LAKEWOOD - Expansion of the Los Cerritos Center will be complete when the Lazy Dog Cafe opens for dinner March 9.The Lazy Dog Cafe, with 7,489 square feet, is the eighth location of the Southern California concept that combines a "comfortable, contemporary atmosphere with an internationally-inspired menu." The restaurant flanks the new entry plaza next to Nordstrom and California Pizza Kitchen. Last year, Los Cerritos Center introduced a new, 138,000-square foot Nordstrom store and a host of new retailers, including Apple, True Religion Brand Jeans, MAC Cosmetics, Foreign Exchange, Love Culture, Carlton Hair and Vision Shoes. "The success of the expanded Nordstrom and new in-line retailers over the past nine months has been very impressive," said Ken Kraus, senior property manager for Los Cerritos Center. "It truly is a testament to finding the right retailers at the right time for the right shoppers. We have eagerly awaited the opening of Lazy Dog Cafe - the perfect and final touch to a well-planned and well-received expansion of the center." The restaurant is "very focused on giving back to their cities" through its Spirit of Philanthropy program, mall officials said. "The Spirit of Philanthropy is part of Lazy Dog Cafe's pre-opening celebration that offers us an opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community while recognizing all of the wonderful non-profit organizations and local heroes in the city of Cerritos," said Chris Simms, founder of Lazy Dog Cafe. "We wanted to do something special for those in the community who donate their valuable time, energy and/or resources to improve the lives of others." Anyone living in or around Cerritos who donates their time to help others in their community is eligible for the Spirit of Philanthropy award, which comes with a plaque, gift basket and a $150 Lazy Dog Cafe gift card, along with a donation to their non-profit or charity. To nominate someone for the award, e-mail localheroes@lazydogcafe.com.

********** Published: March 3, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 46