San Ramon’s long-awaited City Center Bishop Ranch is now open for business, and Tri-Valley residents have already eagerly begun to explore the community gathering space.

Officially welcoming shoppers and diners with a soft opening Nov. 8, the new retail and entertainment hub by Sunset Development Company consists of 300,000 square feet of space for about 70 stores and restaurants (once fully occupied) as well as a luxury movie theater around a one-acre piazza.