Rustic Bakery Plans for Grant Avenue Expansion

Less than 18 months after its grand opening, the Rustic Bakery at 1407 Grant Ave. in downtown Novato will soon absorb the space right next-door.

Annexing the adjacent spot, vacated months ago by a tax service, will add approximately 1,500 square feet to business.  

Since opening in February 2011, the bakery has doubled its sales projections over initial expectations, said Carol LeValley, who co-owns the place with her husband, Josh Harris.

“Novato has really given us a warm welcome,” LeValley said.

The additional space will accommodate a larger baking floor as the flatbread operation will move up from Larkspur. There will also be a lot more retail space to display an expanded selection of products. Customers will also have more elbow room because the seating area will also be reconfigured.  

LeValley says the bakery will be open during construction, which is expected to start around Aug. 1. The remodel is expected to take about six weeks. ACI is the general contractor for the project. 

Winery Exchange Partners with Otis McAllister 

The Winery Exchange, headquartered in Novato, has expanded its business into Asia through a joint venture with Otis McAllister, a leading importer and food company in Hong Kong and China. Otis McAllister now serves as the sales and distribution arm for Winery Exchange throughout Asia.  

A recent press release points to an industry report by Rabobank, “Wine in China – Mind the Gap.” Wine imports to China grew by 65 percent to 241 million liters in 2011. 

“We are thrilled about the partnership with Otis McAllister for the high growth Asian market,” said Peter Byck, President and CEO of Winery Exchange. “They have a very successful long-term track record of doing business in Asia and their core values are perfectly in line with those of Winery Exchange.”  

New Branch Manager at Novato’s Frank Howard Allen 

Dana Kreuzberger has been named manager of the Novato office of Frank Howard Allen. General Sales Manager Ronna Somers said that Kreuzberger’s success in her rookie year exceeded that of any other first-year agent.

“I know that Dana will bring the same solid business approach to her new position as Novato branch manager, and I look forward to working with her,” Somers said. 

Prior to her career in real estate, Kreuzberger founded, developed and managed Accounting Additions/Kreuzberger & Associates, a privately held executive search and contract staffing firm that operated in the Bay Area for more than 20 years. 

Alpha Wealth Management Launches in Novato 

Andrei Jigalin has opened Alpha Wealth Management and Planning, a new firm that targets advisory services for working professionals and retirement-minded families. Alpha offers personalized strategies in the areas of investment management, retirement planning, brokerage services, portfolio management and insurance products.  

Alpha Wealth Management and Planning is a privately owned, independent wealth advisory firm at 350 Ignacio Boulevard, Suite 105 in Novato. 

Jigalin, who holds the title of company president, is a certified financial planner. He is also a Novato Chamber of Commerce member, a Novato Youth Center board bember, a Mayflower Choral Society board member, a Novato Leadership alumnus and advisor, and a Novato Youth Soccer coach.