The signage and menu board changed, but its prices and basic ingredients didn’t. The popular thick shakes, trademarked to DQ as Blizzards, have become Snow Storms.

Iqbal, who has owned the Dairy Queen since 1997, said it would have cost him $120,000 in cosmetic and accessibility upgrades to meet corporate demands. The burger and shake stand is one of Davis’ oldest fast-food restaurants.

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A large banner at the Target shopping center reads “T.J. Maxx COMING SOON.” After a phone call and some emails, a spokeswoman for the company said Thursday, “T.J. Maxx has not announced a new store in this location.” In response, I sent her a photo of that banner, which seems like an announcement to me. I’ll let you know when I get a response.

T.J. Maxx stores “offer designer and brand name fashion for women, men, teens, kids and baby for up to 60 percent off department store prices, every day,” its website says.

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As part of its ground-floor renovations, Hallmark Inn, at First and F streets, has a new lobby — and two new tenants for its retail spaces.

The beautiful new lobby, with an entrance on the F Street side, features a wall dedicated to public art. A rail with cord attachments accommodates paintings and photographs of any size. Owners Reed and Susan Youmans gave me a tour on Wednesday. They already have the space booked for two months of Second Friday ArtAbout exhibits. It currently features art to be auctioned for Tour de Cluck. The grand opening for the lobby and retail spaces will be in September, when the hotel has its Aggie Welcome event.

The lobby, which replaced staff offices and its breakfast room, debuted earlier this month. Reed Youmans hopes to open Café 11o, a breakfast and lunch eatery, to hotel guests later this month, and to the public by mid-June. Menu items include oatmeal, Belgian waffles or eggs, served with fruit and Pepper Peddler Coffee. Hotel customers will receive a voucher. Lunches will feature sandwiches, salads and soups.

Next door, its new tenants include CREAM (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me), a Bay Area-based ice cream sandwich parlor. Patrons pick the cookie and ice cream flavor and it’s assembled for them. All natural and gourmet cookies, bars and ice cream may also be purchased separately, along with toppings. Other menu items include shakes, malts and floats. Vegan and gluten-free alternatives are available. For information, visit www.creamnation.com.

Another exciting new addition is a tasting room for Putah Creek Winery. The hotel has been serving the Davis wine during its happy hour, and winemaker Gene Glaeser planted and maintains the grape vines that grow in the hotel’s courtyard under its mural. Visit its website at putahcreekwinery.com.

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Yogurtland opened Thursday at The Marketplace, in the spot last occupied by Cold Stone Creamery. Ajay Hira, one of three owners of the store, said, “North Davis was missing something.”

An official grand opening will come in June, with free yogurts, prizes and UC Davis’ mascot, Gunrock. Watch for giveaways on Feb. 6, which is National Frozen Yogurt Day, Hira said.

The frozen yogurt chain was established in 2006. Based in Irvine, it focuses on high-quality ingredients, using milk from its own dairy. At a preview event on Wednesday, my family’s favorites were Guava Grapefruit Sorbet, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Dutch Chocolate (made with Ghirardelli), and Red Velvet Cupcake Batter. I’ll have to come back to try their Plain Tart — my go-to flavor — and see how it compares to others in town.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, staying open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours may extend if there is demand, Hira said. For details on the chain, visit www.yogurt-land.com.

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Also in The Marketplace, Massage Heights’ owners hope to have their spa open by Friday, May 24. It fills the space last held by Massage Envy, which moved downtown near Hallmark Inn.

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. For information, call 530-564-5431 or visit www.massageheights.com.

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Loving Aquatic Massage will host a Davis Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday at Laurie Loving’s warm therapy pool at 1418 Colgate Drive in Davis. The event is from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The business opened a year ago. It offers “Watsu” or water shiatsu massage to clients floating with support in a warm pool. Contact her at 530-219-5118.

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The Davis Food Co-op, 620 G St., now offers beer and cider on tap on the patio. Its selection rotates, but late last week it included Berryessa Brewing Common Sense, Racer 5 and Crispin Cider. Tap hours are from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Roots Fair Trade, which featured “fairly traded gifts from around the world,” closed as of this month, after two years in business. It was at 231 G St.

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Sudwerk Brewery expanded its Dock Store tasting room, adding a Barrel Room. It features beer aged in wine and bourbon barrels. Tasting room hours are 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. The tasting room offers a fun selection of small-batch specialty beer blends. Check it out at 2001 Second St.

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Wingstop opened on May 8 at 408 G St. The take-out restaurant makes Buffalo wings to order, with lots of choices for sauces.

