San Fernando Valley Business Journal: Celebrity Pastry Chef to Move in Moorpark

Carrara Pastries in Moorpark has signed a long-term lease for a larger location in the city, according to Daum Commercial Real Estate Services.

Lisa Engel-Shields of Radius Group/Hagelis Retail Advisors brokered the lease deal on behalf of the building’s owner, Milan Capital Management Inc.

“This is an ‘out-of-the-box’ lease and a perfect example of how landlords are getting creative in the changing retail climate,” Engel-Shields said in a statement.

The pastry business, owned by TV Celebrity Chef Damiano Carrara and his brother Massimiliano Carrara, have agreed to take 5,000-square-feet within a former Fresh & Easy supermarket at 144 W. Los Angeles Ave. in the Tuscany Square retail center. The business sells Italian pastries, cakes, coffees, house-made gelato and wine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at its current operation at 476 W. Los Angeles Ave.

“Moorpark is where we got our start, and our connection to the community has helped to drive our success, Damiano Carrara said in a statement. “Thanks to this local support, we are growing rapidly, and we expect to open new Southern California locations in the near future.”

Bram White, an executive vice president with Daum, negotiated the deal on behalf of Carrara Pastries.

“Chef Carrara was seeking a location with strong visibility, active ownership, and increased parking, and we identified Tuscany Square as the right fit,” White said.

The brothers opened Carrara Pastries in 2012. Damiano Carrara also appeared as a contestant and judge on several Food Network shows, including Spring Baking Championship, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Food Network Star, according to Daum.

Carrara Pastries expects to move in January.

Carrara Pastries has a second location at 28914 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills, which opened in 2013.