A strong wind Monday afternoon keeps the flags flapping in front of the Hilton Garden Inn at Great Falls Plaza in Auburn. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

The city of Auburn and the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch are kicking off the holiday shopping season with a party!

It’s the first Hilton Holiday Hangout from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Admission is free to what they’re billing as an opportunity to shop local vendors and artisans in a happy hour-style atmosphere, with “cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres and great company.”

There will be a cash bar and at least 11 vendors set up with the offerings ranging from upcycled clothing and household decor to ornaments, woodwork gifts, jewelry and more.

It’s all a prelude to the grand opening of the city’s Christmas Shopping Village, which has now been moved to Thursday Dec. 8 at 6 p.m., due to storm damage and a rainy weather forecast, complete with lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

Sherman Oaks California Kitchen closed

A closed sign is posted on the door of Sherman Oaks California Kitchen at 50 Lisbon St. in Lewiston.

After just a few short months, Sherman Oaks California Kitchen at 50 Lisbon St. has closed its doors permanently. It’s not clear when the new sandwich shop actually closed, although some postings on social media indicate it was late October or early November. The store’s Facebook page has been largely scrubbed and the owner, Aaron Fanjoy, has not responded to calls for details.

The Buzz previewed the anticipated opening of Sherman Oaks in May, while Mayor Carl Sheline’s social media page shows the store opened on or about Sept. 15.

Online reviews of the sandwich shop were favorable, but there were a few comments about inconsistencies with the business hours.

Eye on grand opening for Gowell’s in Greene

A construction crew works Monday at the site of the former Gowell’s Shop ‘n Save on Route 202 in Greene. The store was demolished after it moved to the adjacent expanded building this month. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

If all goes well, the new Gowell’s Shop ‘n Save building at 440 U.S. 202 in Greene will hold a grand opening Friday. It opened Nov. 11.

The expanded building of about 25,000 square feet is 5,000 square feet more than the old one next to it, store manager Tom Couture said in March.

Demolition of the old building began Nov. 16 to make way for additional parking and a new gas station.

Owner Rick Gowell bought the former IGA in February 2019 and true to his word built a new store on the same lot, and in less than the five years, which he predicted then.

Bedard’s on College Street closed 

Closed signs hang in the windows Monday afternoon at Bedard’s Pharmacy at College and Sabattus streets in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

A local landmark for years, Bedard Pharmacy has closed its 61 College St. location permanently, the company confirmed to The Buzz.

In an email statement, the company said the store ceased operations Nov. 23 as part of its overall strategy of adapting to the needs of customers. It will continue to serve customers from the pharmacy at 359 Minot Ave. in Auburn.

Bedard said customers were notified and medical records were transferred to the Auburn location. Customers can sign up for free delivery service or choose in-person service at the Auburn store.

The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com