Business Journal: Jimboy's, River Cats, Rink Studios, Pot Law Firm

Folsom-based Jimboy's Tacos is making a series of upgrades to its restaurant chain.

The Sacramento Business Journal's Digital Editor Sonya Sorich says the changes include a new store design and new beverages.

"Jimboy's is basically making moves to keep up with a lot of the trends that are dominating the fast-casual restaurant industry as a whole and among those trends is alcohol," says Sorich. "These local stores will eventually offer margaritas in addition to the beer that's already available."

Jimboy's has more than 40 sites in California, Nevada and Texas. Company officials say that number could double in the next few years.

Construction on a new music venue and performance space in Sacramento is moving forward. The project—called the Rink Studios—is on Del Paso Boulevard, north of Highway 160.

Sorich says that the site will bring new life to a former roller rink.

"This is about a $2 million investment and we could see parts of it open in December or January," says Sorich. "This project will include studios and office space for people who want a career in music. Just as much as that concert space, it's also designed as a music incubator."

Analysts say the project could be a big boost to the struggling north Sacramento neighborhood that's been on the verge of a resurgence.

Sacramento business law firm Kronick announced this week it plans to jump into the growing cannabis industry.

Sorich says Kronick appears to be the first large Sacramento firm to publicize a marijuana practice.

"This is an attempt to become an industry leader before the statewide vote on legalizing marijuana for recreational use," says Sorich. "And the cannabis practice will cover things such (as) taxation, regulatory compliance, energy and water rights."

Analysts expect cannabis law to become a bigger area of practice in the future. Kronick will only counsel clients on state and local laws since marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

The Sacramento River Cats announced plans this week to overhaul food options at Raley Field for the 2017 season.

Sorich says fans may see some dramatic changes.

"This is an overhaul that will likely cover everything from hiring a stadium chef to redesigning the food stands and developing a new menu even," says Sorich. "This is a move that many sports teams are making. Naturally it comes as fans are becoming more food savvy."

The changes will also likely include more artisan touches to fan favorites like hot dogs and nachos. That includes queso for nachos prepared in-house. And hot dog toppings such as barbecue sauce and red jalapenos.