104 Businesses Open in Agoura in 2012

Despite the struggling economy, 104 new businesses decided to set up shop in Agoura Hills, according to reports obtained from the city’s finance department.

Health and wellness are some of the predominant themes of these new businesses which include an acupuncturist, a yoga instructor, a community café, a fitness studio, an acupuncturist, a massage therapist and a CPR instruction venue.

SoCal chain Brendan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant led the long list of new businesses, according to the report.

The Agoura location in the Reyes Adobe Shopping Center along Canwood St. opened in March, making it the second of three “restaurant by day, club by night” venues in the area.

“Of the three, the Agoura store is the only one with live music featuring a local band on Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.,” said bar manager Kenny Gerber.

What is the chain looking forward to in 2013? “There’s some indefinite plans to expand and open a game room but nothing’s set in stone yet,” said Gerber.

On Thousand Oaks Blvd., the newly opened Rabbit Hole Café just expanded and added the space next door.

“It’s mostly for retail items but we are looking at also expanding our meals-to-go this year since we get a lot of those," said co-owner Rosanna Caira.

The independently owned community café opened in mid-June, serving local, organic and healthy food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served and the menu includes vegan and gluten-free fare.

Caira’s children and that of her co-owner attend schools in Agoura, thus the decision to set up shop here. “We really envisioned opening a community place where everything is made from scratch,” said Caira.

So far, the feedback has been nothing but positive. “I think everyone’s just pleased that there’s something healthy in the neighborhood,” said Caira. “We’re being dubbed the ‘café with a conscience’ around here."

Independent yoga instructor Julie Markovitz is not exactly new to Agoura, but decided to apply for a business license last year.

“It just made sense since I teach yoga all over,” said Markovitz who teaches yoga classes to children, adults and families from Tarzana to Camarillo.

“I bring yoga to the people,” said Markovitz, who is expanding her client line this year by going to local events, schools, community centers and even law firms, to introduce yoga to the uninitiated.

As people see the many health benefits of yoga, expect to see Markovitz in the vicinity. Just bring your own mat.

For another independent health professional who just relocated to Agoura, bringing an open mind to her particular type of alternative medicine helps.

“My practice is extremely patient-centered in that I spend a lot of time with patients,” said Jennifer Rose, a licensed acupuncturist.

“It’s very different from Western medicine,” said Rose whose practice addresses pain management, emotional balancing and digestive issues, among others.

Rose looks forward to building her client base in Agoura as well as Ventura County, where she also has an office.

“I do want to spread the word about holistic medicine and its many benefits, including custom formulations of Chinese herbs,” she said.