TELEGRAPH EVOLVES Naan ‘N’ Curry, a longtime fixture at 2366 Telegraph Ave. and a student favorite, shut its doors last week. Sales had gone down 30% over the last three years as more and more “quick serve” restaurants opened on Telegraph, finally forcing the Indian restaurant to close, according to a press release put out by the new Telegraph Restaurant Association. There is no sign on the door announcing the closure, but all the tables and chairs have been moved out.
FAST AND FRESH SUSHI One of the new restaurants coming to the Telegraph area is Zensen Sushi Express, which is moving into the old La Val’s Pizza space at 2516 Durant Ave. The restaurant is part of a chain of more than 300 restaurants started by Chin-Chou “Stanley” Chen in Taiwan in 1996. This will be its first U. S. location. Zensen Sushi Express is a play on words, meaning “vying for freshness,” according to the company’s website. The restaurant will source its food locally and from around the world. The restaurant is currently advertising for a manager and wait staff on Craig’s List, so the opening is still weeks away. Read what one mother wrote about Zensen Sushi Express on the blog of Taiwan Radio International.
FISH, SERVED FRESH Just down the street at 2431 Durant, brown paper covers the windows of what will become Dot Island Grill, a restaurant that emphasizes seafood. Patrons can pick whatever type of fish they want – salmon, mahi mahi, tilapia, trout or shrimp, and then add a variety of seasonings. Grilled ribs, chicken and katsu will also be available. No date on when this restaurant will open either. There is another branch in Davis.
RUMMAGE THROUGH THIS GARAGE Mullholland, which has a retail store at 1710 Fourth St., has opened a new space called The Garage at 1445 Fourth St.. The large warehouse-like space is a showcase for what the company calls its “Rarities collection of curiosities from around the world.” The store will also sell some of Mullholland’s signature leather goods and furniture. Regina Connell, who writes for the Handful of Salt website, took a tour of the new space recently, called it “gritty,” and said “a quick spin through convinced me that it’s definitely worth a look.” The Garage had its grand opening last Sunday April 28 and will be open once a month.
PURRING NO MORE Purrfect Auto at 1809 San Pablo Ave. near Hearst, shut its doors in late March. Berkeleyside reader Judy Praglin wrote to convey her dismay, saying “love that place, good service, friendly people.” The shop was part of the Purrfect Auto franchise with around 100 independently operated locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
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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