Rocklin boasts new eateries, boutique shopping

Rocklin has been bustling over the last month with the addition of two new eateries and a new shopping opportunity for visitors. While Clarks Corner officially opened its doors last year, the business held its Grand Opening celebration June 30. "We got thrown off track with the passing of my dad," said owner Holly Clark. "But we are glad he was here to see and be part of founding Clarks Corner with us." The Clark family has deep roots in Rocklin and Holly's dad is Michael Clark, a well-known community member and former Ruhkala Award winner. The grand opening was held the day after what would have been Michael's 61st birthday. "I'm just trying to give back to the community," Clark said. "My dad worked so hard to create that corner." The Clark family has operated multiple businesses on Front Street for more than 30 years, including M.S. Clark Roofing, Bucks Traeger BBQ's and Clark & Corona Photography. Now at Clarks Corner, Clark has built a boutique filled with local products and artists. Many are so small, "they may not be able to afford shop space," Clark said. "We hope that Clarks Corner will become a center of our downtown community known for promoting and supporting locals through fun, inclusive events," Clark said. The boutique is currently pivoting toward the holidays with a focus on Halloween and Christmas décor and gifts. Clark recently started hosting Maker's Markets at Clarks and she has a Christmas and Halloween in July Maker's Market scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Clark is hosting a costume competition at the event, scheduled at noon. The Maker's Market will feature seven to nine small vendors offering goods that aren't regularly featured at Clarks. Clark's Corner is located at 5320 Front Street. Hours vary. Visit clarkscornerofrocklin.com for the latest operating hours information. Bagel Street Café, located at 4819 Granite Drive, opened its doors to the community June 30. Owner Kenneth Chow said he settled on the Rocklin location because there weren't any other bagel shops in town. "We want to bring togetherness and a place where friends and family can enjoy each other's company," Chow said. Bagel Street Café offers hot, iced and blended coffee drinks, bagels, cream cheese, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, pizza bagels, sandwich melts, salads and more. Chow said his banana bread is one unique item he is proud of on the menu. Bagel Street Café is open every day from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located across the street in the same neighborhood, in the old Barn Burner location is another new option for breakfast and lunch – Hot Off the Griddle. Owners Sean Jimenez and Jason Dass established Hot Off The Griddle in 2017 in Natomas, as they were tired of working for a restaurant corporation. According to their website, they have a passion for food that goes back 25 years. Jimenez and Dass officially opened their Rocklin location on June 29. Rocklin joins the Hot Off The Griddle family behind the Orangevale and Sacramento locations. The Hot Off The Griddle menu features comfort food and classic dishes such as omelets, benedicts, small and extra-large plates, burgers, sandwiches and salads. The business also has weekly weekday specials, such as the chili burger or Cajun chicken sandwich this week. Hot Off The Griddles is located at 4800 Granite Drive and is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.