Cheers to another year of local business news

Happy Friday. I can't believe this is our final LinkedIn newsletter of 2024.

As you prepare to do business in the new year, make sure to check out our Book of Lists. The digital version of the 2024-25 edition is available now.

Our Book of Lists objectively ranks the Sacramento region's biggest businesses, employers and real estate projects.

I'm already looking forward to more local business news in 2025.

I also can't wait to see many of you next year at the Sacramento Business Journal's signature events — like our 40 Under 40 Awards, shown in our staff photo that accompanies this newsletter.

We always get questions about how to submit nominations for our annual awards programs. Those details are available on our online nominations page.

Also, don't forget about our events page, where you can register for programs such as our 2025 Economic Forecast held in January.

But before we get too focused on 2025, check out some of this week's biggest business stories.

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Famed attorney passes his practice to next generation

In the last few months, well-known defense attorney Bill Portanova has moved into semi-retirement. But even so, in courtrooms across the region, another Bill Portanova is standing up and introducing himself to a judge.

"Working with family, we've worked out some kinks," said Bill F. Portanova, whose father, William J. Portanova , is ceding to him the day-to-day work lately at Portanova & Associates. "We can take on whatever walks through the door."

Bill J. Portanova — he's the third Bill Portanova in his family, and his son the fourth — said he's stepping into a role where he's still involved in larger matters, but not more granular ones. Read more

Restaurant near Placerville returning under original owner

An Italian restaurant and bar that changed ownership about a year ago has filed for bankruptcy, but its former operator is planning to reopen and bring back the original iteration with some minor changes.

The Little Italian Place has operated at 1772 Pleasant Valley Road near Placerville?for about seven years. Founder Michael McDermott said he sold the restaurant and bar last year to downsize his business portfolio, though he remained the landlord of the property.

The latest owner of the business, listed as Rudy Drums Restaurant LLC, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Dec. 16. McDermott said he plans to reopen in the space next year once the bankruptcy proceedings wrap up. Read more

Local Dutch Bros franchisees launching new eatery

The local operators of more than a dozen Dutch Bros Coffee locations in the area are branching out to create their first fast-casual eatery, which will make its debut in the City of Elk Grove next year.

Co-owner Kyle Garrett said Bohl — which will specialize in customizable bowls and salads — brings a fresh approach to healthy, convenient dining.?Garrett and his wife Hailey, a co-owner of Bohl, operate 13 Dutch Bros franchise sites throughout Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt and Lodi. Read more

How local breweries handle industry challenges

Attention, local beer fans: Data Reporter Mengyuan Dong made a cool online map showcasing locally owned breweries and taprooms in the Sacramento region. Check it out here.

In an accompanying analysis, Mengyuan looked at how Sacramento-area breweries are adapting to a changing industry. Since the pandemic, many local breweries have changed their business models or added offerings to stay afloat.?

Is the local beer scene approaching a saturation point?

“I've been asked a lot of times, like, ‘When are there gonna be too many breweries?’ I've never seen that asked in the wine industry,”?said Ryan Campagna , brewmaster at Touchstone Brewing Company in Sacramento. Read more

Thanks for reading our Weekly Edition, which was compiled by Managing Editor Sonya Sorich. Send feedback and news tips to [email protected].