The wait is over for Tifa Chocolate & Gelato fans. After having closed its doors four weeks ago at its former location on Kanan Road, the boutique-style dessert shop has reopened on Roadside Drive at Whizin's Market Square.
"We moved because the other place was too small," said Denise Orr, co-owner. "People liked to come and have desserts and there just wasn't enough room."
When Tifa first opened in Agoura Hills five years ago, the business was mostly internet-based, Orr said.
"When we tried the retail end, business grew and grew, especially when we started making our own chocolate and gelato, so we've been planning to move to a larger space now for about three years," she said.
The new 2,000-square-foot location officially opened to the public on May 8 to a long line, Orr said.
"We were so relieved," she said. "We were closed for a month and we were concerned that we'd lost everyone. We saw a lot of familiar faces and it was very heartwarming."
The space construction isn't finished. Orr said an outdoor patio space is still in the works.
In addition to old favorites like homemade gelato and chocolate, Orr said freshly baked pastries will be added.
"My daughter, Candice, is a graduate of the Cordon Bleu, so she'll begin showcasing baked goods like cream-filled cakes dipped in melted chocolate, apple pies with cheeses and a variety of items," she said.
Tifa's bakery will specialize in American items as not to compete with the nearby Carrara's Italian pastries.
Orr also welcomes patrons to make suggestions for new or unique flavors for their pastries and gelato.
"We've got windows that open into our kitchen, so people can actually write their suggestions on the glass," she said, indicating what appears to look like graffiti-covered windows.
Customers particularly like the expanded seating area.
"I love it," said Dennis Lucas, a regular customer for the past year. "It's a lot more roomy, there's more character."
Tifa is open Mon 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Tue - Wed 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Thu - Sat 10 a.m. - midnight and Sun 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
The address is 28888 Roadside Drive. Phone: 818-879-0685.
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