San Diego stores: Encinitas gets Grocery Outlet, East Village dessert shop adding cinnamon rolls

Bargain shopping on El Camino Real

Grocery Outlet is opening a store in Encinitas at 145 S. El Camino Real.

That’s a grocery-heavy intersection with a Ralphs, Trader Joe’s and Sprouts there already.

On Feb. 29, the store will mark the opening with a ribbon-cutting and a $1,000 donation to the Encinitas Educational Foundation, which supports the Encinitas Union School District.

That morning starting at 8 the new store’s first 100 shoppers will each get a gift card “in mystery amounts ranging from $5 to $500. In addition, all shoppers will receive a free limited-edition reusable bag, while supplies last,” the company announced.

The store also has a $1,000 grocery sweepstakes valid at the new Encinitas location. To learn details or enter, head to: groceryoutlet.com/win-groceries-encinitas.

In a news release, the company said the store’s opening has created 32 jobs.

Chuckles and carbs, no more

For 38 years, Frogy’s Donuts doled out sweet treats, sweeter smiles and a sense of community to new and loyal customers.

The Vista doughnut shop is closing this month, according to social media. To celebrate, it’s hosting two parties: an open house on Feb. 25 with coffee and desserts and a second event on Feb. 27. The shop’s last day is Feb. 28.

Decorated with a frog-themed clock, changing origami and seasonal flair — like punny tombstones around Halloween and a 364 days to Christmas countdown that started on Dec. 26 — the shop was a steady source of chuckles and carbs.

On Facebook, people expressed sadness about the retirement of its owner, Sharon Michelson. In a 2021 Facebook post, the Vista Chamber of Commerce called Michelson “one of the most wonderful and kind people in our community.”

In response, a Frogy’s fan said hers are “the best donuts around.” Another person added, “She is the sweetest lady and deserving of any recognition. No one is a stranger to her.”

Hot cinnamon rolls in East Village

Hey Sugar, a dessert shop in East Village, is expanding its menu starting in March with four new items. These include fresh warm cinnamon rolls, açaí bowls and two plant-based desserts.

It started as a pop-up and scaled up through the San Diego Tourism Authority’s accelerator program.

Here is how owner Chan Buie described her bakery recently in the Union-Tribune: “Hey Sugar is a Southern comfort dessert shop specializing in single-serving cake jars. But I also pride myself on our warm peach cobblers and warm lava cakes because those are the ones that make you want to wrap yourself in a warm blanket and sit down in front of TV because you feel so good.”

Cake varieties include old-fashioned butter cake with chocolate frosting and strawberry shortcake. One jar is $5.25.

Along with the menu update, the shop also announced two collaborations.

• The shop has a new arrangement with Tavern+Bowl, an adjacent restaurant with bowling lanes: Diners at Tavern+Bowl can order dessert from Hey Sugar from their table or bowling lane by scanning a QR code at the restaurant.

• Hey Sugar’s dog treats, dubbed Bailey’s Pantry, are going to be available for purchase at Pupper Club — a doggie day care, groomer and boarder — starting in late spring or early summer.

Painting the town pink

Does your life need a quick infusion of cuteness? Help is on the way.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is stopping in San Diego County over the next three Saturdays.

• Saturday: The Shoppes at Carlsbad near Regal Cinemas and Luna Grill.
• Feb. 24 at Otay Ranch Town Center at the covered food pavilion.
• March 2 at Fashion Valley near Bloomingdales and Forever 21.

The mobile boutique will sell Hello Kitty Cafe attire, mugs, lunch boxes, totes and ginormous hand-decorated cookies.

Do you know any stores or eateries that are opening or closing? Do you have a tip about San Diego shopping deals or news? Send me the scoop: roxana.popescu@sduniontribune.com.