Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

White Pony Express named Regional Finalist for Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®; public voting ends Sept. 30

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Eve Birge, CEO of White Pony Express with the Chick-fil-A Moo Cow. Photo: WPE

Help county food recovery organization earn up to $200,000 grant

By Trish Heaney, Communication & Marketing Manager for White Pony Express

Concord, Calif. – White Pony Express (WPE), the food recovery organization serving Contra Costa County, has been named a Western Region finalist for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®, with the opportunity to earn up to $200,000 in grant funding to help end hunger in our community. White Pony Express was nominated by the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Walnut Creek at North Main and Chick-fil-A The Willows.

White Pony Express is already a Shared Table® partner with both restaurants, regularly receiving donated surplus food to help prepare meals for neighbors facing hunger — a partnership that made this nomination a natural fit.

The award is decided by public vote. Chick-fil-A One® App users can cast their vote for White Pony Express in the Western Region now through September 30. To vote:

  • Sign in to your Chick-fil-A One® account (or create one) in the Chick-fil-A App
  • Select “For You” at the bottom of the screen and look for the True Inspiration Awards card
  • Tap “Vote Now”
  • Select Western Region
  • Cast your vote for White Pony Express
  • Bring proof of your vote to the Chick-fil-A Walnut Creek at North Main or The Willows for a free medium fries.

“Every vote is a chance to put more good food into motion and deliver it with love to neighbors who need it,” said Eve Birge, CEO of White Pony Express. “This award would help us say yes to more than 70 organizations that are in line for our services. It would mean more children, families, and seniors sharing in our community’s abundance.”

White Pony Express currently provides the equivalent of 13,000 fresh, healthy meals each day—free of charge—to more than 140 schools, shelters, senior centers, and community organizations across Contra Costa County. With more than 70 organizations waiting for service, the award would help WPE recover more good food, reach more neighbors, and respond to a level of need that continues to outpace available resources.

The need is growing. Food insecurity among low-income adults has risen sharply across the Bay Area, including in Contra Costa County, according to the California Health Interview Survey. A win would help White Pony Express increase deliveries and reach some of the more than 70 nonprofit organizations on the waitlist. Community members are encouraged to vote and share the opportunity before voting closes on September 30.

How can I vote for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards?

Vote in the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards until Sept. 30

From September 1 through September 30, 2026, Chick-fil-A One® Members can place their vote for the True Inspiration Awards® within the Chick-fil-A® App. To help select the award winners, follow the instructions below:

  1. Sign in to your Chick-fil-A One® account (or create one) in the Chick-fil-A App.
  2. Select “For You” at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Click the “Vote Now” button.
  4. Select your geographical region.
  5. Read about this year’s regional finalists and cast your vote.

Please note, customers must use the Chick-fil-A App and a Chick-fil-A One Account to place a vote.

The 2027 True Inspiration Awards grant winners will be announced in early 2027. For more information, visit here.

About White Pony Express

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, White Pony Express is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a simple truth: hunger is not a scarcity problem; it is a distribution problem. Every day, WPE recovers fresh food and essential goods from local businesses and delivers them—free of charge—to more than 140 nonprofit partners. Its work is powered by a small staff and more than 2,000 volunteers, united by the idea that we are one human family, and love only gives its best. Fore more information visit https://whiteponyexpress.org.

About the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards

The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. The program supports organizations dedicated to caring for people, caring through food, caring for communities, and caring for our planet. Grants range from $30,000 to $200,000.

Nékter San Marco Juice Bar to celebrate Grand Opening in Pittsburg Sept. 19

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Enter to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter

By Riley Garner, The Zest Lab, on behalf of Nékter

Pittsburg, CA – Nékter Juice Bar is celebrating its new Pittsburg location with a Grand Opening Celebration on September 19 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 2261 W. Leland Road in Pittsburg, CA. The celebration will begin with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 AM, welcoming the community to experience Nékter’s fresh, handcrafted menu and commitment to healthy living.

Guests are invited to enjoy exclusive Grand Opening offers, enter to win wellness-focused prizes, and connect with local businesses and community members dedicated to helping Pittsburg live healthier, happier lives.

To celebrate the Grand Opening, guests can receive a FREE Protein Waffle with a $25 purchase and enter for the chance to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter – one smoothie per week for four weeks.

Nékter San Marco offers a variety of products. Sources: Nékter website and video screenshots, Nékter San Marco Instagram

The celebration will also showcase artwork created by local students as part of Nékter’s Student Art Challenge. Participating students will have their artwork displayed during the Grand Opening and receive a FREE Mini Iconic Smoothie when they attend the event.

Beyond the giveaways, the celebration is an opportunity for Nékter to connect with local businesses, community leaders, and residents around a shared commitment to health and wellness.

“After being part of this community for the past 12 years, opening a Nékter Juice Bar here feels incredibly special to us. We’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many people in this community, and we’re excited to bring something new that we hope will become a part of their everyday lives. We look forward to creating a welcoming place where people can enjoy fresh, healthy food and drinks, connect with friends and family, and feel at home. Most importantly, we’re grateful for the continued support of this community and excited for what’s ahead,” said Hena and Farukh Munir, owners of Nékter San Marco Juice Bar.

