
BANK IN, VIDEOS OUT Notice has gone up on the exterior of 2390 Shattuck (near Channing) that Chase Bank intends to take over the 4,500-square-foot space, now occupied by Blockbuster, further reducing the availability of DVD rentals in the city. Chase is applying for permits to remodel and install an ATM machine and will probably start remodeling in January with an eye toward opening the branch in mid-2012, according to Jim Novosel, the architect (and a planning commissioner). Chase will retain its store on Center Street, he said.
LOCASODA In our recent story about north Berkeley’s new Local Butcher Shop, we made mention of a particular soda the store is selling alongside its cuts of meat and fresh-made sandwiches. Vignette Wine Country Sodas are non-alcoholic, sweetened only with the juice of California varietal wine grapes, and made right here on Alcatraz Avenue in Berkeley. The sodas come in three varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé, and they are all lightly sparkling. They can be bought online, or at the Local Butcher Shop at 1600 Shattuck Ave., Suite 120, in the Gourmet Ghetto.

VINTAGE MOVE Far and Few Again, the vintage fashion and decor store, is making its comeback on San Pablo Avenue having moved out of its original space at Walnut Square. Owner Jessie Foster says the current collection is “eclectic to the max” ranging from high style to everyday style. The period ranges between 1910 and the 80s for the most part, with some newer items in the mix. Far and Few Again is at 1643 San Pablo Ave. in the Pacific Basin Building at Virginia and San Pablo, open Tuesdays though Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. [Hat-tip: Nancy Rubin]
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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