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Underdog Decals is a new Davis business that creates custom designs like personalized decals, banners and signs.

The owners are Brent Coker and Elena Dunkle of Davis. For more information, visit www.underdogdecals.com or call 530-400-8642.

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Nexcycle has a new beverage container redemption center in South Davis. The center is behind the Safeway store at 2121 Cowell Blvd. in the Oakshade Town Center.

The center pays cash for CRV aluminum, plastic and glass containers and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays (closed for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.). For more information, visit www.nexcyclecalifornia.com or call 800-969-2020.

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A new indoor playplace, Playland, opened May 9 in Dixon, at 410 Gateway Drive. For parents, there’s an espresso bar, lounge and “a separate area for laptop users who absolutely have to get some work done.” There’s a retail outlet selling gently used children’s and maternity clothing. Owner Tania Andersen is the mom of a 4-year-old and 18-month-old and told me she was “tired of sitting on hard plastic benches at all the play places in the area.”

I would have welcomed a place like this when my teen boys were younger. A decade ago, Enterprise Associate Editor Tanya Perez and I used to drive to the McDonald’s playplace in Natomas on cold, rainy days to exercise our little guys.

Playland has several themed play areas, including Princess Boutique, Retro Diner, Pirate’s Cove, Market and Tot Spot. Birthday party packages are available. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., on weekends. For more information, visit www.playlandcenters.com.

— Wendy Weitzel is a Davis resident. Her column runs occasionally on Sundays, but her Comings & Goings Facebook page has frequent updates. If you know about a business coming or going in the area, contact Wendy at wendyedit@gmail.com. 

The concept is similar to Pluto’s, and is popular with young people, partner Bobby Coyote said on opening day. Its custom, quick-service menu features carver sandwiches, buildable salads, chicken strips, and specialty sides like sweet potato fries or Urban Fries with blue cheese and chili oil; mac & cheese; mashed potatoes; fresh baked breads and cheese bread.

Beer and wine will be offered once the patio fencing is complete later this month, Coyote said.

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Along with dinner, The Mustard Seed restaurant now serves breakfast and lunch at 222 D St.

The restaurant changed hands a couple of months ago. Steve and Lynn Kwon purchased it from Paul and Robyn Bergman, who opened it in 1985.

The Kwons’ daughter, Esther, 21, is a UC Davis student who serves as its manager. She said Friday that the hectic pace helps her manage the stress of being an undergrad.

The family has kept the popular lunch and dinner menu established by the former owners. Many former staff members remain or have returned, including the Bergmans’ son, Joshua, who is one of three chefs. Their new breakfasts include omelets, French toast, Lemony Ricotta Pancakes, Eggs Florentine Benedict, and eggs with bacon or sausage.

Esther said her parents fell in love with the restaurant when they came to Davis to visit. They have owned restaurants in Southern California since she and her older brother were little, and were excited to move here from Riverside.

Breakfast is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, with lunch items offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. No reservations are needed, except for large parties. Its website is http://www.mustardseeddavis.com/

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Next door, Antiques Plus remains open until its inventory is depleted. The owner is taking offers on remaining furniture, antiques, artwork and store fixtures.

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Wingstop is scheduled to open Wednesday at 408 G St. The take-out restaurant makes Buffalo wings to order, with lots of choices for sauces.

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Goodwill opened April 25 at 1640 E. Eighth St. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

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The Davis Warehouse, an indoor batting and training training facility at 17C Arboretum Drive, closed on Friday.

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Luci’s Salon, in the E Street Plaza, is moving this weekend. It’s scheduled to reopen on Thursday at 222 D St., Suite 9A, its website says.

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Another Blockbuster video store is closing. This time in Woodland, according to published reports.

Woodland’s Blockbuster, 2 W. Court St., will close sometime in June.

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Literary specialist Michel A. Johnson is opening her own practice, The Savvy Reader, starting June 10, at 423 E St.

Johnson teaches language and literacy to native and non-native speakers. She specializes in Spanish and English learners, and language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia.

“Based on multi-sensory, evidence and research-based methodologies, The Savvy Reader offers services to children and adults, aiming to bring success and confidence to all struggling learners,” her Facebook page says.

Reach her at 530-798-0791 or thesavvyreader@gmail.com.

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Rocket into Reading is a new summer reading program launched by credentialed teachers Tara Johnson and Jean Salk. It offers programs to build reading and writing skills for kindergartners through third-graders. Mini-camp sign-ups are through the Davis Art Center.

For more information, email rocketintoreading@gmail.com.

