It’s probably less of a surprise that a stylish, all-things-vegan shop has opened in Berkeley than the fact that it took so long to happen.
Republic of V opened less than three weeks ago on University Avenue east of Sacramento Street, and has won fast approval from vegans around the area.
“If you’ve ever been to Rainbow and felt like you were in a vegan toy store, your mind will be blown at Republic of V,” said one Yelper. Wrote another, “Vegan dreams are made a reality at this store!”
Recent Berkeley transplants Joe Haptas and Noelle Callahan opened Republic of V in mid-February, and have a grand opening celebration planned for March 16. Expect free tastings, “name that ingredient” food contests, team trivia, Gong Show-inspired festivities and more.
The shop offers an estimated 250 products, from groceries and edible treats — including local and artisanal items — to home goods, cosmetics, pet products and books.
“People who are vegan get tired of reading labels,” said Haptas this week. “Here, they don’t have to.”
Haptas previously opened and ran an all-vegan store in Seattle, which is still going strong under new ownership. He and Callahan moved to the Bay Area and, after living in San Francisco for a time, moved to Berkeley a couple months back.
The two are “longtime animal advocates” who promote plant-based eating as a better and environmentally healthy way to live, said Haptas. Both are vegan.
Haptas said that, despite the soft opening and lack of advertising, word has been spreading about the store’s extensive selection and “great prices.”
“It’s been a madhouse,” he said. “It’s exceeded my expectations.”
In the future, Haptas said he hopes to hold cooking classes or other types of workshops in a back area of the shop.
Republic of V opened in what was for many years an Indian goods store. Haptas said, from time to time, people still come in, confused, looking to buy products they used to find there.
He described Republic of V as a “destination location,” and hopes it will help activate the block. Proximity to the North Berkeley BART, along with easy parking and bus access, were selling points for the neighborhood.
A nearby storefront in the same building as Republic of V is under renovation, and Haptas said he’d love to see another vegan-friendly business go in when it’s ready to open and perhaps, over time, a like-minded cluster to include a pizza pub or café. As it is, he said he’s meeting people on a daily basis who have local vegan products to promote.
“There’s great incubation potential here,” he said. “We really hope to reinvigorate this area.”
Connect with Republic of V on Facebook or at republicofvegan.com. The shop is open at 1624 University Ave. in Berkeley from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The store can be reached by phone at 510-280-5778. Learn more here about the grand opening celebration planned for March 16.
Related:
Contest: Name that nosh (01.22.14)
Mollie Katzen: Making vegetables the rock stars (10.14.13)
Giving thanks with Berkeley’s Café Gratitude (11.24.10)
Punk rocking, vegan Cinnaholic to launch in Berkeley (05.21.10)
This story is published on Berkeleyside and Berkeleyside NOSH, our food section covering Oakland, Berkeley and beyond. Bookmark Berkeleyside NOSH and follow us on Twitter, and on Facebook.