For more than a century, one of Downtown Ontario's most recognizable landmarks has stood at the corner of Euclid Avenue and B Street. Built in 1923, the historic Bank of Italy building has been thoughtfully restored, preserving its original architectural details while transforming it into a destination for dining, entertainment, and community.

Brand Pacific Construction restored the former Bank of Italy, preserving original features including exposed brick, terra cotta columns, steel beams, soaring ceilings, and other historic architectural details for a new generation of visitors.

Today, the buildings are home to Mule Car Smokehouse, El Balcon, and Bottle Shop. This restoration reflects the City of Ontario's continued investment in Downtown Ontario, where historic preservation and new development are helping create a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

Local Buzz

FIFA Watch Party

Join the City of Ontario and Toyota Arena for the Inland Empire’s only licensed 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party on Sunday, July 19, from 12 PM - 3 PM at the Toyota Arena.

Fans from across the region are expected to gather to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event. Additional tickets will be released as the final approaches. Follow the City of Ontario and Toyota Arena for event updates and ticket availability.

New Art coming to Downtown Ontario

Keep an eye on Downtown Ontario this fall as The People’s Storefront brings new temporary public art installations to storefronts along the historic Euclid Avenue corridor. The project, presented by the Downtown Ontario Improvement Association in partnership with the City of Ontario Museum, Arts & Culture Department, will showcase original artwork by selected artists while celebrating the history, creativity, and continued revitalization of Downtown Ontario.

The installations are expected to debut in October 2026 as part of the City's fall arts season.

Spirit of the Entrepreneur

Nominations are now open for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, which recognizes outstanding entrepreneurial leaders and businesses across the Inland Empire. The program honors entrepreneurs in categories including Emerging Entrepreneur, Technology Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Family Business Entrepreneur, General Entrepreneur, and Lifetime Achievement.

The awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and business growth while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs through the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund and the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship.

Restaurant Month

Explore local dining during Greater Ontario Restaurant Month, happening July 1–31. Visit participating Ontario restaurants and use the free digital passport to check in and earn entries for prize drawings.

Visit 3–9 restaurants for a chance to win a suite experience at a local professional sporting event, visit 10 or more for a chance to win tickets to every ticketed event at Toyota Arena for one year, and check in at a participating Route 66 restaurant to enter for a chance to win VIP passes to the 2026 Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion.

Vampire Penguin Grand Opening

Vampire Penguin is now open at 960 Ontario Mills Drive Suite C. They serve shaved snow with vegan and sugar free options and Dirty Soda's and More. View their menu here.

Vampire Penguin is one of the participating Ontario businesses featured during Restaurant Month.

Nick the Greek Grand Opening

Nick the Greek recently celebrated its grand opening at 940 N Haven Ave Suite 100. The restaurant serves a variety of Greek favorites, including gyros, bowls, and salads, and offers dine-in, online ordering, and catering services. Check out their menu here.

Taqueria Mexico Grand Opening

Taqueria Mexico is now open at 711 S. Euclid Ave. The restaurant serves a variety of Mexican favorites, including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and other traditional dishes. View their menu here.

Raising Canes Grand Opening

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers recently celebrated the grand opening of its third Ontario location at 4246 Ontario Ranch Rd. The restaurant offers dine-in, carryout, and drive-thru service, along with catering featuring its signature chicken finger meals. View their menu here. 

Resources & Funding

Made in America Loan

The U.S. Small Business Administration has expanded eligibility for its International Trade Loan (ITL) Program to provide enhanced financing for small manufacturers and businesses across the food supply chain, including agriculture, production, and logistics.

The program offers long-term financing with a 90% federal loan guarantee to help eligible businesses expand facilities, purchase equipment, hire employees, and increase production capacity. The expanded eligibility is intended to support investment in domestic manufacturing and strengthen U.S. supply chains.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program 

Training & Workshops

Government Procurement & Contracting

Learn the fundamentals of government contracting in this four-week training series designed to help businesses compete for public sector opportunities. Participants will gain practical guidance on certifications, identifying contract opportunities, preparing bids and proposals, and understanding regulatory requirements.

Led by an industry expert, the series combines practical instruction and real-world examples to help participants build the knowledge and skills needed to pursue government contracts and grow their business.

Veteran Owned Business Expansion

The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center is offering the Veteran Owned Business Expansion program to help veteran entrepreneurs prepare for the next stage of business growth.

Participants will explore strategies for expanding revenue, entering new markets, growing their customer base, adding staff, investing in technology, forming strategic partnerships, opening additional locations, and evaluating merger or acquisition opportunities. The program also helps business owners develop the financial, operational, and strategic plans needed to support long-term growth.

Networking Opportunities

Community Career Fair & Roundtables

Job seekers are invited to attend the 26th Annual Community Employment Day Career Fair at the Holiday Inn Ontario Airport.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with employers from a variety of industries, participate in on-the-spot interviews, network with recruiters and hiring managers, and explore hundreds of current job openings in healthcare, engineering, hospitality, government, media, and more. Complimentary parking will be available on-site.

Date & Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 11 AM – 3 PM

Location: 2155 E. Convention Center Way Ontario, CA 91764

Available Properties

For questions or comments, please contact the City of Ontario Economic Development Department at (909) 395-2005 or OntarioEDA@OntarioCA.gov.

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