Nékter Sweet & Savory Waffles. Source: Nékter website

The new Pittsburg location will offer dine-in seating, free Wi-Fi, and online ordering through the Nékter app, providing a welcoming space for guests looking to incorporate more wellness into their daily routine.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Grand Opening celebration, meet the owners, experience Nékter’s menu, and help welcome one of Pittsburg’s newest local businesses.

For more information about the Grand Opening, visit https://locations.nekterjuicebar.com/ll/us/ca/pittsburg/2261-w-leland-rd/ or follow @NekterSanMarco and @NekterJuiceBar on social media.

About Nékter Juice Bar

Founded in 2010, Nékter Juice Bar is a leading lifestyle brand celebrated for its unwavering dedication to providing clean, fresh and truly healthy superfood smoothies, açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, cleanses, and nourishing snacks, including its new line of protein waffles. The brand quickly emerged as a trailblazer in menu transparency and ingredient integrity, catering to America’s growing demand for plant-based and wholesome food options that align with diverse lifestyles and dietary needs.

At Nékter, “healthy” is not just a promise—it’s an experience that tastes great, is easily accessible, and inspires anyone seeking to add more wellness into their lives. Guests don’t just taste the difference—they love the way they feel knowing they’re enjoying food just as nature intended—but blended! For more information, visit www.NekterJuiceBar.com or follow @NekterJuiceBar on Instagram, Facebook and X, and @NekterJuiceBarOfficial on TikTok.

Bay Area Street Food Festival & Easter Sunday Mela at Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg April 5

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By Matthew Nazir, Founder & President, Bay Area Warriors Foundation

Join us April 5, 2026, for a day of authentic Karachi Street food, family fun and community celebration at our Easter Sunday festival at Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of food, fun and community while supporting a meaningful cause.

Enjoy an indoor & outdoor festival experience featuring:

Authentic Karachi Street Food

  • Karachi Biryani
  • Pakistan Chowk Bun Kabab
  • Clifton ki Fried Fish
  • Burns Road Pani Puri & Chaat
  • Kabab Rolls and more

Fun, Music & Games

  • Tambola (Housie)
  • Games & PlayStation
  • Face Painting
  • Easter Egg Hunt for Kids
  • Photo Booth with the Easter Bunny
  • Music & Karaoke
  • Community Vendor Stalls

Food, games and activities will be available through donation tickets.

Event Details

Mehran Restaurant

3841 Railroad Avenue – Pittsburg

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Starting at 1 PM

FREE ENTRY

UPDATE: However, if you plan to attend, RSVP by marking yourself as “Going” on this event page by March 20 so we can plan food and activities accordingly: Bay Area Street Food Festival & Easter Sunday Mela.

Why We Are Doing This.

All proceeds from the festival will support the Bay Area Warriors Foundation, helping provide treatment support and comfort care for cancer patients.

The foundation was created in loving memory of Chris Nazir, the late owner of Mehran Restaurant, whose spirit of generosity and community continues to inspire this mission.

Vendor Opportunities

Limited vendor spaces are available.

Non-Food / Promotional Booth:
$250 booth fee (includes $50 worth of festival tokens)

Food Vendor Booth or Food Truck:
$500 booth fee (includes $100 worth of festival tokens)

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact us soon as space is limited.

Call (415) 513-9577 or email info@bayareawarriorsfoundation.org.

 

Breakfast Never Looked Better: Enjoy a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit for breakfast until Feb. 28

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Nationwide breakfast giveaway available exclusively to all Chick-fil-A One Members

(ATLANTA) – Chick-fil-A® is rolling out a nationwide giveaway guaranteed to make cold, winter mornings a little brighter. From now through Saturday, Feb. 28 during breakfast hours, Chick-fil-A One® Members can claim a FREE Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit* through the Chick-fil-A App, no purchase necessary.

“We love finding ways to surprise and delight our guests, especially during this years’ ‘Newstalgia’ celebration in honor of 80 years,” said Khalilah Cooper, vice president of brand strategy, advertising & media. “What better way to celebrate than by giving a breakfast classic to our Chick-fil-A One® Members? It’s our small way of thanking guests for being part of our story, then and now.”

The Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit is a breakfast classic, featuring a boneless breast of chicken, seasoned to perfection, hand-breaded and served on a buttermilk biscuit baked fresh daily at each restaurant. The breakfast entreé debuted in 1986, coinciding with the launch of the brand’s first ever standalone restaurant.

For nearly four decades, Chick-fil-A has offered Guests a variety of delicious ways to start their morning. From the classic Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit to lighter options like the Egg White Grill and heartier favorites like the Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Jalapeño Salsa, breakfast remains a favorite time of day for Guests of all ages.

Throughout 2026 Chick-fil-A is delivering a year of ‘Newstalgia’, celebrating its 80-year heritage of quality, service and care. The campaign serves up beloved classics and fresh new twists, fun Guest experiences and moments of surprise and delight, from the new Frosted Sodas and Floats to Classic Cups and all-new, retro packaging.

