FIRST THINGS FIRST A Priori, which calls itself a store where “global meets local” had a soft opening on Monday October 17th. The shop, owned by Lisa Tana, is at 2112B Vine Street and sells modern sustainable products, including home decor and gifts made by local artists.
OUT OF THE CLOSET As reported last month, California Closets has opened in Berkeley, bringing on-site manufacturing and new jobs to Fourth Street. An official ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce will be held Wednesday October 19th at 6pm.
ITALIAN DELICACIES Clarine Hardesty launched Clarine’s Florentines in Lafayette in 2007, but then saw sense and moved to a production facility on Gilman Street in Berkeley. Hardesty was a 2nd-grade teacher for seven years before deciding to launch the florentine-focused company. She took inspiration from time spent in Florence while in college and from her dad, a successful entrepreneur. Her buttery caramel and chocolate cookies are available locally at the Pasta Shop on Fourth Street, as well as at several other Bay Area locations.
TEA TIME A’ Cuppa Tea — which, as we reported in July, decided to move from Oakland’s Rockridge into the heart of the Elmwood — had its grand opening on Saturday October 15th. It is now serving all manner of teas at 2992 College Avenue.
BOX ON WHEELS The idea for Donkey Boxx, the “appropriately unprecious bicycle box”, was conceived in Berkeley and the panniers are designed here in the company’s new HQ. Rugged and lightweight, they are made in Minnesota from 80% recycled corrugated plastic and allow for durability and use in wet weather. The panniers attach to a bike’s rack, cost $28.00 each and are available from the Donkey Boxx website.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses — openings, closings, new directions, relaunches, relocations. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details. Read previous Shop Talk columns here.
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