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After over a year of vacancy, the former home of Genova Delicatessen will become a Noah’s New York Bagels store, a chain owned by Einstein Brothers Bagels. The spacious deli has been split into two retail spaces, one of which will be occupied by Noah’s, and the other currently listed for lease.
As of today the new Noah’s, which is confirmed by leasing documents and the chain’s website, is under construction. No word yet on when it might open in the Temescal Plaza shopping center, which is anchored by a Walgreens. The neighborhood is a mix of independent restaurants like Pizzaiolo and Cholita Linda and small retail shops, alongside corporate chains like Mountain Mikes and Peet’s Coffee.
Genova closed in April 2016, citing a combination of rent increases and the cost of doing business in Oakland as the cause. The DeVincenzi family had operated the deli in Oakland for 90 years, and in that particular space for 20 years; since that time, the family has also closed its Oakland ravioli manufacturing facility, due to “vandalism and graffiti.” The Napa store, the last remaining Genova location, remains open.
Meanwhile, Noah’s Bagels began as a local chain in Berkeley, with its original store at the corner of Alcatraz an College Ave. still in operation. Founder Noah Alper opened the first store in 1989, and grew the chain to 38 stores before selling it to Einstein Brothers Bagels for $100 million in 1996. Though mediocre bagels might not be preferable to Genova’s massive Italian sandwiches, Noah’s does have a price point that’s easy to swallow, with egg sandwiches in the $5 range, and lunch sandwiches under $10.
Stay tuned for more details on what might occupy the other half of the former Genova space, and Noah’s opening.
