WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Two restaurants have come and gone in the same spot just outside Rossmoor in less than two years. First Napa Deli closed, then the barbecue place that followed it also shut down.
So what should move in next?
We asked, and Rossmoor-area residents had a lot to say. Here is what neighbors told us directly — in their own words — about what they want to see in that tricky little space.
1. A true deli or bagel spot
One of the strongest themes was deli and bagels.
Elliott L. envisioned something very specific for the space:
“This spot deserves a fresh start — a true Jewish deli, a scaled-down Russ & Daughters-style gem with no seating, just incredible take-home classics. If they focus on quality bagels, lox, schmears, knishes, and old-school deli favorites, this could finally be the concept that works here.”
James K. liked the idea but worried about costs, saying:
“Great idea Elliott; however, flying in food everyday would be costly and those costs passed on may not do the trick.”
Others liked the bagel idea too. Karen K. kept it simple:
“A bagel place would be good.”
Several readers echoed the deli nostalgia while warning that price killed Napa Deli. Mary S. summed it up this way:
“A good Chinese restaurant would be great. A good deli would also be a good idea. Something just didn’t work with the Napa Deli.”
2. Serious demand for Chinese, Thai, and comfort food that travels
If any cuisine came up over and over, it was Chinese — often paired with Thai and takeout-friendly dishes.
Lynne U. pointed directly at the failed barbecue concept and then pivoted to what she really wants:
“Is it the BBQ place that shut down? If so not surprised, to[o] expense and not enough individual dinners. I went once to order and walked out had to order too much food for one person. What about a really good Chinese place in that spot?”
Phyllis C. agreed:
“I totally agree. A really GOOD Chinese restaurant would be my choice.”
From Rossmoor itself, Robin S. broadened the ask:
“I live in Rossmoor and a good Chinese or Thai restaurant would be a great addition.”
Others pointed out that the concept needs to work for takeout, not just dine-in. Leslie B. emphasized that both cuisines fit the way people eat here:
“I think Chinese or Thai..both are also travel well for take out!”
3. Senior-friendly diners, soup-and-salad, and bakery ideas
Given Rossmoor’s demographics, many readers focused on comfort, smaller portions, and food that is easy to heat at home.
Annie R. painted one of the most detailed pictures of what could work:
“There are 10k residents of Rossmoor and their average age is 80. An old fashioned diner, a pie shop, a cafe that opens early and serves healthy classics. A place that sells meals to go that can be heated at home. Many seniors hire people to make their meals in advance. Must offer senior discounts and have great customer service.”
Alan H. suggested a concept that changes with the seasons:
“Winter – Soup and Stew kitchen. Summer – BBQ and Salad Bar.”
Diane A. had two related ideas, one focused on bread and one on lighter meals:
“A bakery with fresh made bread.”
“I would really like to see a soup and sandwich shop with a big salad bar.”
For those who are not Starbucks fans, JoAnn L. had a specific wish:
“An artisan bakery with good coffee. I know there’s a starbucks but not a fan.”
Put together, these comments point to something simple, comfortable, and practical: early hours, healthy-ish classics, easy take-home options, and prices that make sense for people on fixed incomes.
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4. Chains neighbors would actually welcome
Some readers specifically named chains they would be happy to see right outside the Rossmoor gate.
Jim G. thought a sub shop might be a better fit for the space than a full restaurant:
“Mr Pickles or Jersey Mikes…space not big for restaurant.”
Kimberly R. agreed on that front:
“Jersey Mikes would be great!”
Meredith V. made the case for Panera-style food at Panera-style prices:
“I would like a Panera. Reasonably priced moderately healthy food with reasonable portion sizes. I don’t have any idea who thought a Taco Bell would be a good fit. Probably has too much fat & high sodium. I would suspect that the majority of us have elevated blood pressure & maybe elevated cholesterol. Panera or some sort of health conscious place, soup, salad & sandwiches.”
Other one-line suggestions included Peet’s Coffee, El Pollo Loco, and Caspers Hot Dogs. Jamie W. threw in something different entirely:
“African more specifically Ethiopian. There are plenty of good ones in Berkeley and Oakland, but none near us.”
5. Price, rent, and parking: the painful economics
Many readers argued that the problem is not cuisine at all — it is money.
Monika W. was blunt about pricing and assumptions:
“Any restaurant charging fair prices. The BBQ place was much too expensive, so was the Napa deli. It is assumed that folks living around here have lots of money that is a foolish mistake.”
She also pointed at other pressures in the center:
“Also with the horrible decision to build a Taco Bell in the parking lot, the taco place will not survive. The owner of the shopping center needs to change his expectations.”
Sheila T. put the blame squarely on the cost of the space itself:
“The problem is not the food. Rent in this shopping center is exorbitant, and those costs are passed down to the diners. When the diners will not put up with those costs, the restaurants go under. That is why I do/did not patronize those establishments.”
Bruce B. offered a different angle, arguing that tenants and landlords both know the numbers going in:
“Interesting analysis Sheila, but rent is a function of volume, sales volume. These tenants knew what the rent is when they signed the lease. I assume their business plan included a sales projection to meet such rent. If not, their business was a prayer.”
6. The nostalgic and offbeat suggestions
Some of the most memorable ideas in the thread were nostalgic, quirky, or just delightfully specific.
Sharon Lz. argued for a full-on rewind:
“Bring back the Rossmoor Diner, they were great.”
Joanne K. wanted ice cream with her sandwiches:
“A sandwich/ice cream shop like Fenton’s.”
Darcy M. kept it classic:
“Caspers Hot Dogs.”
And then there was one of the most creative ideas of all, from E.L.H., who imagined a kind of social club built for Rossmoor’s reality:
“A nice, dark, walker-accessible bar with a shuttle service. Sort of Senior Social Club with benefits. Oh, and perhaps an automat machine where one can score See’s chocolates 24/7. Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker, and the markup on those should cover the rent. Utopian future fantasy for a friend, of course.”
You probably will not see an automat of See’s chocolates show up in the Safeway lot anytime soon — but the wish list behind that comment is clear: a social, walkable, age-friendly place that has takeout and is suited ideally to the local community.
