Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village Has Closed Its Doors

Sad to report that Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village (Kanan and Lindero) has closed its doors after serving the community for over 33 years. I spoke with the owner, Judy Hodgson, who will miss it but is excited to be taking a much needed break. The Newbury Park location closed on December 4, 2011.

Many, many memories were made here over the decades. Some comments from local residents on the CVG Facebook/Instagram pages:

“We've lived in Oak Park since 1991, when the Pavilions shopping center first opened. Lamppost served our community well, always a great place for team sports pizza parties or just going out with the family! You will be missed!”

“My husband’s favorite place. Sad when it closed in Newbury Park. We would go to Westlake for the pizza. Wishing the owner all the best!!”

“We were just there on Saturday (9-7) for our kids soccer party - it’s been many many years of hosting parties for our kids various sports and teams - always a nice spot, they will be missed.”

“I’m pretty sure every single person who went to OPHS or WHS is gutted right now. Sooooooo many memories at this place, we’ll love you forever Lamppost!!!”

“This is the saddest news! ❤️ we all have the best memories of lamppost. Will forever cherish those memories and the delicious food! The veggie pizza with the cashews and the bleu cheese dressing on the salads. The absolute BEST.”

“Hands down the best pizza 🍕 ever! All my team parties, trophies and yes, the ice cream bar! Well deserved Judy, you all always there with a positive energy. R.I.P to my forever card💔”

‘We just went last week with our daughter and our 3 grandkids. Didn’t realize then that it would be the last time. 😢We were remembering the many hours she (and our son) spent there on weekends, after football games, track meets and dances as far back as 20 years ago. It will be missed!”

“This is heartbreaking! Lampost is such a special spot for families 😢 They will be deeply missed in the community ❤️”

“Best pizza in town and the owner was always the nicest. Wish we would have known so we could have said good bye and had our last slice of Lamp post pizza but job well done. Enjoy your retirement.”

“HEARTBROKEN 💔 so much love and memories. one of the most magical places growing up.”

“Sooo sad to hear this 💔the place was legendary !The best veggie pizza . We have wonderful memories and had great times with family and friends through the years there. They will definitely be missed 😢😭💔”

“Noooo!! We loved going here. They had such original pizzas. And I never got tired of the little train cruising around the room.”

‘Sad news indeed; the arcade and all those AYSO participation trophies as a child will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for serving us for all these years.”

“So sad to hear this 💔 I have loved going to Lamppost since I was a little kid and have loved getting to take my own kids! Thank you for an amazing 30+ years, we will miss it!!!”

Johnny Rockets at the Camarillo Premium Outlets Has Closed Its Doors

Johnny Rockets at the Camarillo Premium Outlets recently closed its doors. This was the last remaining Johnny Rockets location in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley. The Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks locations closed in 2012 and Calabasas closed in 2017. Universal City is the closest location for those in search of this brand. www.johnnyrockets.com

Social Monk Westlake Village Has Closed, But Will Reopen As Neighborly Curated Food Hall This Fall

Social Monk at The Promenade at Westlake has closed, but will reopen this Fall as Neighborly Curated Food Hall. Neighborly was created by the founders of brands like Mendocino Farms and goop Kitchen, and will be a collection of chef-driven offerings from concepts specifically reimagined for Neighborly, like Joan’s On Third, Mini Kabob, Social Monk, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, and others - all out of a single kitchen - for dine in, take out, and delivery.

So while Social Monk fans may be disappointed with the closing, they can look forward to ordering Social Monk dishes at the new eatery. Social Monk is a casual eatery concept created by The Cheesecake Factory that opened in February 2018.

Visit www.socialmonk.com to sign up for updates.

The Galloping Hen to Open Second Location in Thousand Oaks (Grand Opening Date November 1st)

UPDATE 10/27/24: Grand opening Friday, November 1st from 8am to 2pm.

UPDATE 10/4/24: Grand opening originally planned for 10/6 has been delayed. New date to be announced soon.

The Galloping Hen, a family-owned and operated eatery in Ventura since 1984, announced they are opening a second location soon in Thousand Oaks.

Their Ventura location is located at 305 Borchard Drive and is open for breakfast and lunch daily, serving omelettes, eggs benedicts, other breakfast dishes, burgers, salads and more. Learn more at thegallopinghen.com.

Where in Thousand Oaks will The Galloping Hen be located? There’s a sign up at the corner of Thousand Oaks Boulevard at Hampshire Road, in front of Snoozz Organic Mattress O'Reilly Auto Parts and Val Surf. Super Tommy’s in that strip plaza closed its doors in December 2017 at 3085 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. My guess it that this new eatery will be located in that space….but TBA.

Sonic Drive-Thru in Fillmore Anticipates Opening Later This Year

The first Sonic Drive-Thru in Ventura County now looks to open late this year at the corner of Orange Grove Ave and Ventura Street (SR 26) in Fillmore (just west of A St, which connects to Grimes Canyon Rd/SR 23). This is about a 20 mile drive, 30-35 minutes from Thousand Oaks via SR-23/Grimes Canyon. This Sonic was first announced in October 2018 with an anticipated 2019 opening date but has been delayed for various reasons. www.sonicdrivein.com

La La Land Kind Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake Accepting Applications

The La La Land Kind Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake is not open yet and timing is TBA, but they are currently accepting employment applications for this new location on their website at lalalandkindcafe.com. La La Land offers coffee drinks, matcha drinks, teas, specialty drinks, toasts, and more. Their location at The Commons at Calabasas has operated since April 2023.