With Oakland’s ever-changing food scene, it’s hard to keep up with what’s coming in and what’s going out. Check out this list of some local restaurants that have closed this year and others that we can look forward to in the upcoming year. Know a spot that didn’t make the list? Leave it in the comments below!

As we come to the end of 2016 we’d like to say farewell to these local eateries that sadly had to shut their doors this year:

OZUMO

  • In 2006, Ozumo opened it’s second restaurant (the first being in SF) in the biggest restaurant space Oakland had to offer at the time. Ozumo was a huge part of Uptown’s revitalization, and we sure will miss them. But you can still get a taste of their Japanese fare at their original location in the city. FYI: owner Jeremy Umland would consider another go in Oakland, but it would be on a much smaller scale.

 

ozumoozumo3 

Stag’s Lunchette

  • Stag’s Lunchette was known for producing quality organic and free-range lunches at reasonable prices. Owner, Lexi Filipello is also involved in the beloved Lodge on Piedmont ave, as well as Dogwood and Darlings Elixirs in Uptown. She’s keeping the Lunchette’s space and may be coming out with a new concept in 2017 – something to look forward to!

 

stagsstags2

Nellie’s Soul Food

  • Nellie’s soul food, run by mother/daughter team Nellie Ozen & Quinnette Ozen, had a long fifty year run in the restaurant business. Nellie took some convincing from daughter Quinnette to go into retirement. But at 84 years old Nellie couldn’t think of anything better than to keep right on cookin’, now it will be in her own kitchen.

 

nellies2nellies3

Barclay’s Restaurant & Pub

  • After nearly 25 years on College Avenue in Rockridge, Barclay’s restaurant and pub had to close up shop. The building owner’s were unwilling to negotiate a new long-term lease with the pubs owners. They instead wanted to open the space to a new restaurant/bar combo. Ouch to Barclays – we hope they find a new space we can enjoy in 2017.


barclays2barclays3

Salsipuede

  • Less than a year after they opened doors in the Longfellow neighborhood, Salsipuede is saying no se puede stay open (it cannot stay open). Although the owners were satisfied with their seafood creations, they say the concept never quite came together the way they imagined.

 

salsisalsi2

Genova

  • After NINETY delicious years in Oakland, the famous Genova deli sliced up it’s last salami in the popular Temescal location. Owner and family man, Dominic De Vincenzi, couldn’t come to terms on the rent with the building owners, who want to find a similar deli concept to occupy their space. ARRIVEDERCI GENOVA!

 

genovagenova2

Grand Fare Market

  • After a long back and forth battle, Grand Fare Market had to officially pull the plug on its ambitious food hall on Grand Avenue. With no reopenings in site, owner Doug Washington says business was too difficult to maintain in this market.

 

grandfare4grandfare2


We can’t wait to see what these new restaurants have to offer in 2017:

Chica

  • Oakland local, Maria Esquivel, made her dreams come true by opening up a full blown restaurant after running a pop up for five years. Chica serves Mexican-American inspired dishes and is located in the old Aztecali spot on Oakland Ave. Hint: Pozole Friday’s is a new thing for us. #pozolefridays

 

chicascreen-shot-2016-12-15-at-6-57-39-pm

Daughter Thai Kitchen

  • If you’ve been dying for a spot to get your spice fix, look no further than Daughter Thai Kitchen, who promises to provide heavily seasoned Southern Thai dishes. This new restaurant took the place of Chowhaus in Montclair. We love the design choices made in this beautiful space.

 

thaithai2

Kitchener

  • The opening of the Kitchener Snack Bar has been long awaited in the Oakland Foodie world. The Kitchener is a snack bar type of spot that will feature 25 different local food artisans. This is a huge opportunity for many food entrepreneurs who cannot yet afford to open their own business.

 

kitchenerkitchener2

Fort Green

  • Catch the Warriors game at the newest Oakland sports bar, Fort Green. It takes the place of the beloved GO bar, which now has a similar old school sports bar theme, just with an updated look. Currently serving small bites with a plan to launch a full blown menu in 2017.

 

fortgreen2fortgreen3

Written by Felicia Mares

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *