Regulars at Pete’s Breakfast House in Ventura...

Regulars at Pete’s Breakfast House in Ventura have probably noticed some carpentry work going on next door. Well, that’s part of restaurant owner Pete Ransom’s preparations for opening a takeout operation specializing in cappuccino, espresso and baked goods.

“We first got the space (a former hair salon) in November, 1993,” Ransom said. “We didn’t jump on the retail idea right away because we wanted to look into expanding the restaurant. That wasn’t a viable option.”

Aside from the coffees and desserts, the new space will stock jams, jellies, T-shirts and other merchandise. “As we get going we’ll be open to new ideas along the retail line. Knickknack stuff,” Ransom said.

Pete’s is located at 2055 E. Main St.

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What happens when two former finance managers with no coffeehouse experience buy a coffeehouse? Business percolates.

“We had a 40% increase in business last month,” said Ron Fiducia, co-owner of the 6-month-old Coffee Connection in Simi Valley. “About half of that increase was from movie-theater traffic.”

Though Fiducia and his partner, Scott Hinton, lacked a restaurant background, they had the foresight to open their place next to a 10-plex cinema under construction. And when the Edwards Simi Valley Plaza opened a couple of months ago, Fiducia and Hinton extended their hours for the nighttime movie crowd.

Business also hasn’t been hurt by the 36-flavor coffee menu or the new patio seating. Coffee Connection is located at 1407-X E. Los Angeles Ave.

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Entries are being accepted for the Sept. 10 Simi Valley Days Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. There are three divisions of competition--amateur, commercial (as in restaurants) and International Chili Society.

There is no entry fee in the first two categories and just about anything goes. As proof, said cook-off chairman Craig Foster, a contestant last year added a touch of wild boar to his dish.

But for those ICS folks, it’s very serious business, with entrants looking to make their way up the chili ladder into regional, state, national and international competitions. Entry is $10 for those who are already ICS members and $40 (which includes a $30 membership) for those who need to join. Call 527-2272 for more information.