Local Businesses See Better Fourth Than Last Year

With homemade barbeque as the traditional main dish for many people on the Fourth of July, eateries around town were pleasantly surprised by the number of diners who sought out other options. 

Local mainstay La Paz Mexican Seafood Restaurant had less of a problem filling seats than it did on the holiday in 2009,  worker Oscar Villalova said.

"It was half full, which is a lot more than last year," he said.

the only frozen yogurt shop in town, benefited from the fact that cold sweet treats were a hot commodity on the Fourth.

Co-owner Marsha Haina, who has been running the shop for a little over one year, was surprised by the turnout.

"It was a little busier than we expected. I think we ended up doing the same as last year when we were new," she said.

June Haas,  manager of  Coco's Restaurant & Bakery on Las Virgenes Road, wasn't expected anyone to show up but discovered that the day was just a bit slower than a typical Sunday.

"It was busier than what we thought it was going to be," she said.

As for local lodging, the Hilton Garden Inn experienced higher occupancy rates for the holiday weekend than it did last year at this time, said general manager Jeroen Buiks, who wouldn't give any specifics.

From the perspective of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, President Carol Washburn said the weekend was a good one for local commerce.

"I'm pleased to see that Calabasas restaurants continue to enjoy good business partly due to their creative marketing and promotional efforts," she said.