Biz Beat: Bacchus plans a return in August

Bacchus Food & Spirits will be back, says its owner.

The downtown Modesto restaurant and bar has been closed since Fourth of July week, but owner Patty Amador said it will reopen in mid-August after some "refreshing."

"We're just cleaning and reorganizing," Amador said. "After five and a half years, things take a toll. We're changing up the menu. We're making some very positive changes."

Bacchus opened on the ground floor of the then-new Stanislaus County district attorney's complex at 12th and I streets on New Year's Eve in 2006.

Since then, it has become a popular fine-dining spot and weekend dance club.

Amador said the plan had been to be closed only the week of July 4, but then the decision was made to take more time and do more things.

She said July typically is a slow month for downtown Modesto eateries, thanks to summer vacations. So the scheduling fit.

One big change will be that when Bacchus reopens, it will not be a weekend nightclub with DJs and dancing. The spot no longer will be open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

"We just want to be a restaurant, a good restaurant," she said. "And so we're focusing on that aspect. We just want to have great food and great, great service."

Amador said there will be some staffing changes, though she would not disclose how many or who would be involved.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

The Ulta Beauty Salon in Turlock has opened.

The national beauty product retailer and salon celebrated its grand opening July 6 in Monte Vista Crossings, 2841 Countryside Drive. The Chicago-based company has an in-store salon and sells skin, hair and cosmetic products.

The store and salon are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (209) 664-1725 or visit www.ulta.com. …

And, finally, In-Shape Health Clubs is constructing its second location in Ceres.

The club at 1342 E. Hatch Road should be open in the fall. It will feature cardio and weight-training equipment, group exercise classes, circuit training, massage rooms, tanning and personal trainers. This will be the chain's 53rd site throughout the state. Memberships are being sold. Call (209) 575-5500.

Have an item for Business Beat? Contact Marijke Rowland at The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; (209) 578-2284 or mrowland@modbee.com.