt reached $100,000."

The Amgen tour, set to speed through Livermore in 2013, will likely make many local businesses happy with a boost from bike race-enthusiasts.

"We are confident that this year's Amgen Tour of California will once again highlight the many outstanding qualities of Livermore by bringing an infusion of tourism straight into the heart of our downtown, filling the coffee houses, restaurants, shops and hotels on a weekend day," Rob White, City of Livermore Economic Development Director said in a statement.

Opening Update: Subway sandwich shop in the Pleasanton Gateway on Bernal in now open.

Those in need of an Italian fix can stop by Gianni's Italian Bistro, which opened in San Ramon on Dec. 4, according to the owner, Melanie Bartoletti. The bistro is located at 2065 San Ramon Valley Boulevard.

Did you miss Patch's last retail and restaurant roundup? Read about these and more in our last Sprouts & Shutters column: 

Livermore: Loard’s Ice Cream
Dublin: Classic Teak Furniture
San Ramon: Schubros Brewery’s new taproom
Danville: Tate Gallery and The Forge

Know of a business opening or closing in the Tri-Valley? Please tell Patch about it for a future Sprouts & Shutters column. Simply add it to this short form. Or send me a news tip at autumn.johnson@patch.com.

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