Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Shop Talk

THE END OF PRESTIGE ... After 57 years as a mainstay in Palo Alto's Town & Country Village shopping center, women's-clothing boutique Prestige Inc. is scheduled to close its doors later this month. Owner Barbara Strassberger, daughter of the late owner Rita Strassberger, will retire after operating the store for 40 years. "I just think it's time for me to smell the roses," said the younger Strassberger, who started helping her mother at the store at age 14. "The saddest part will be not seeing our customers. They've become our friends." Strassberger said she has no plans yet for life post-retail, but that she's looking forward to retirement. "It's going to be a brand-new, exciting adventure," she said.

— Casey Moore

THE CYCLING LIFESTYLE ...A new bike store has rolled its way into Palo Alto. The shop, A Street Bike Named Desire, opened its doors on Father's Day weekend in Town & Country Village. Co-owner Joe Robinson said that although there are many bicycle stores in town with an emphasis on racing and serious cycling, his specifically promotes a cycling lifestyle. Robinson says the store is best described as a bicycling boutique, with hardwood floors and simple decorations. Bicycles, most of which are imported from Europe, including town, folding and electric bikes. All bikes purchased from the store are offered full service from tune-ups to full overhauls, Robinson said.

— Aaron Guggenheim

MORE COFFEE, PLEASE ...Philz Coffee is set to open another Palo Alto location in early September. Located at 101 Forest Ave., near downtown, the new coffee shop will seat dozens of patrons alongside large open glass windows in 2,000 square feet of space. The new Philz Coffee is slated to have the same price and menu items — with 20 house-made coffee blends with each cup made to order — as the one in Midtown. Jacob Jaber, president of Philz Coffee, said Philz will "continue to blow minds and make the best coffee."

— Aaron Guggenheim

Heard a rumor about your favorite store or business moving out, or in, down the block or across town? Shop Talk will check it out. Email shoptalk@paweekly.com.