Sprouts & Shutters: Sushi Buffet Coming to Former Hometown Buffet, New Ramen Restaurant Now Open

Wondering what’s moving into your neighborhood shopping center? Here's a roundup of what's new in Union City business:

Mizuumi Sushi and Seafood Buffet moving into former Hometown Buffet

Whether you hated it or loved it, the Hometown Buffet in the Union Square Marketplace was a longtime local institution that left a gaping void when . Vacant ever since, the space at 1604 Decoto Rd. will now be home to another buffet.

According to signs posted in the building windows, Mizuumi Sushi and Seafood Buffet is “coming soon.”

We’re not sure how soon “soon” is — there was no additional information on the signage and there were no apparent renovations made to the building’s exterior. An online search doesn’t yield any results and a call to property managers Pacific Rim Financial Corporation has not yet been returned.

Tokushima Ramen Menoh now open

New Japanese ramen restaurant Tokushima Ramen Menoh just celebrated their grand opening this past weekend. But not just new to Union City, the restaurant is the first U.S. location of the Japanese chain, which will open restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles in coming months.

The small restaurant shares an address at 34308 Alvarado-Niles Rd. with the recently-opened , which is assisting Menoh with its U.S. expansion, according to Menoh’s general managers. 

The restaurant has a limited menu, specializing in Tokushima Ramen from the Tokushima region of Japan. The dish features a rich and savory pork bone-based and soy sauce seasoned broth served with chunks of pork, stir-fried pork belly, bamboo shoots, green onions and your choice of a raw or poached egg. A bowl costs $7.95 with additional toppings ranging from 50 cents to $1.75.

More menu items and a second ramen dish are coming soon.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Menoh is closed on Mondays.

Stay tuned to Union City Patch for a more detailed business profile this Friday.

New retail space “The Wedge” under construction at Union Landing

While we noted it on our Facebook and Twitter last month, we never put anything about the construction at Union Landing between and Babies R Us on Patch proper.

According to property manager CBRE’s website, the construction is for a new retail development called “The Wedge at Union Landing.”  The development will feature more than 17,000 square feet of retail space.

It’s scheduled to be completed in July or August.

According to city officials, there are no tenants yet.

CBRE’s website states the new building is the last proposed development for Union Landing.

For more information, visit the CBRE website here.

Purple Monkey Yoga studio plans grand opening celebration

Purple Monkey Yoga is now up and running, as we noted in . The new yoga studio — which also offers Zumba, fit camps, Pilates, belly dance and kids classes — is planning a big grand opening bash on July 21. Still in the works, Purple Monkey owner Rebecca Gatanis hopes to involve the community for the celebration with vendors from local businesses, live art, performances and more.

Visit for upcoming events and workshops.  

Spot new businesses opening or closing in town? Tell us in the comments below.