La Jolla Business Roundup: Spots for kids books, food, fitness and more join the local lineup

As summer begins to draw to a close, some new businesses are debuting soon in La Jolla or settling in after opening recently.

Here’s a look at the latest developments.

Bird Rock Bookstop

In coming weeks, Bird Rock will get a new bookstore dedicated to children and young adults.

Bird Rock Bookstop is a “grandma-owned and -operated” store led by Jodi Branch that plans a soft opening in October at 5604 La Jolla Blvd., followed by a grand opening in November.

Branch, who moved to La Jolla from southwest Florida last year, said she’s excited to share her love of books with her new Bird Rock community.

“Books were my great escape when I was younger, and I want to create a space where lifelong readership begins,” she said.

Svitnail

Offering what it calls a fume-free alternative to traditional nail salons, Svitnail launched a La Jolla flagship location at 7530 La Jolla Blvd. on Aug. 17.

Svitnail promotes a minimalist spa design with medical-grade hygiene, including built-in air extractors that remove dust and fumes, as well as a five-step sterilization process. It also coined the Svitnail Technique, a dry, waterless manicure that it says lasts more than 21 days, reducing risk of infection and leading to stronger natural nail growth.

“I was shocked by U.S. salon standards and knew we could elevate care here,” said Anastasia Gryn, Svitnail’s Ukrainian founder.

The salon’s first location was in Warsaw, Poland, before Gryn sold it in 2024.

Gryn said she chose La Jolla for Svitnail’s first location in the United States because of the community’s values, prioritizing wellness and living a “calm luxury lifestyle.”

She plans to expand to a location in Carmel Valley next year.

Learn more at svitnail.com.

Destiny Coast

Coastal views, cocktails and fresh cuisine are on the menu at Destiny Coast in La Jolla Shores. After its soft opening June 20, it’s gearing up to launch a sunset dinner menu.

Destiny Coast is in the Ted and Jean Scripps Marine Conservation and Technology Facility at 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, providing a premier view of the ocean.

Currently, Destiny Coast’s menu ranges from fresh pastries and other baked goods to smoothies, sandwiches and kettle-cooked potato chips. It also features a full bar with cocktails, wine and beer.

Chef Melissa Chickerneo is at the helm of the menu alongside fellow chef Erick Salazar.

“Often, restaurants have nice views or they have incredible cuisine and beverages,” according to a statement from the Destiny Coast team. “We have brought these two characteristics together, where guests can dine on fabulous food while taking in the incredible views of the California coastline.”

Destiny Coast is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Sunset dinner service from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. is expected to begin around October.

Learn more at destinycoast.com.

Zoya Restaurant

Longtime friends Kamal Kamal, Hadier Ascandar and Karam Korya immigrated from Iraq to pursue the American dream and launch a restaurant blending the “vibrant flavors of our heritage with the freshness of California’s coast.”

That dream came true in August as they opened Zoya Restaurant at 1000 Prospect St. in La Jolla.

Zoya offers family plate options meant to bring people together around the table. The restaurant touts authentic flavors, produce from local farms and seafood caught daily and delivered there.

Offerings include grilled seafood, fresh mezze spreads and spice-forward entrées, Kamal said in a statement.

“The restaurant’s philosophy is simple: Food is about family, and Zoya is where family gathers,” Kamal said.

The restaurant is in its soft opening phase and aims to host a grand opening soon.

For more information, visit zoyalajolla.com.

FireSnake Fitness

FireSnake Fitness says it offers a “groundbreaking fitness experience that’s changing the way people think about strength training.”

And since its opening Aug. 17 inside the Broadway Salon Studios at 1150 Silverado St. in La Jolla, local guests can see for themselves.

FireSnake’s focus is on electromyostimulation, or EMS, which uses electrical impulses to trigger involuntary muscle contractions. The benefits, according to the center, include tightening, toning and rehabilitating muscles and increasing energy and brain function.

FireSnake Fitness has other area locations in La Mesa, North Park and Encinitas. Learn more at ems.firesnakefitness.com.

Latest at Westfield UTC

September is shaping up as relatively quiet month at Westfield UTC mall at 4545 La Jolla Village Drive.

Gap will conclude renovations Friday, Sept. 19, when the clothing and accessories store reopens to the public across from Fabletics.

Läderach will bring its Swiss flair for chocolate to the mall when it opens next to American Eagle Outfitters in late September or early October.

Läderach offers a variety of chocolates, pralines, confectionary specialties and seasonal items. It employs about 2,500 people across 80 countries.

Find out more at laderach.com/us-en.

La Jolla Business Roundup is published monthly by the La Jolla Light. Send your business news to staff writer Noah Lyons at noah.lyons@lajollalight.com.