West Berkeley Philz Coffee: Now officially open

West Berkeley Philz on Gilman Street. Photo: Emilie Raguso — Philz Coffee held a soft opening party in West Berkeley on Gilman Street, at Ninth, on Monday. Photo: Emilie Raguso

West Berkeley’s Gilman Street commercial corridor is getting busy, with Whole Foods Market set to open in November, and a new Philz Coffee outlet officially opening today, July 29.

Philz, at 1313 Ninth St., held a soft opening celebration Monday, and gave away free cookies and coffee to attendees from noon to 4 p.m. It’s the second Philz location in Berkeley, joining the Shattuck Avenue Philz in the Gourmet Ghetto, which opened in 2010.

Philz founder Phil Jaber was in attendance Monday, along with his son, Philz CEO Jacob Jaber, and many other members of the Philz team. Dozens of friends, supporters and other community members stopped by for a sip and a bite, and to check out the new shop throughout the afternoon.

The senior Jaber, who opened the first Philz in 2003, said he’s all about building community and creating a relaxing place where his customers will feel at home. With friendly baristas and ample seating inside and out, the new Philz location — the 15th in the Bay Area — makes it easy to do just that.

There’s a sunny patio outside that will be shared by several other food-oriented tenants, which are set to include Farm Burger and Doughnut Dolly in the Gilman District shopping complex. Last time we checked, Farm Burger was aiming for a September opening. According to Doughnut Dolly’s Facebook page, its new shop is nearly done and hopes to open soon.

On the same property, to the east, are Office Depot and Road Runner Sports, as well as Soccer Pro and T-Rex BBQ Restaurant & Bar. (T-Rex was not part of the property’s re-development, which was spearheaded by Foothill Partners Inc. of El Dorado Hills and The Pratt Company of Mill Valley, in a venture known as Gilman Partners LLC. The project’s leasing agent is San Francisco firm Retail West.)

Much of the momentum for the property’s expansion has been driven by a decision by Whole Foods Market to open its second location on Gilman at Ninth Street, just north of the complex.

Philz Coffee is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Connect with the business on Facebook and Twitter.

Scroll down to see photographs from Monday’s soft launch party.

Jacob Jaber, Philz CEO (far left), and his father, Philz owner Phil Jaber (far right) with friends John Panella (center left) and Gary Sabatte (center right) at the West Berkeley Philz opening on Gilman Street. Photo: Emilie Raguso — Jacob Jaber, Philz CEO (far left), and his father, Philz founder Phil Jaber (far right) with friends John Panella (center left) and Gary Sabatte (center right) at the West Berkeley Philz opening party. Photo: Emilie Raguso

Baristas prepare beverages at the new West Berkeley Philz on Gilman Street. Photo: Emilie Raguso — A barista prepares a drink at the new West Berkeley Philz on Gilman Street. Photo: Emilie Raguso

The new West Berkeley Philz on Gilman Street is just south of an in-progress Whole Foods build out — The new West Berkeley Philz on Gilman is just south of an in-progress Whole Foods build out. Photo: Emilie Raguso

Read more about development in West Berkeley on Gilman Street. Read more about the new Whole Foods that’s coming to West Berkeley. Read more about West Berkeley.

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Emilie Raguso