Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses

September 13, 2011 11:00 am by Tracey Taylor

Peet's replaces A Cuppa Tea. Photo: April Lee Swartz

COFFEE CLOSE-UPS Peet’s Tea & Coffee is to open a new store in the old A’Cuppa Tea space on the corner of College and Alcatraz Avenues, no doubt sending shivers down the spines of Cole Coffee aficionados which is at the other end of the block at 2007 College. It will be the ninth Berkeley store for Peet’s which was founded in the city in 1966. As we reported in July, A’Cuppa Tea is shunting down to 2992 College in the Elmwood, into one of the spaces formerly occupied by H. Tulanian & Sons Oriental Rug Cleaning & Repair.

SOLANO MOVES Rumor has it an independent pharmacy is to move into the former Three Goddesses dance studio at 1831 Solano, next door to the still vacant Front Row video store. Details when we have them.

Spa Organica on Colusa

BEAUTY BLITZ Aloe-cucumber hydration or chocolate-mint dream facials are available at the eco-organic Spa Organica that opened this summer at 884 Colusa Avenue. The spa uses only organic, vegan and eco-friendly products and offers make-up services, waxing, massage, and spa parties too (hat tip: Wendy Cohen).

New: Indian restaurant Zaika

NEW FLAVORS A Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week to mark the official opening of Indian restaurant Zaika at 2050 University Avenue in the historic Koerber Building. The eatery, which began serving customers on August 4, offers “authentic cuisine from the Indian sub-continent” and prides itself on being kid- and student-friendly. Sports games are shown on a big flat screen TV.

Troy, new in the Elmwood. Photo: Lance Knobel

HOMERIC CUISINE Troy, a new Greek restaurant in the Elmwood at 2985 College, has taken over the Marc 49 wine bar space, which itself superseded Flame Burger only last year. The space has seen rapid turnover of late. Troy specializes in wraps, such as the Melitzano with grilled eggplant, red pepper and capers, as well as the expected Souvlakis, and a range of entrées.

WALK THE WALK Mark your calendars: A host of restaurants and food businesses are taking part in the Solano Avenue Restaurant Walk on Tuesday, October 4th, 6-9pm. The line-up includes Bistro 1491, The Cape Cod, iScream!, Jerusalem Organic Kitchen, Solano Grill & Bar, Timbao and The Xocolate Bar. Tickets cost $20 and are available by calling organizers Albany and West Berkeley Lions Club on 510-401 7759.

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  • Anonymous

    Just went to the Landscape Station Post Office and noticed black plastic covering the windows of the Front Row Video store.  As a long-time sidewalk-superintendent I always wondered why contractors cover up windows (other than to hide tools from public view) when they’re working on a place.

  • Anonymous

    this is sad news for Cole coffee…Cole is the Pete’s of old before they went corporate. I’m not saying don’t support  Peet’s …just not this one. Cole Coffee has wonderful coffee, give them a shot. Please Support small privately owned businesses like Cole Coffee whenever you can.

  • John Holland

    I second the calls for Cole Coffee. It was sad to see Cuppa Tea move up the street, and including peets, the block is getting more-and-more corporate with 4 chain stores, and one big box store represented.

    Powell’s and Extreme Pizza are smaller chains, at least. And I don’t count La Farine as a chain store personally, though I included it in the count above to be intellectually accurate.

  • Nick Mamatas

    I like Flame Burger a lot. Was sad when it left. So is Troy actually open right now?

  • John Holland

    Note that it’s the same owner as Flame. At least a lot of the decor is the same. They keep trying different formats.

    I also liked flame, but I felt like there was more image than substance at the end of the day.

    It’s truly a labor of love that they put into their themes, but I think if they focused more on the food itself, they might do better.

  • Alina

    Serendipity Books closed :(

  • http://berkeleyside.com Tracey Taylor

    Very sad about Serendipity. 

    Read Frances’ wonderful story about the book shop here: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2010/04/29/future-uncertain-for-berkeleys-serendipity-books/ and her piece on owner Peter Howard after he died here: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2011/04/13/peter-howard-renowned-rare-book-dealer-dies/ 

  • Akmonday

    where is the vast inventory going?

  • Anonymous

    Agree.  I plan on going to Cole and encouraging others to do so.  Cole actually has better coffee IMHO.

  • Anonymous

    I miss Locanda Olmo at the same location.  

  • John Holland

    Locando could never compete with Trattoria La Siciliana.

  • Anonymous

    Actually, the owner, Antonio Ruggieri, had to return to Italy.  The food was great when he was cooking.  Other times, maybe not so great, but he always had a good source for wine. Plus, I could get a seat!

  • John Holland

    i always thought the food was great, and in fact. just an observation. there was always a crowd at one and not the other.

  • Nick Mamatas

    Good to know, thanks.

  • Mr. Bean

    I’ve worked for Peet’s for five years; this is disgusting of them. The predatory business practice of deliberately muscling into a neighborhood that already HAS a coffee shop is SUCH a Starbucks thing to do. Peet’s is a corporation and this is simply how they all behave. It’s depressing how quickly after Alfred Peet’s death the “Little Coffee Company that Could” mystique is flaking away.

  • Tim

    The NYT also had a very nice blog peice recently on Serendipity and Peter http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/07/serendipity-books-r-i-p/

  • Berkeley resident

    Is it possible to get more information from a Peet’s representative and ask why they chose a location so close to an old, established coffee house?!

  • Anonymous

    Cole coffee is so much better than Peets. But the best coffee in Berkeley is made by me at 4:30 in the am.

  • Anonymous

    Cole Coffee has the 2nd best coffee in Berkeley (no small feat considering they share the city with Local 123 on San Pablo which has the best coffee in at least all of Northern California if not the state in its entirety).  I hope it survives and I for one will avoid Peets from now on.

  • Mr. Bean

    Sure. Their phone number is 510-594-2100. That’s in Emeryville – toll free, it’s 800-999-2132. I’d really be interested in hearing how they sugarcoat this Starbucky business tactic. 

  • Ferro415

    They are not the same owners they just kept the decor.