Monrovia’s Old Town Sees Exciting Changes

One of the new businesses starting up in Old Town – Photo by Terry Miller

Monrovia’s historic Old Town district is going through some exciting changes with close to a dozen new businesses coming to town. There’s a lot going on behind those papered-up windows!
Changes to the 400 block of S. Myrtle include two new gourmet food stores: “Le Gourmand” on the west side, and “Botega by Bella Sera” on the east side, as well as “Paradis,” a Danish-style homemade ice cream shop, and the new “Merengue Bakery & Café” located across from the Krikorian Theater. And by the way, “38 Degrees,” which currently has a popular location in Alhambra, is coming soon to the East Colorado where Merengue once operated.
Around the corner on East Lemon, “Smitten on Paper” has revitalized what once was the home of Historic Lighting. The new store offers custom wedding invitations, stationery and gifts.
Visitors to the 500 block of S. Myrtle may have noticed the realtor’s sign has been removed from what used to be the Monrovia Bakery. The rumor mill is buzzing with the possibilities, but no confirmation yet about the new business opening in that spot. “The Salad Bistro” is almost ready to open at 504 S. Myrtle and will feature flatbread pizza, salads and soups plus other menu items.
Both the 600 and 300 blocks of S. Myrtle have new businesses coming, and the word is that the scaffolding over the sidewalk in the 300 block of S. Myrtle is almost history; news that is likely to make Old Town lovers very, very happy.

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