BODYROK STUDIOS Berkeley is getting fit in all kinds of ways with new gyms and clubs popping up all over town, as Berkeleyside reported in September. Open since late May, BodyRok is in full swing in West Berkeley at 1601 University Ave. (at California). “We are the first franchise location for BodyRok and the first studio in the East Bay,” said owner Caroline Johnson. “Berkeley is the perfect place to introduce ourselves and focus on building a tight-knit community focused on health and fitness.” According to its website, BodyRok offers “high intensity, low impact workouts that will tone, sculpt and redefine your body and mind in just 40-50 minutes. Bring on the heart-pumping music, high-energy instructors, beautiful studios, and your muscles will be pushed to the limit.” With an emphasis on cross-training, the studio is getting rave reviews on “Yelp” and encourages members to sign up in advance or add your name to wait listed classes. BodyRok Studios, 1601 University Ave., Berkeley 94703. Tel: 510-900 9234. Open weekdays, 6 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (select days) and 4:30-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., weekends from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MAXI HAIR SALON You may have noticed a site under construction for the five-shop complex at 2489 Telegraph Ave. (at Dwight Way). During the renovation, Maxi Hair Salon has taken up temporary residence with Zip Clips at 2383 Telegraph Ave. (between Channing and Durant). Ellie Jay, owner of the salon, told Berkeleyside that she will be in the temporary spot for a few more months while the permanent location completes renovation. Maxi Hair Salon, a family-owned business for over 40 years is the only business returning to the block. Jay said, “The owner of the building complex wanted to create a more modern look and the salon will be more beautiful than it was before, with five new stations. In our temporary spot, we are just two stylists so we will be looking to hire at least one more person once we move back to our permanent location. It’s going to be a beautiful, brand new space with two big skylights.” Maxi Hair Salon, 2383 Telegraph Ave. (temporary) and returning soon to 2489 Telegraph Ave., Tel: 510-486 1916. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Connect with them on Facebook.
OH SHIRT YEAH Also opening soon in the suite of new shops at Telegraph near Dwight Way is Oh Shirt Yeah, owned by Jordan Inglebright of ESEF Apparel in Vacaville. The shop, which will specialize in custom screen-printed apparel, expects to open its doors on March 1, 2017. Inglebright told Berkeleyside, “The shop will be an interactive retail space where consumers can create custom designed t-shirts within minutes using the Topman YR digital printing process.” So, why open a shop in Berkeley? “I attended UC Berkeley, graduated in 2013, and fell in love with the city while going to school,” said Inglebright. I always knew I wanted to open a shop on Telegraph because it’s legendary and I finally found the right space. I love the sense of community among the small-business owners in Berkeley. It is unlike any other city, and I am so excited to be a part of it.” Oh Shirt Yeah, 2491 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley 94704. Website coming in early January 2017. Learn more about them on Facebook, YouTube and Etsy.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses. 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, and check out Bites for the latest East Bay restaurant news.
