AARON BROTHERS The longtime art supplies and framing shop on Shattuck is closing as part of a sweep of closures of its stores nationwide. Arts and crafts chain Michael’s, its parent company, will absorb the custom framing department into its Michael’s stores. Aaron Brothers will close, along with 93 other locations — 13 of which are in the Bay Area — by the end of July. Only three will remain, all located in Texas. A store-wide sale on all inventory is underway at the Berkeley store until closing day. Aaron Brothers, 2450 Shattuck Ave. (between Haste and Dwight Way), Berkeley 94704. Tel: 510-841-0200. Open Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Connect on Facebook and Instagram.
COWORKING WITH WISDOM A new co-working space is set to open in downtown Berkeley in September. The space, which is within Dharma College on Harold Way, will have multiple common areas, dedicated desks and private offices and conference rooms as is usual for co-working offices. What sets this one apart is its intention to more fully realize the phrase, “work-life balance” by offering on-site mindfulness resources and classes in meditation and yoga. The member dining area will have a Chez Panisse-trained chef on site on select days to provide healthy gourmet lunches. A soft opening was held on Monday, July 2, for new member enrollment with a grand opening slated for September. “You hear the phrase work-life balance a lot, but we are aiming to actually create it within one place for our members. That’s the aspect we are most excited about”, said Curtis Carter, director of business development. CoWorking With Wisdom, Dharma College, 2222 Harold Way (between Allston and Kittredge), Berkeley 94704. Tel: 510-337-4000. Member hours: Mon. through Sat., 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Administrative hours: Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WELLS FARGO BANK The Wells Fargo branch at 2460 Bancroft Way (between Dana and Telegraph) directly across from campus, closed back in September when its lease came up for renewal. The building will soon be transformed into two restaurants, one a full-service Asian fusion bistro with 128 seats and the other a quick-serve poke restaurant with 58 seats, both catering to UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff, according to city documents. The operator, Peter Woo, and the building’s owners will add a second story to accommodate the restaurants. The front of the building will be set back five feet so chairs and tables can be set up outside. Construction will take at least six months. According to Gordon Commercial Real Estate, the broker for the space, Wells Fargo will leave two ATMs in the storefront of the new business.
ANTHROPOLOGIE The clothing and home goods business Anthropologie has added a new dimension to many of its stores, including at its Fourth Street location in Berkeley. Launched on June 25, the chain now offers Wellness by Anthropologie, a shop-in-shop concept dedicated to healthy living. A dedicated, 1,000-square-foot space features beauty and self-care brands for face and body, essential oils, teas and aromatherapy items, supplements and fitness products with an emphasis on environmentally conscious, ethically crafted products. Anthropologie, 750 Hearst Ave., Berkeley 94710. Tel: 510-486-0705. Open Mon. through Sat., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Shop Talk is Berkeleyside’s regular Berkeley local business column. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleyside reader who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details at editors@berkeleyside.com. Read previous Shop Talk columns. And catch up with all food business news with our Nosh coverage.
