BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse Opens in Dublin

Fallon Gateway Shopping Center saw the grand opening of BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse today.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this morning, with the participation of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

BJ's is a chain restaurant with locations around the Bay Area as well as nationwide.

The restaurant features about 100 menu items that include deep dish pizza, salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta and their own line of handcrafted microbrew beers, according to its website.

Customers can also look forward to the restaurant's Pizookie dessert, which includes a cookie topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and served in a deep dish. In addition, BJ's offers an extensive, customizable children's menu.

"Our atmosphere sets us apart [from competing restaurants]," said Melissa Walker, the restaurant's general manager. "You can bring everyone of all ages here."

Around the country, BJ's restaurants often partner with local schools and charities to assist with their fundraising efforts. According to Walker, the Dublin location is currently discussing a plan to raise money for Kolb Elementary School.

Similarly, the BJ's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, works to support organizations dedicated to promoting children's healthcare and cystic fibrosis.

The reaction of Dublin residents attending the grand opening was generally positive. 

"I work in the area, and it's nice to have a spot that has both a good bar and good food," said BJ's customer Ryan Martin. "If the food is as good as the Walnut Creek location, I might eat lunch here every day."