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On a personal note, I left my UC Davis communications job last month to take on a growing demand for freelance editing, writing and design. I produce some local email newsletters, and will help the city with outreach this summer for its downtown road construction projects. Hopefully this will give me more time to work on this column — at more reasonable hours.

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Still coming soon to Davis:

• The Melt (grilled cheese) in Davis Commons, downtown, in late August
• Massage Heights in The Marketplace in North Davis
• Yogurtland (frozen yogurt) in The Marketplace
• Family Dollar in Westlake Plaza in West Davis, later this year

— Wendy Weitzel is a Davis resident. Her column runs occasionally on Sundays, but her Comings & Goings Facebook page has frequent updates. If you know about a business coming or going in the area, contact Wendy at wendyedit@gmail.com. 

The Fellowship Hall is at 421 D St. The business model calls for a community gathering place with music, theater, TEDx-style workshops and craft fairs. A children’s play area would entertain kids while adults gather to enjoy specialties like loose-leaf teas and gluten-free products.

The Rev. Bill Habicht said they are still trying to work out the financials before the plan goes to the board.

“The business plan is only the road map. The real work begins if the proposal is approved,” he said. “That’s where we’ll be inviting the entire community into the process, through working groups. The community will help to define the actuality of Mosaic.”

An interactive Prezi presentation about Mosaic Tea & Coffee is available on the Davis Community Church website, http://www.dccpres.org, under the “Serving” tab. (The URL is too long to print here).

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Yogurtland has a “coming soon” sign up at The Marketplace, in the long-vacant spot last filled by Cold Stone Creamery. The Irvine-based frozen yogurt franchise has been around since 2006. It focuses on real, high-quality ingredients and rotates from a long list of flavors. To see the list, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com

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I spoke last week with an executive from The Melt, which plans to start serving “grilled cheese happiness” at the Davis Commons in late August or early September. Paul Coletta, chief marketing officer, said the Bay Area startup is growing fast, with 15 stores opening since it launched in 2011.

Many of those stores are in college towns.

“We believe that is our customer, and the spot is ideal,” Coletta said, citing the parking, patio and Davis Commons’ grounds at First and E streets. “We like what’s happening with the center, with the inclusion of Whole Foods. This is a customer that appreciates better food. That’s what we cater to.”

Coletta said there should be a soft opening in late August, with a grand opening in September, once UC Davis classes start. They usually announce a grand opening promotion through Facebook, giving fans a password for free food. When the Berkeley store opened a year ago, 2,000 people came to claim a free sandwich.

Its main menu features five different grilled cheese sandwiches, four soups and five combos that include soups. Breakfast items are available as well. For details, visit www.themelt.com.

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Jack’s Urban Eats will open May 2 in The Marketplace, a sign on its window reports. Its menu features, sandwiches, salads, chicken strips, and specialty sides like sweet potato fries, mac & cheese and mashed potatoes.

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Also slated to open the first week of May is Wingstop. The take-out restaurant makes Buffalo wings to order. It is at 408 G St., near El Mariachi.

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You may have read that after much community outcry, the South Davis coffeehouse Common Grounds has acquired a new space, next to its old one in Oakshade Town Center. It closed at the end of March. Property owner Regency Centers is making room for Pet Food Express, a Bay Area-based chain.

In an April 8 letter to customers, posted on Facebook, owners Son Chung and Michelle Kim thanked supporters and announced plans to reopen in three months in their new spot, which also will feature more outdoor seating.

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In March, Davis artist Kyle Monhollen launched his own design business, 2407 Graphics. He provides custom design and printing services, graphics and lettering for logos, posters, ads and more. His office is at 231 G St., Suite 26 (by appointment).

Monhollen is co-founder of the Davis Live Music Collective, the nonprofit group that’s brought great music here since 2011. The popularity of his pop culture posters for these events led to 2407 Graphics.

He is well connected in the academic art world as well. He is senior preparator of exhibits at UC Davis’ Nelson Gallery, and a part-time art instructor at Sierra College in Rocklin, and served on the Davis School Arts Foundation. He has a master’s in fine arts from the San Francisco Art Institute.

Visit http://2407graphics.com or email info@2407graphics.com.

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Wal-Mart is adding two new neighborhood stores in Woodland, according to published reports. The first neighborhood store will be at County Fair Mall, opening this summer. A new one was just announced for the west end of town, at 215 California St., the site of a former Rite Aid. Next door, an In-Shape health club will fill the former McMahan’s Furniture space. Both are slated for the fall.

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I continue to be delighted by the food, and local beer and wine available in Winters. My latest discovery is Main Street Cellars, which has been open for more than a year. It’s hidden behind Ficelle at 9 E. Main St., Suite J.

