The new Chipotle Mexican Grill in Oakley that opened Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, includes a “Chipotlane” drive-thru. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Second in East County with feature; the restaurant is hiring

By Mohit Patel

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first location in Oakley today, Thursday, November 6, 2025. The restaurant features the brand’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to conveniently pick up digital orders without leaving their cars.

It’s the second location in East County with the feature. The first to have it is in Brentwood’s location on Brentwood Blvd.

Stop in today and meet Executive General Manager Ulises Montalban and his crew.

Patrons enjoy the new Chipotle Mexican Grill in Oakley on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025.

Top things to know:

• Location: 990 Laurel Road 1E, Oakley, CA 94561
• Hours: Open every day 10:45 a.m. – 10 p.m.

• NEW MENU ITEM: Oakley guests can try the brand’s newest protein Carne Asada and newest sauce Red Chimichurri for a limited time.
• Chipotle U Rewards: College students will score 1,000 bonus points upon enrolling in Chipotle U Rewards and earn 20% more points on every purchase, resulting in free Chipotle fast. This new program is designed for college students, bringing more value to Gen Z than ever before. College students can enroll in Chipotle U Rewards starting today at chipotle.com/chipotle-u-rewards.
• Build-Your-Own Chipotle: Oakley guests can order this fast, easy, stress-free option to bring the customizable Chipotle experience to their homes. The new offering serves four to six people and guests can enjoy $10 off their first “Build-Your-Own Chipotle” order with code TRYBYOC* through the end of the year.

Is the restaurant hiring?

• Yes, Chipotle is hiring at the Oakley location and across the U.S.
• There are approximately 30 jobs per location, with competitive benefits, including:
  • A crew bonus with the opportunity to earn an extra month’s worth of pay each year
  • A debt-free college degree program; and English as a second language
  • Access to mental healthcare for employees and their families.
  • Find more at chipotle.com/careers.

Oakley residents can easily set up fundraisers through Chipotle to benefit local causes.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The front of 8 Acres Kitchen & Bar in opening soon in the Deer Ridge community in Brentwood. Video screenshot source: Sean McCauley Investments

Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar to offer “wine country inspired comfort food, blending bold, seasonal flavors with the rustic elegance of a scratch kitchen”

By Virginia Sullivan

Brentwood, California –The Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group is proud to announce the grand opening of Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar, a highly anticipated, wine country-inspired culinary destination nestled on eight acres of olive trees, grapevines, and organic herb gardens in Brentwood, CA. Opening this summer, the concept is the result of a powerful new collaboration between Michael Karp, veteran restaurateur and President of Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group, and renowned Bay Area chef Harrison Chernick.

A refined yet welcoming escape, Eight Acres promises a fresh take on wine country inspired comfort food, blending bold, seasonal flavors with the rustic elegance of a scratch kitchen. Executive Chef Harrison Chernick – known for his work with Michael Mina, Mina Test Kitchen, and currently at Forge Rockridge – brings his deep culinary expertise and passion for California ingredients to every dish. With produce harvested from the property’s gardens and orchards, the menu reflects a soulful, farm-to-table spirit grounded in quality, seasonality, and community.

“It’s about letting the land speak through the food,” said Chernick. “We’re growing our own herbs, harvesting our own olives, and drawing daily inspiration from what’s growing on the property and in the surrounding area. It doesn’t get more honest—or more exciting—than that.”

While the team wasn’t actively seeking a new location, the opportunity found them. “Sean (McCauley) discovered us while visiting our Forge Napa restaurant with his family,” said Karp. “When he brought the idea to us, we were struck by the similarities between Napa and Brentwood—the landscape, the agricultural heritage, and the clear need for a true community-centric, farm-fresh restaurant concept. It immediately felt like the right fit.”

“The minute I met Michael and his team, I knew I had to get them out to Brentwood,” said McCauley, local real estate and restaurant developer. “There was an immediate connection—not just with the food, but with the heart behind it. I felt strongly that Brentwood, and especially the Deer Ridge community, would embrace what they created in Napa. It is exactly the kind of elevated experience our town has been waiting for.”

Adding to the vision for Eight Acres was Michael Karp’s three decades of success building thoughtful, community-focused dining experiences. As the owner of Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group (Forge Pizza Napa, Forge Rockridge, The Fourth Bore, Table 24, Wild Magnolia), Karp saw an opportunity to create something that both celebrates and elevates the agricultural roots of the region.

“The menu will highlight bold, satisfying, and familiar dishes, made with care and just enough surprise to keep things fresh” says Chef Chernick. “Signature items will include the “BFC” Brentwood Fried Chicken, drizzled with hot honey and served with a trio of house-made sauces, the Eight Acres Prime Steak Burger – featuring an half-pound Flannery dry-aged blend with yellow cheddar, onion jam, pickles and a special sauce on a Nisi potato bun – offering elevated comfort on a plate, and for dessert, our Peach “Pie” with grilled peaches, oatmeal streusel, and vanilla bean ice cream, is a bright, nostalgic finish.

“With Eight Acres, we’re cultivating more than a restaurant – we’re cultivating an experience,” said Karp. “It’s a place to gather, unwind, and enjoy something truly rooted in the community.” In addition to event spaces for weddings and private events the space will also feature multiple TVs to watch your favorite sporting events, as well as ongoing programming of live music. Both Chef Chernick and General Manager, Michael French, live with their families in Brentwood and are excited to bring this concept to life in their own backyard.

Located at 801 Foothill Drive, Eight Acres will offer indoor and outdoor dining, weekend brunch, private event space, and a beverage program featuring local wines, classic cocktails, and house-made infusions. A standout feature: the twelve rotating draft beer taps showcasing the best of local craft brews.

The opening date will be in mid-August and announced soon. For more information and updates, visit www.eightacresbrentwood.com and see video by Sean McCauley Investments.

About Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group:

Founded by Michael Karp, Le Bon Temps is a hospitality group focused on creating concept-driven culinary experiences rooted in quality, community, and culture. Current properties include Forge Pizza (Oakland, Napa, Oakland Airport) and The Fourth Bore.