Business District Choice Awards winners

The College Area Business District announced its 2019 winners of the College Area Choice Awards on Dec. 19. The winners for the following categories are:

• Best New Restaurant: Everbowl
• Best New Business: Federico’s Academy of Performing Arts
• Best Coffee Shop: Marleeze Koffee
• Best Storefront Makeover: Tako Factory Taqueria
• Best Long-Term Business: Woodstock’s Pizza
• Business of the Year: Pokedon6
• R.J. Benoit Award: Pat Geary, CEG Advisors

Congratulations!

New restaurants

The new year is bringing some new dining choices in the College Area.

Surf & Soul Spot, located at 7229 El Cajon Blvd., is a seafood restaurant with a distinctive soul food bent, featuring dishes like catfish basket, shrimp and grits, blackened shrimp and crab roll, candied yams and more. The already popular restaurant is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon until the featured food of the day is sold out. Visit surfandsoulspot.com.

The Alcove Wine Beer & Eatery held its official grand opening on Dec. 18. The event drew a hefty crowd of locals that sampled the restaurant’s vast wine and beer selection and menu featuring burgers and small plates. The Alcove is located 5540 El Cajon Blvd. and is open Sundays through Thursdays 3-10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays 3-11 p.m. Visit alcovewinebeer.com.

Other new restaurants slated to open in the College Area in 2020 include Tajima Ramen at 6061 El Cajon Blvd. and Masala Cottage at 6729 El Cajon Blvd.

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New businesses

San Diego County Credit Union will host a grand opening celebration for its newest location at 6145 El Cajon Blvd. on the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and College Avenue next to the Vons. The festivities begin at 2 p.m.

There are several new businesses opened or about to open in the College Area. 

Personal trainer Robin Taylor has opened a fitness studio for pre- and post-natal bodies called RT MVMNT at 5700 El Cajon Blvd. RT MVMNT specializes in strength training, cardiovascular work, stability, mobility and breath work. Visit rtmvmnt.com.

The Eyemazing Beauty Bar, located at 6602 El Cajon Blvd., specializes in eyelashes and eyelash extensions. Visit eyemazingbeautybar.com.
Coming soon to 6145 El Cajon Blvd. is the Banfield Pet Hospital. Banfield is a privately-owned company based in Vancouver, Washington, that operates veterinary clinics — 20 already in San Diego County. Visit banfield.com.