ANIMATE ELMWOOD Tr!ckster, an outfit that specializes in comics, animation, graphic and fine arts, will open its first permanent space in the former Wright’s Garage on Ashby Avenue next month. The 1,000-sq ft space will include a shop and a gallery and there are plans to host art shows, signings and live art events, as well as small workshops throughout the year. Tr!ckster was started in 2011 as a pop-up event in San Diego by Pixar artists Scott Morse and Ted Mathot, and Anita Coulter. “After two very successful events, the trio thought it was time to set down roots,” says Coulter who will be running the space. The store will open on October 9 and has already calendared an event on October 13, with an appearance by Steve Niles, creator of “30 Days of Night” and Creator-Owned Heros.” Tr!ckster will be at 2631A Ashby Avenue (at College).
BIJOU BOUTIQUE Estelle Sjostrand has always dreamed of opening a “cute” little clothes store and now she has, in the front space of Marvel-Atlas Flooring, her family’s business, on San Pablo. Elm has been open for three weeks, and Sjostrand says she is delighted to have already met many lovely neighbors who have dropped by. She says she is offering as many eco-friendly and local brands as possible, and there’s a recycled clothes section in the back. “I am also keeping the prices decent,” she said. Elm is at 1501 San Pablo Avenue, at Jones. Tel: 510-525-6410.
NOODLE RETURN Thai Noodle II, which was significantly damaged by the fire that ultimately destroyed the adjacent Sequoia Building on the corner of Telegraph Avenue and Haste in November last year, reopened earlier this month. The restaurant, which is particularly popular with Cal students, has had a full seismic upgrade. It is at 2426 Telegraph, near Haste.
SEW SEW SEW Anne Marxer and Sage Storm have opened Stitch Sewing Lab, a DIY sewing and embroidery studio at the Tannery on Gilman Street. “We have adult and youth classes and camps, open studio time, and specialty workshops,” says Marxer. “We have traditional sewing machines but also these super cool embroidery machines that make any project pop. Stitch Sewing Lab is holding a “Sew-cial” on Thursday this week from 6:30-9pm. Stitch Sewing Lab is at 704 Gilman, Tel: 510-459.9647. Check their website for opening hours and events.
FRO YO SOON Looks like a branch of frozen yogurt chain Menchie’s will be moving into Euclid Avenue’s north of campus foodie row. An application is pending for the 1,477 sq ft space at 1862 Euclid. The fro-yo spot will be joining a collection of eateries that have moved into the refurbished retail spaces at Euclid and Hearst and have brightened up the neighborhood. They include the NorthSide Café, Indian fast-food place Urbann Turbann, and cheesesteak and burger joint Vinnie’s.
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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