New Agoura Businesses Look Forward

Of the new businesses Patch spoke with, excitement and endless expectations were the predominant sentiments. According to the City of Agoura Hills finance department, 114 businesses opened in 2011.

Some were part of large national chains like Subway, Sit N Sleep, One West Bank, GNC and Goodwill Industries while some were part of Southern California-based chains like and .

The majority were independently-owned businesses like , , Sunset Room, Agoura Boxing and The Lab Brewing Co.

Patch takes a quick look at what some of these new businesses are looking forward to in 2012.

Stability

Growing up in the area, Agoura Hills was an obvious choice for ’s Brad Burnam. “I love the vibe of the Atrium and how it’s so family-oriented,” he said, referring to the newly-remodeled area of .

The independent community yoga studio opened in December 2011, with 26 classes taught by 15 certified instructors. Burnam is looking forward to adding more classes this year.

The 33-year-old yogi, cyclist, weightlifter and martial artist is also big on philanthropy with ongoing partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs, animal shelters and other local charities.

Community involvement is also topmost on Burnam’s priorities for 2012. “I want every girl going off to college to take our self-defense class,” said Burnam of  the two-hour free workshop on February 25.

Aside from offering more workshops that will benefit the community, Burnam is full steam ahead this year. “I just want to gain a sense of stability in 2012,” he said, noting that 125 new clients have signed up since the New Year.

“I want people of various athletic levels to try us without breaking the bank,” he said.

Growth

co-owner Jessica Unbewust has the same thinking as Burnam.

When the boutique gym opened in November, its target was also people of various athletic levels. “People are tired of the large, chain of gyms where they don’t get a lot of personal attention,” said Unbewust, a competitive swimmer in college.

“We’re targeting those who desire working out in a smaller, more intimate setting,” she said, gesturing towards their 2,400-square foot open flooring design.

Unbewust and her business partner Jason Powers previously worked together at one of the fitness chains in town and exactly knew what they wanted in their new venture.

“We saw the need for a more individualized approach to fitness,” she said, describing the recent surge of boot camps, among others.

In 2012, Unbewust is anticipating growth opportunities and brand name recall. “We want to get our name out there and get established as a go-to place,” she said.

Excitement

In the hospitality business, clients crave for variety and excitement.

The , which opened in September, has nailed those two client magnets. Almost every night of the week, there is something enticing going on.

“The night club really does well on Fridays and Saturdays when we offer the dinner-and-a-show package,” said Christine Mango, publicity director.

Clients can also opt not to watch the show and just have dinner, said Mango.

Weeknights are equally exciting with swing dance, including lessons on Tuesdays. There’s an early happy hour and live entertainment by local DJs every night.

“On the second Wednesday of every month, come for wine tasting and cigars,” said Mango, of the monthly event hosted by Westlake’s NK Cigars.

Mango is pleased with the supper club’s performance last year. “We met expectations so we just want to continue keeping the level of anticipation high by offering a wide variety of events,” she said.

Watch out too for Sunset Room’s Sangria Sundays, debuting soon.