Owner Michael Petersen is a sommelier with a family history in the wine business. His wife, Christina, teaches second grade in town, and works there in her off hours.

It’s a wine bar, craft beer taproom and bottle shop, and serves small plates like cheese and crackers. It’s a combination of a wine bar and Davis Beer Shoppe, with an outdoor patio and bocce court. Another bonus: bumping into The Winters Express’ Debra DeAngelo. I did scold her for failing to tell me about this place.

Hours are 4 to 9 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays. There’s a Sunday brunch a couple of times a month, including this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit www.mainstreetcellars.com or call 530-795-9000.

— Wendy Weitzel is a Davis resident. Her column runs occasionally on Sundays, but her Comings & Goings Facebook page has frequent updates. If you know about a business coming or going in the area, contact Wendy at wendyedit@gmail.com

“This fast casual eatery combines chef-inspired, all natural, wholesome food with innovative online ordering technology in an eco friendly environment,” its website says.

Its menu features five different grilled cheese sandwiches, four soups, and five combos that include soups. There are add-ins like tomato, bacon, ham or turkey, and a free option for gluten-free bread. One sandwich, the Mac Daddy, is filled with macaroni and cheddar. Drinks include all-natural sodas and milkshakes. Desserts feature soft-serve and chocolate-dipped ice cream cones, and a Chocolate Marshmallow S’more Melt (grilled inside bread).

The management team is filled with tech execs and led by Flip Video founder Jonathan Kaplan. Board members include Ron Johnson, former head of retail operations at Apple; and two Silicon Valley venture capitalists.

I’ll keep you posted when I learn when it’s scheduled to open. Its website is www.themelt.com.

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As reported last week in The Enterprise, South Davis coffeehouse Common Grounds lost its lease and closed last Sunday. Property owner Regency Centers is making room for Pet Food Express, a Bay Area-based chain.

Regency Centers is a Jacksonville, Fla.-based company that owns 348 shopping centers in the U.S. It bought Oakshade Town Center, at Cowell Boulevard and Pole Line Road in South Davis, in 2011. A petition on change.org has collected 628 signatures a of late Thursday, requesting that the center’s management reconsider. Mayor Joe Krovoza and Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada have also voiced concern.

Meanwhile, owners Son Chung and Michelle Kim are looking for a new space. Reports say they are interested in spots near Save Mart, or three downtown spaces: in the Davis Food Co-op center, near the Amtrak Station or near Central Park.

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Massage Heights is coming soon to the former Massage Envy space (Suite 100) in The Marketplace in North Davis. It offers massages and facials. For more information, visit www.massageheights.com/CA/davis-marketplace.aspx.

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Bobby Coyote reports that Jack’s Urban Eats may open in The Marketplace by late April or sometime next month.

“Progress is coming along very well. The buildout is moving very quickly and looking very nice, with lots of fun color on the walls,” he wrote in an email late last month. “We have most of the crew hired and starting to train at different Jack’s around the Sacramento region. The city of Davis has been great to work with, so with a little luck we might be able to open before Picnic Day (April 20)!”

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Wingstop is under construction at 408 G St. Proprietors Sukh and Bal Randhawa hope to open it by the end of April. The take-out restaurant makes Buffalo wings to order. Its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/daviswingstop, has instructions for applying for jobs.

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I rarely mention Dixon businesses, but there’s a new indoor playplace that Davis parents will like. Playland is scheduled to open May 9 at 410 Gateway Drive in the Mash Gateway complex, which faces eastbound Interstate 80. For parents, there’s an espresso bar, lounge and “a separate area for laptop users who absolutely have to get some work done,” its website says. There’s a retail outlet selling “gently used” children’s and maternity clothing.

It has several themed play areas, including Princess Boutique, Retro Diner, Pirate’s Cove, Market and Tot Spot. Birthday party packages are available. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, on weekends. For more information, visit www.playlandcenters.com.

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I usually don’t promote store merchandise, either, but this is news: Boheme Hip Used Clothing, at 409 Third St., just started selling bow ties. This winter I spent several hours searching Yolo County retail and thrift stores for a black bow tie for my son’s school concert attire. Hopefully this will save you from similar frustration. Bow ties haven’t been available on a regular basis anywhere in town since James Anthony Men’s Wear closed in early 2010.

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The Mustard Seed Restaurant is under new ownership. Steve and Lynn Kwon purchased it from Paul and Robyn Bergman, who opened it in 1985. It’s at 222 D St.

