Tina's Place Opens

Following months of anticipation, Tina's Place opened quietly Friday morning at the corner of San Pablo and Tennent avenues.

Tina's is the second new restaurant to open in Pinole since Wednesday, when Mel's Diner at its Fitzgerald Drive location. In contrast to the Mel's debut with helium balloons and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, heralding the event,  owner Tina Holtzclaw said she decided on a "soft"opening, rather than making a public announcement. Tina's did announce the opening on its Facebook page Friday. The official opening day will be Monday and a Grand Opening will happen in May.

With booth and table seating and leather chairs resting on hardwood floors, the dining room features a brick wall background behind a wine, beer and espresso bar. There are two flat-screen TV's, one showing workers in the otherwise hidden kitchen.

Tina's has a liquor license pending. Only breakfast and lunch will be served for now, but starting on May 9 dinner will be served.

The next expected restaurant opening in Pinole is , at 2320 San Pablo Avenue,  in the same block as Tina place.