As Many Concord Eateries Struggle, Here Are 9 Standout Ones to Support in 2026

Richard Eber4 weeks ago

At Naan N Curry a crowded dining area and filling takeout orders makes this Indian restaurant one of the highest volume restaurants in Concord. Credit: Richard Eber

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – In recent years, the Concord Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau has touted the culinary renaissance at and near Todos Santos Plaza. Foot traffic abounds, especially on weekends. Farmers’ markets and special events can be found virtually every day.

Behind this golden age of Contra Costa County’s largest city is an alarming trend of business failures among nearby food service entities. High rents, overhead, and lack of volume have resulted in closed doors and “space available” signs since the onset of COVID-19.

Challenges and Closures

Most notable was Lima, which ceased operations earlier this year. Acclaimed Chef John Marquez’s restaurant was considered one of the top two or three places to dine in the region.

Currently, the high-end Cream, a warm ice cream sandwich shop on Salvio, was set to close just prior to Thanksgiving.

Signage for Todos Santos Plaza, a public park which is the focal point of downtown Concord, California, with two people walking through the plaza visible, with selective focus, in the background, September 8, 2017. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado

On the same block on Salvio, where Fred’s Burger once resided, now stands an empty storefront. Apparently, the demand for cheeseburgers at an average of $15.00—plus another 3 bucks for fries—was not in high demand.

Neither were the high-priced dessert items next door at Cinnaholic, which also recently closed. The same fate befell the Fire Wings chicken franchise.

Outside of a prosperous Peet’s Coffee and beloved Naan N Curry, the only restaurant remaining on the 2000 block of Salvio is Chipotle. Although it enjoys decent patronage, the place is seldom overcrowded.

These closures in 2025 don’t tell the entire story of the food world at and near Todos Santos. The Spaghetti Factory, around the corner on Mt. Diablo Street, remains one of the most popular local dining spots. Over the years, they have proven to have a winning formula, serving Concord as a place “Where families come first.”

A less costly alternative to the shuttered Fred’s Burgers is Uncle Jay’s on Grant St. Despite only serving their burgers well-done, the quality of menu items—including hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and fries—is decent.

On the corner of Grant and Salvio, where E.J. Phair’s Brewery/Restaurant operated for 22 years, now stands a vacant space. For 18 months, Blast & Brew has planned to fill this spot in Concord’s growing microbrew market. At this juncture, it is uncertain if and when they might open their doors.

Long-time Favorites and New Hope at Todos Santos

Despite business failures surrounding Todos Santos, there are several places that continue to prosper. Across from the nearby Brenden Theater complex—which has been a graveyard of failed restaurants—are two Asian eateries that continue to be highly successful.

Ramen 101 serves a growing market for Japanese soups. Credit: Richard Eber

I Love Teriyaki & Sushi and Ramen 101 are located next door to one another on Galindo. Neither of these places is fancy, catering to a young crowd of Japanese food lovers. They both serve filling entrées for less than $20.00 per dish, to consume as takeout or on the premises.

Business continues to be brisk at I Love Teriyaki and Sushi. Credit: Richard Eber

Inna Hulsey, whose family has owned and operated I Love Teriyaki since it opened 25 years ago, said, “Serving a high-quality product for a fair price, along with a loyal customer base, has allowed us to prosper.”

This formula seems to work for other successful restaurants around Todos Santos, including Aung Burma and local favorite Skipolini’s Pizza. Their Italian offerings have catered to local families for over 50 years.

No one has ever said operating a successful and prosperous café or diner is easy. The turnover that has transpired in Downtown Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and along the 680 corridor continues to repeat itself—especially in the post–COVID-19 era.

Things never get boring. At Todos Santos and elsewhere, restaurants open and close with alarming regularity. Where Fred’s Burgers once stood, Lizetta Soul Foods hopes to begin operations in early 2026.

Hope springs eternal. As Scarlett O’Hara quipped in the last line of the epic movie Gone with the Wind, “After all, tomorrow is another day.”

9 Places to Support

Here are the 9 cafes and restaurants Richard mentions, in case you’d like to visit. Editor’s note: We included both local spots and chains, since as Richard mentions, many of these are either long-serving locations or could use more local support.

Peet’s Coffee – Prosperous and long-serving location