Ventura Place in Studio City seems to be turning into a small Main Street. With the latest news that McConnell's Fine Ice Creams is joining Joan's on Third, Tuning Fork and the Studio City Farmers Market comes news that Alfred Coffee will open its fourth location on this growing street. Alfred's other locations are Melrose Place, Brentwood and Alfred in the Alley (off La Cienega). Each location has a different design; however the similarity of each is eclectic kitsch, Stumptown coffee and waffle shots (small cones with shots of various coffees).

Du-par’s might just have the best deal in town with their “Beat the Clock” special. The Naylor family restaurants have been offering this early bird special at their restaurants since 1985. It’s offered daily from 4 to 6 p.m. The price of your meal is the time on the clock when you order. Choose from five full entrees: roasted chicken breast, spaghetti and meatballs, beef stew, pan-roasted cod and mango chicken salad.

The space that once housed Salads Galore in the Smart & Final strip mall at Ventura and Balboa is going to be the first Dunkin’ Donuts location in the San Fernando Valley. It is set to open this summer.

Also in Encino, the former Islands is turning into a Korean barbecue called House of Kalbi. Construction is underway.

The former Lucy’s 51 in Toluca Lake is set to become Forman’s, a gastropub from Acme Group, which owns Laurel Tavern as well as four other bar/restaurants in DTLA.