Business

Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008

Biz Buzz: Burger joint to add flavor in Atascadero

The classic hamburger hangout, which began 19 years ago in Los Osos, will open a second location in October

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A classic hamburger eatery is moving into downtown Atascadero.

Sylvester’s—which originated in Los Osos almost two decades ago — is opening a second restaurant at El Camino Real and West Mall Avenue.

Owner Brian Englund is in the process of remodeling the building, which formerly housed the Esteem surf shop, and anticipates a grand opening in October.

Englund is building a deck for patio seating and hopes the restaurant will attract both nearby students and local workers and families. Renovations will cost $100,000.

Englund follows in his father’s footsteps. Gary Englund and business partner Larry Daily opened the original Sylvester’s 19 years ago.

“I’ve always known it was a good idea, and I am finally at point that I am ready to do it,” said Brian Englund, referring to adding additional branches of the homegrown restaurant. “I am starting in

Atascadero because I have close ties to the community, and it is a great location.”

The eatery will feature classic charbroiled favorites such as the Hana Burger — with the famous secret sauce — and the California burger with avocado and pepper jack cheese.

It will also offer the 2-1/2 pound “Big One” burger that comes with a free T-shirt for the customers brave enough to attempt to eat it. Wine and beer will also be served.

—AnnMarie Cornejo

Arroyo girl to be in hospital’s ads

An Arroyo Grande girl will be featured in Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center’s newest advertising campaign.

Four-year-old Naomi Tharp was selected to sing in the commercial after an open audition for the San Luis Obispo hospital’s “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” series to promote various services there.

Naomi will be featured in television, print and outdoor advertising, according to the hospital.

Sierra Vista has also launched a Web site, www.headshoulderskneestoes.com, to feature the new commercials. San Luis Obispobased Barnett, Cox&Associates created the campaign.

—Stephen Curran

UPS in SLO reopens after remodel

The UPS Store at 793 E. Foothill Blvd. in San Luis Obispo has reopened after its nealry monthlong remodel.

Owner Monique Speake of San Luis Obispo bought the 19-year-old business in May.

She is a San Luis Obispo High School, Cuesta College and Cal Poly graduate. The reopening was marked with a celebration on Tuesday.

—Tonya Strickland

Contest benefited Parkinson’s research

The recent “Squeezebox Squareoff” fundraiser at Old Vienna Restaurant in Shell Beach raised $500 for the Parkinson’s Alliance through drawings for gift baskets.

The accordion contest was free to attend and enter and drew eight contestants from throughout California.

The contest winner was Norm Panto of Thousand Oaks.

—Tonya Strickland