Historic Berkeley Juice Co-op Moving On After 42 Years

A big change for an old shop

The Juice Bar Collective is closing its storied shop in North Berkeley, which is surrounded by similar stalwarts like Cheese Board and Chez Panisse, on Thursday, February 28. But it’s not gone for good. In April, it’ll move to new digs at 2132 Center Street, formerly Sliver Pizzeria. The shop first opened 42 years ago as one of the city’s earliest worker-owned food businesses, growing to serve not only juice and smoothies but soups, salads, baked goods, and vegetarian meals. Recently, however, its team, menu, and hours have slimmed down.

It’s time for cupcakes

A friendly reminder that Cupcakin’ Bake Shop opens its first Oakland shop today. Starting at 11 a.m., you can find the Berkeley bakery’s tasty cupcakes at Swan’s Market — an ideal sweet finish to, say, a meal at Eater essentials Cosecha or Miss Ollie’s.

Mardi Gras brunch parties

New Orleans-inspired Alba Ray’s is already looking ahead to Mardi Gras, and the Mission restaurant plans to celebrate all month long. During every weekend in March, Alba Ray’s will offer a $42 bottomless brunch — meaning unlimited food and booze — with a live band. Dishes include boudin Benedicts, jambalaya, soufflé pancakes, and beignets, with frozen Irish coffee, bloody Marys, mimosas, and NOLA’s Abita beer all available for washing it down. The catch: You only have 90 minutes to guzzle all that you can.

About that Smokehouse fire...

Last week’s grease fire at Smokehouse will close the Berkeley burger joint for at least six months. While the owners initially thought they’d only have to remain shut down for a week or so, they now say they’ll need to bring in construction workers for roof and kitchen repairs. With that down time, though, they’ll also make some additional renovations — something that hasn’t happened since it first opened in 1951.

More Joe & the Juice

The Danish cafe chain continues to sweep over the Bay Area with a new Silicon Valley post at 889 Winslow Street in downtown Redwood City. Serving juice, smoothies, coffee, breakfast, and sandwiches, Joe & the Juice also has locations in SF, Palo Alto, Burlingame, and San Mateo.