Hobby Lobby Sets Grand Opening Date, Regency Theatres Begins Facelift, and T.G.I. Friday's

There is a lot going on in the businessworld of Laguna Niguel this week, from another movie theater renovating to a grand opening date set for a new hobby store, so let's get right to it.

Hobby Lobby Sets Grand Opening

For those crafters that are looking forward to combing the aisles of the new  construction is moving along at the former Mervyns store nicely, according to Tinker Morin advertising director for Lobby Hobby stores.

Patch announced last month that after more than two years, the 77,500-square-foot empty space was leased to the Oklahoma-based Lobby Hobby company in the Marketplace at Laguna Niguel, 27200 Alicia Pkwy. 

The building is the second largest in Laguna Niguel after the vacant  

Morin said the all encompassing hobby store that is known for a wide variety of craft-related items is scheduled to open with a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 4. 

"We will most likely have a soft opening on June 1, but that date could fluctuate due to unforseen circumstances from here on out," he said. "Right now the crews are on target."

Moran said the Laguna Niguel store will look like the other Hobby Lobby stores and that all of the locations are pretty much "cookie cutter in design."

He added that the company chose to open a store in Laguna Niguel after researching the demographics and deciding to "make a conscious effort to enter the California market in 2012."

"We think that Laguna Nguel is a good fit with what Hobby Lobby is all about and we are excited to be there," he said.

Founded in 1972, the company's website states, that there are "over 60,000 products in 13 departments ... ranging from crafts, hobbies, picture framing, jewelry making, fashion fabrics, floral, cards and party, baskets, wearable art, home accents, and holiday supplies."

Regency Theatres Finally Getting a New Look

Construction at at 25471 Rancho Niguel Road  in the Center at Rancho Niguel began on Monday with the closure of two of its eight screens for retrofitting. This is just phase one of a multi-phase modernization project. The renovations are expected to be completed by fall, and the venue will continue to offer independent/classic films.

Multiple theatres will be converted to stadium-style seating and at the same time the theaters are taking into consideration the senior crowd who frequent the building. It is making sure plenty of accessible seating will be available. The lobby will be remodeled, concessions will relocate, a wine and beer bar will be available for guests.

TGI Friday's Cleans Up

An old favorite in the neighborhood,  at 25471 Crown Valley Pkwy, recently performed some outdoor maintenance on its exterior last week according to the company's corporate offices. Patch was told that the work taking place at that location "was not construction related to renovations or updates."