Park 121 at Cornerstone Sonoma sold

New restaurant, Public Kitchen, opened on Feb. 8|

Bruce Riezenman’s Park 121 restaurant closed escrow this week – the Cornerstone eatery is now open as Public Kitchen.

The Cornerstone Sonoma shopping complex was recently sold by Kenwood Investments to Le Fever Mattson, leaving some tenants with questions about leases, which delayed Riezenman’s official announcement of his sale.

Contacted Feb. 10, Riezenman said, “My last day as owner of Park 121 was Thursday (Feb. 7). Friday it opened as Public Kitchen.”

In a message to patrons, he wrote: “It is bittersweet for me as I have really enjoyed owning the restaurant and am very proud of what we have done for the past six and a half years.”

Riezenman said he opened Park 121 “so that I could get to know Sonoma Valley, the people and the businesses in the area.” For that, he said he is grateful.

“It was the right time for me to claim some time off,” said the restaurateur. “And to continue my focus on Park Avenue Catering with the renewed energy that comes when you have time to think and relax.”

Added Riezenman: “Thank you for all the support you have given me.”

The restaurant opened Feb. 8 as Public Kitchen – which does not mean you can come in and cook your own food.

Julie and Greg Jones of Santa Rosa are the new owners.

Julie Jones said Monday that, “We are excited to be at Public Kitchen. We will be making subtle changes to the current menu and the décor in the restaurant over the next few weeks.”

Later she commented that, “We are still familiarizing ourselves to the current menu,” before they add some new dishes. She also said they have hired a new chef but haven’t yet made that announcement.

Greg Jones has been a resident and businessman in Sonoma County for over 30 years. During that time, he has operated several businesses including Coupons Galore and Best Values advertising magazines. He owned and operated the family entertainment center QZAR-ToobTown-Paradise Pizza in Rohnert Park, Homerun Pizza & Pasta, Big Boys Buns and Burgers in the Larkfield Shopping Center and Dee’s Bayside Deli at Lucas Wharf in Bodega Bay.

Julie Jone’s background is in education with 23 Years as an elementary school principal in Santa Clara and San Jose, and is the owner and director of the Tutoring Center in Santa Rosa at Larkfield Shopping Center.

Sonoma has seen recent sales or closures of Shiso Modern Asian Kitchen, Ramekins, the General’s Daughter, Cornerstone, Aventine, Fremont Diner, Pearl’s, CocoaPlanet, Umbria Glen Ellen, and Mint and Liberty Modern Diner.

Restaurants for sale or rent include Aventine, Umbria and Schellville Grille.

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