Guests can download the Chick-fil-A App through their phone’s App Store or by visiting
Chick-fil-A.com/one. For more on our menu and information about Chick-fil-A’s food, people and Guests across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.

*The breakfast reward can be redeemed during breakfast hours, from restaurant open until 10:30 a.m., while supplies last, and is limited to one reward per person, per Chick-fil-A One® account.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts and making a positive impact. Chick-fil-A gives back through programs including the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® Program, True Inspiration Awards and Scholarships. The family-owned and privately held company got its start in 1946, founded by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at  www.chick-fil-a.com  and  Chick-fil-A Press Room.

Chipotle opens new location in Oakley with “Chipotlane” drive-thru

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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:

  • 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.

New farm-to-table restaurant to open mid-August in Brentwood

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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.

New Contra Costa health permit allows home kitchens to sell meals to the public

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Photo: CC Health

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations can offer meals for dine-in, delivery and takeout and with limits, in addition to Cottage Food Operations already allowed

By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa residents interested in selling home-cooked food to the public can now get a health permit to do so, an affordable option for entrepreneurs that ensures the safety of their customers.

Beginning July 1, Contra Costa Health (CCH) offers a new type of food permit for small-scale, home-based restaurants operated inside private homes by their residents. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) can offer meals for dine-in, delivery and takeout. MEHKOs can offer meals for dine-in, take-out, and/or delivery, and can also be used as a commissary for permitted food carts.

“By providing this option we ensure that people who sell food out of their homes do so in a safe manner that protects the health of our community,” said Federal Glover, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “We also open the door for neighborhood businesses, and for more access to healthy, nutritious food in areas where options may be limited.”

The board unanimously adopted an ordinance in May authorizing the county to offer the permit under terms of a 2018 state law. Several other Bay Area jurisdictions already do so, including Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Solano counties, and the City of Berkeley.

The permit allows meals to be stored, handled, and prepared to be served or delivered in a private residence. Most other food permits require a commercial kitchen in a restaurant or similar facility.

A permitted home can also serve as a space to prepare food for sale on street carts, a requirement to obtain a cart vendor health permit that has proven to be a significant barrier in Contra Costa.

As with holders of standard commercial food permits, MEHKO permit holders must meet requirements relating both to the spaces where their businesses operate and the food-safety training of operators. CCH will inspect each permit holder annually or more often.

The MEHKO permits do limit the holder to selling no more than 30 meals per day and 90 meals per week, and no more than $100,000 in gross annual sales. There are also some limitations regarding the type of food that may be served.

CCH will schedule workshops throughout the county later this year for potential applicants.

“This permit is great for new entrepreneurs who are just getting started,” CCH Environmental Health Director Kristian Lucas said. “It’s also a way for the public to know that a seller advertising on social media is complying with food safety regulations.”

MEHKO permit holders will be required to display their permits at their homes, and their health inspection records will be available to the public at cchealth.org.

Cottage Food Operations Already Allowed

Contra Costa Health offers two kinds of permits for home-based food operations. In addition, to the new MEHKO, the county also allows Cottage Food Operations (CFO) which “is a home-based operation that allows limited amounts of certain foods to be prepared in a home kitchen for retail sale. A CFO can prepare and package non-potentially hazardous foods from home. The California Department of Public Health maintains a listing of foods approved to be sold from a private residence. Some examples of these foods include cookies, candies, jams/jellies, muffins, cakes, and pies. Only foods on the state listing are approved as cottage food products.

According to the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch, “There are two different classes of CFO’s:

Class A: This type of CFO can sell home-kitchen prepared foods directly to the public. This includes transactions made via the phone, internet, and any other digital method. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service. A Class A operator’s current maximum gross annual sales are $75,000.

Class B: This type of CFO can sell home-kitchen prepared foods directly to the public or indirectly through restaurants and food markets. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service. An indirect sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or third-party delivery service. The current gross annual sales for a Class B operator are $150,000.

For more information about the new and CFO permits, including how to apply, visit cchealth.org/homekitchens.

National Day of Prayer East County Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 2

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Deadline for tickets: Monday, April 29

Join in on the 73rd National Day of Prayer as prayers are offered for our nation, state, cities & communities, schools, churches, families & youth, homeless & others in need, military & veterans, first responders, hospitals & medical personnel and businesses.

Space is limited to the first 85 attendees. RSVP and purchase tickets for $32.50 which includes tax and tip, at eventbrite. No profit is being earned from the sale of tickets as all proceeds will be paid to the restaurant.

Good Friday Passover Seder Friday, March 29 at Campos Family Vineyards

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Photos from 2023 Good Friday Passover Seeder. Source: Ralph Rechnitz

Ralph Rechnitiz will host a traditional Passover Seder again this year with his Palestinian ministry partner Saed Awwad on Good Friday, March 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Campos Family Vineyards, 3501 Byer Road in Byron.

All are invited to join in for an evening filled with delicious food, meaningful rituals, and joyful celebration! For more information click, here.