GOODBYE, GELATO After 10 years on Shattuck Avenue, Gelateria Naia’s lease has expired and it is closing its doors. Co-founder Trevor Morris opened the much-loved Italian ice cream store in 2002 as Mondo Gelato and changed its name to Gelateria Naia in 2004. At the time, it was one of the few Italian ice cream stores in the city. Now there are about 20. The company has expanded in that time, too, and now has outlets in Walnut Creek and San Francisco and sells at numerous Whole Foods markets. The gelateria may return: “Our plan is to continue growing our company and to reopen in a new location next year,” said Morris.
A CHANGE OF HANDS There has been a change of ownership at the popular T-Rex Barbeque on Tenth Street, according to the Chronicle’s Inside Scoop. Long-time owners Haig and Cindy Krikorian, whose K2 restaurant group also owns Lalime and Sea Salt, sold the business to Matt Sturm, who co-owns Fly Bar and Solstice in San Francisco. The Krikorians apparently wanted to downsize, said Strum, who loves the space and menu. “Everything will stay the same,” he told the Chronicle. “We’re just going to make it better and tighten it up.”
GREEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL SEEKS GREEN When the Hotel Durant opened its doors in 1928, the hotel named after the University of California’s first president was considered an elegant and luxurious retreat that aimed to “provide every pleasure and convenience for its guests.” Now the 84-year old, 143-room property, which underwent a $7 million renovation in 2008 by San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality, is up for sale. HVS Capital has been hired to conduct the sale. No price has been announced publicly.
Shop Talk is Berkeleyside’s 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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