“They haven’t signed anything yet,” said Jason Crawford, regarding the addition of a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Canyon County. “It’s close and they are definitely interested.”

According to Crawford – the city of Santa Clarita’s economic development manager – there are several locations they are looking at. One location is rumored to be the old Blockbuster’s Video store near the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and White’s Canyon.

Crawford said businesses take into account demographics and market saturation when considering where to locate. That makes Canyon Country desirable.

“There are a lot of sports bars on the west side. On the east side there is less competition,” said Crawford.

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Crawford said sometimes restaurants choose to open based upon past relationships. Westfield Mall brokers had a history with Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que restaurant which opened last month and with Wokcano Restaurant & Lounge. Both are located at the Westfield Town Center Mall.

Fortunately, with all of the delicious restaurant offerings there will also be more opportunities to work off those calories.

Gold’s Gym is set to have their official opening August 1 in the old Borders book store building next to the Edward’s Cinemas.

In mid-October LA Fitness will open a third location inside the old Linens & Things building next to Stein Mart on West Pico Canyon Road and The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch.

The old Mervyn’s building at 24245 Magic Mountain Parkway becomes Total Woman Gym & Day Spa with a grand opening slated sometime after July 4.

Crawford says the Santa Clarita Valley is part of the national trend of gyms moving into standard retail spaces.

He sees another positive trend in the economy.

“Retail sales in October, November and December have shown a little increase so there are positive signs,” said Crawford.

Still, The Plaza at Golden Valley has many empty retail pads that have not been filled. Crawford says that’s because businesses are waiting for residential properties to be built in the area before they commit to opening.