A note on its website reads: “Chef-owners Steve & Lynn Kwon and their talented crew are dedicated to feeding the hungry people of Davis and the surrounding communities. … As well as welcoming our new customers,
we would like to thank our loyal customers for their support
of our restaurant and staff over the years. We could not and would not be here without you.”

The Kwons purchased the restaurant in a bulk sale, which included all of the furniture, menus, recipes and a transfer of the liquor license. They recently purchased a house in Woodland, and have a daughter who attends UC Davis. No word yet on plans to expand back to include lunch hours.

— Wendy Weitzel is a Davis resident. Her column runs occasionally on Sundays, but her Comings & Goings Facebook page has frequent updates. If you know about a business coming or going in the area, contact Wendy at wendyedit@gmail.com.

The following downtown bars, restaurants and food stores were in the news:

El Toro Bravo Mexican Kitchen opened in December at 237 D St.

University of Beer, a bar with 60 drafts, opened in December at 615 Third St.

Taqueria El Burrito opened in November in the former Great Wall of China II space at 223 F St., in the E Street Plaza.

Whole Foods Market opened in October. The natural foods store fills the former Borders space at 500 First St. in Davis Commons.

International Bistro closed in January. The Nepalese and Vietnamese restaurant was open for less than three months at 213 E St., Suite A. Huong Lan Sandwiches, a Vietnamese sandwich shop, opened soon after.

The Mustard Seed restaurant is under new ownership. Steve and Lynn Kwon purchased it from Paul and Robyn Bergman. It’s at 222 D St.

Wingstop is under construction at 408 G St. Owner Bal Randhawa hopes to open by late April. The family take-out restaurant makes Buffalo wings to order.

Hallmark Inn is coming close to finishing its remodeling project, adding three retail spaces to its ground floor in the 100 block of F Street. The hotel renovated its breakfast area into a sandwich shop and deli called Café 110, which is scheduled to open soon, Hallmark Inn manager Marisa Schaffer reports.

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On the retail front, here’s what’s new downtown:

Western Feed & Pet Supply opened in December at 407 G St., offering products for small and large animals.

Rivers to Reef, a full-service aquarium store, opened in October at 333 F St., Suite B — Spa Central’s home before it moved to the E Street Plaza.

Bohème Hip Used Clothing moved to a new space, at 409 Third St., in December. Its former space was 222 D St., Suite 9A, which it shared with Paulina’s, a women’s clothing boutique.

Paulina’s Boutique moved to 207 F St., Suite A, in February. The boutique fills the former space of The Luxury Out House Company, which closed its Davis outlet but still sells its bath products online.

Aella Boutique, a lingerie and accessories store at 227 E St., Suite 3, closed in September.

Antiques Plus, 222 D St., Suite 1, was scheduled to close this month.

The Yolo County SPCA Thrift Store expanded recently, adding in a second storefront a couple of doors down from its other store at Third and I streets.

The Davis Flea Market has rented the former Dimple Records space this weekend  for a festival filled with vendors and entertainment. For more information, visit http://www.davisfleamarket.org.

Nutrishop Davis, a sports nutrition and weight loss supplement store, opened in January at 612 Fourth St.

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In service-related downtown businesses:

Massage Envy opened in January on F Street in the Hallmark Inn ground floor, moving from The Marketplace.

After a decade in Davis, The Bo Tree yoga studio had its final class on Dec. 22. Lift Pilates moved in to that space 803 Second St., Suite C-1, a spot it held once before.

Davis hairstylist John Hausler opened Tangles Studio, recycling his former business’ name, Tangles Salon and Spa. The new studio is at 515 G St.

Abbey Road Press moved in October to 338 G St., Suite A, from Fourth and L. APEX Cycles moved from that spot to 912 Fifth St., Suite 105, in October.

Volleys Tennis Shop, at 130 G St., Suite C, changed hands in November. The new owners are David Brooks and Scot Siden.

Mathnasium, a tutoring center specializing in math, had its grand opening in November. Its office is at 618 Fourth St. in Davis.

Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, opened a Davis office for his newly redrawn district, which includes all or portions of Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, Lake, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter and Yuba counties. It’s at 412 G St., an office last occupied by ReMax, which moved to 408 Second St.

The Yolo County Visitors Bureau moved to 132 E St., Suite 200.

The Davis Chamber of Commerce moved temporarily while its office at 604 Third St. gets some upgrades. You can find it at 102 E St., on the northeast corner of First and E streets. It plans to reopen on Tuesday, April 16.

— Wendy Weitzel is a Davis resident. Her column runs occasionally on Sundays, but her Comings & Goings Facebook page has more frequent updates. If you know about a business coming or going in the area, contact Wendy at wendyedit@gmail.com.