Amazon Wants to Open a Tiny Liquor Store in Dogpatch

In order to deliver booze to Prime Now people, Amazon needs a storefront

Amazon has applied for a liquor license that would allow it to deliver beer, wine, and distilled spirits to Prime Now customers. To meet liquor license requirements, Amazon is opening a tiny, 200-square-foot storefront to satisfy the powers that be (Board of Supervisors), which will open to the public for scant periods of time at its Dogpatch fulfillment center at 888 Tennessee St. In a letter to the Supes, Amazon says its doing this because Prime Now members “have expressed an interest in adding alcoholic beverages to their orders,” though those members are already able to order beer, wine, and liquor through the the conglomerate’s grocery business, Whole Foods. Amazon has recently opened several SF storefronts under the Amazon Go brand, selling convenience store items and prepared food via a cashierless system.

Flint’s BBQ is coming back

The last location of Oakland’s legendary Flint’s BBQ, which opened in 1968, was closed in 2010. Now, the original owner’s granddaughter is bringing it back, starting with a pop-up in West Oakland. Diners who purchase tickets ($33) will receive a plat of ribs, chicken, mac and cheese, baked beans, string beans, potato salad, bread, and a drink. It’s going down on August 4, from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1023 Peralta Street).

Verve is now open in Palo Alto

The Santa Cruz-based coffee roaster opens its second Bay Area cafe (not including its four Santa Cruz locations) at 162 University Avenue in Palo Alto on Friday, with a large, 1,400-square-foot patio. Just like its SF location, it serves pastries from Manresa Bread, but with the addition of taps pouring the coffee company’s “flash brewed” coffee, which is brewed hot and quickly cooled, and infused with nitrogen for a creamier mouthfeel.

A Tartine Bakery alum is cycling around the East Bay delivering bread

After baking around the Bay Area’s best bakeries for the past few years (including Tartine, Arizmendi, and more), Oakland Bread Studio is baker Lucio Mejia’s personal project. He bakes at his home in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood, then heads out to deliver them on his bike. Check out Berkeleyside’s video here for more on his story.

Farmers’ market star Backhaus now has a storefront and cafe

The popular German-style bakery that’s been selling its wares at Peninsula farmers’ markets for years has opened a permanent location in downtown San Mateo. Head over to 32 E 3rd Avenue to buy loaves of porridge loaf, pretzels, and seasonal pastries, along with coffee and tea.