FANS OF NEW ORLEANS and its Cajun and Creole hot sandwiches, soups and sides have a new place in Benicia to dine. The Workshop has opened at 511 Claverie Way, next to Benicia Bait and Tackle.

Naomi Carretta, co-owner, said the restaurant is serving such Louisiana specialties as po’boy sandwiches, gumbo and jambalaya.

They haven’t forgotten vegetarians, either. Some of the daily soups are vegetarian, Carretta said, and roasted vegetables always are available.

Daily specials are posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page, and so is its regular menu.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Benicia Fitness celebrates 14th anniversary

Wednesday is Benicia Fitness’ 14th anniversary, owner Lori Bishop said.

She said her company will celebrate by offering free enrollment and a free training session to those who join Benicia Fitness between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Refreshments will be served, and visitors will be able to tour the gym, Bishop said.

Those who enroll on other July days also won’t have to pay the enrollment charge.

Bishop said she founded the gym so members of any fitness level or gender would have a place to exercise without experiencing judgment.

“I have personal-trained and instructed since 1983,” Bishop said, explaining that her staff helps those who want to strive to be healthy.

“Far too many sedentary, shy, intimidated, overweight, underweight, socially uncomfortable or simply lazy people do not realize there can be a place to not only get healthy, but enjoy doing it, make friends and postpone or even eliminate potentially serious illnesses,” she said.

Benicia Fitness has been in the same place since 1999, Bishop said, though it expanded from 606 First St. to take over the storefront next door, 608 First St., nine years ago, and recently introduced its “muscle yard,” an outdoor, partially tented area with weights, punching bag, heavy rope, tires, weighted sled, jump ropes, weighted balls and other equipment.

Complete Computers focuses on business needs

Complete Computers, Suite 6, 1075 First St., a Server Message Block (SMB) information technologies services company, is expanding its cloud services by adding Cloud Computing Servers, owner Anthony Regina said.

Regina’s business had to earn its Cloud National Certified Professional Certification to offer the service, and has cloud-based backup services, network monitoring and maintenance services.

The company, an Intel Gold Partner, focuses on making technology work for businesses, Regina said. He’s been in the information technologies field for more than 20 years.

Complete Computers periodically offers webinars on technology and tools for small business owners, and Regina is planning technology shows where business owners can see product demonstrations.

Regina said he also guides businesses about the equipment to purchase. “Not all computers are the same,” he said. “You do not get a $499 computer to run your business on.” He said he and his staff are familiar with manufacturers and their products. “We know that uptime is key for any business, and it’s our focus to keep you up and running.”

The company’s website is www.completecomputers.us, its phone is 707-361-2350 and Regina may be reached at a.regina@completecomputers.us.

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about such news as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email, and provide contact information.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items that will appear in the next Tuesday edition’s Benicia Business Beat. Please email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

The Benicia Herald also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, call 707-745-0733 or email adsbenicia@yahoo.com.

— Donna Beth Weilenman