Sprouts & Shutters: The Latest on Domus, Aura Nightclub and Stoneridge Mall

Changes abound in Pleasanton's restaurant and retail scene, from several openings at the Stoneridge Mall to fresh interest in the old Domus space on Main Street. Here's your Patch roundup of what's sprouting and shuttering around Pleasanton.

Since Domus closed two years ago, shoppers walking along Main Street have been anxiously waiting for something to fill the large retail space. Anything to those rumors that a fitness place may be moving in? "The rumor mill is rampant," says Pamela Ott, the city's economic development director. "Someone is interested in the property but nothing is finalized." Stay tuned.

Mall strollers get five new stores to browse in the Stoneridge Shopping Center. The makeup company MAC Cosmetics opened earlier this month, showcasing its purple Shock-A-Holic eyeshadow and turquoise Morning After nail lacquer on the lower level near Guest Services. LoveSac started selling its beanbags and other "alternative" furniture this month on the upper level near Macy's Womens.

Guess, set to open a 4200-square-foot space this fall, will be the only East Bay location of the international brand. Shoppers can get an on-the-go deep tissue massage at Massage Journey when it trades its kiosk for a permanent location near the Cheesecake Factory mall entrance this fall. The jewelry and accessories retailer Brighton Collectibles plans to open before the holidays on the upper level.

Finally, the mall's popular Gap store will keep a portion of its store open as it undergoes a major remodel. Carrie Williams, director of marketing and business development for the shopping center, says she doesn't know what Gap's remodel entails, only that it's "renovating to its latest prototype."

Anarkalee, a Pakistani/Indian restaurant, recently celebrated its grand opening on Rosewood Drive at Owens Drive. It's a casual eatery, where you order your Chicken Jalfrezi and Vegi Biryani at the counter and get your entrees delivered to your table. It's also easy on the wallet: Most items on the menu cost less than $10. Read more about Arakalee and its owners in Patch's New Restaurant Adds a Pinch of Culture to the Recipe.

A new nightclub may soon move into the huge 10,000-square-foot space on Hopyard Road vacated in June by Aura Nightclub. Pamela Ott, the city's economic development director, says that the potential tenant hopes to open the new nightclub this fall, but nothing has been finalized.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is set to open early next month, replacing Pleasanton's only Filipino eatery, The Jeepney, in the Bernal Plaza on Koll Center Parkway. The national chain serves meat smoked on site and other southern dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and even fried okra. Get a menu preview here.

Your Stage Toys closed its downtown retail spot in late July, but fans can still buy toys from the business's online store. Visit their website for toys like Skorpion Skates, Marionette puppets, Haba Architectural Blocks and more. Its space on Angela Street (between Main and First) has not yet been leased.

The upscale women's clothing boutique Me and Emmi closes its doors after eight years in business. Owner Lori Barnes says some life changes, namely having a new baby at home and the tough economy contributed to her decision to shut down.  Barnes is not complaining though saying the boutique has had "a great run" and great customers.

The owner of downtown's Apparel & Co will take over that Main Street spot in early September with a new contemporary women's clothing and accessories store called Girlfiends & Co.

Did you miss Patch's last retail and restaurant roundup? Read about the recent openings of Nonni's Bistro, Cycle Pros, Main Street Meat & Fish Market and more in the previous edition of Sprouts & Shutters.