Livie Perez has a lofty goal: She wants to make women of a certain age feel good about themselves. Last year, Perez opened Livie's Boutique in downtown Turlock.

A new restaurant in Ceres specializes in gyros — hence the name, Jabou Gyros — but owner Tony Jabou said his place also offers Middle Eastern, American and even German food.

Could there soon be a return to those summer nights, sitting in the back of a truck, munching popcorn and watching a film? Maybe. A local partnership has taken over ownership of the Ceres Theatre & Flea Market on Whitmore Avenue.

Greens Market is now Greens Table. And Greens Central is becoming The Bistro at Greens Central. That may sound confusing, but the changes make sense, according to Steve Smith, general manager of Greens.

Mike's Roadhouse is hitting the road. After 15 years in operation on Dale Road, Mike Nelson said he has sold his restaurant to brothers John and Bobby Ismail. Nelson, meanwhile, isn't exactly giving up the business.

A bit of a different take on Business Beat this week, focusing on folks who are doing various things to give back this holiday season.

The former Big Yellow House restaurant on McHenry Avenue in Modesto long has been considered a tricky spot to get a business going. A check of property records and city building permits shows it is going in a new direction — it's being developed into a medical office and surgery center.

So you are making your way through your holiday gift list, feeling pretty good because you've found the perfect presents for even the hard-to-buy-for people in your family. Then you realize, "Ugh. I still have to wrap them." Have no fear — The Wrappery wants to help you.

Here's one of those stores where you don't have to think, "I wonder what it sells?" Flip Flop Shops opened last week on the lower level of Vintage Faire Mall. Just like it sounds, the store carries only flip flops, the strappy sandal made popular that is ubiquitous in the summer months.

In honor of her mom, Debbi Perry opened Rose Decor & More in the Roseburg Square shopping center in Modesto, featuring new and used items, garden accents, candles, facial products, some jewelry and children's items.

Christina Macha describes her shop as a "mini-Nordstroms." It's also becoming a mini-empire, with the fourth location of Christina's Fine Clothing and Shoes Boutique opening recently in McHenry Village in Modesto.

Retirement just didn't work for Ron David. The former owner of downtown Modesto's RC David, which closed in June, is coming back with a store less than four months later. David & David Home in the McHenry Village shopping center will open this week.

Longtime tourist fixture Paul's Indian Store in Oakdale is closing today after more than 40 years in business. The store, which sells southwestern and American Indian art, jewelry and collectibles, has been at that location for a dozen years.

The new Kobe Sushi Buffet offers sushi by the boatload. The new restaurant in McHenry Village has a full all-you-can-eat sushi bar, with menu items "delivered" on a large floating sushi boat conveyor belt.

The hottest fashions at the coolest prices are promised at the new Hut No. 8 in Modesto. The national chain, a brand-name clothing exchange, buys and sells lightly used attire for teenagers and up.