Banh Mi & Roll Factory (temporary?)
Banh Mi & Roll Factory is closed, at least temporarily, as the entire interior is gutted and undergoing a refresh. Signage, phone and web presence remain up and active, however, which could mean temporary closure for renovations. For now, plan to head to other quick, easy spots in the Northside neighborhood for budget-friendly eats. Banh Mi & Roll Factory is at 1814 Euclid Ave. in Berkeley, and is temporarily closed.
Bollywood Cafe
We were sorry to hear that easy, budget-friendly Indian take-out restaurant Bollywood Cafe closed earlier this spring. The narrow Northside space has already reopened as Ali Baba, an all-day breakfast burrito eatery based out of Davis. Bollywood Cafe was at 1805 Euclid Ave. in Berkeley.
Boston Market (all locations)
Thanks to SFGate for confirmation that all local Boston Market rotisserie delis, including the remaining few locations in the East Bay, have closed for good. Reporters across the country have been following up given recent news that the current owner of the troubled national chain, in operation since the 1980s, has filed for personal bankruptcy, and the company is hemorrhaging locations nationwide. According to SF Gate’s reporting, remaining Boston Markets in Oakland and Fremont (as well as San Jose, Santa Clara and San Francisco) have all been evicted and/or closed in the past few months. East Bay Boston Markets were formerly at 5132 Broadway in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, 3060 E 9th St. in East Oakland, and 3966 Mowry Ave. in Fremont.
Elsie’s On Solano
Only six weeks after opening, chef-owner Cash Caris has shuttered his new sit-down restaurant Elsie’s inside the former Delirama on Solano Avenue. At first, the closure was supposed to be temporary. “Over the past year, we have experienced a significant decline in business, resulting in financial losses that outweigh our daily earnings,” said a note of explanation Sunday evening, now removed from Instagram. “It is disheartening for us, as we are aware of the love and support our community has shown for our establishment.” By Monday, however, the decision was final. “I recently had a heartfelt conversation with my landlord, and it has become evident that the financial strain of running the restaurant has become insurmountable. Regrettably, this means that all reservations will have to be canceled.” Best of luck, Cash, aka The Pastrami Guy. We have a feeling we’ll see you and your delicious fare again, but, for now, they’ll be missed. Elsie’s on Solano was at 1746 Solano Ave. in Berkeley.
Garden Variety
Nosh was there when it opened in the COVID-era summer of 2020, and is sorry to learn that this healthful addition to University Avenue has quietly closed up shop. Garden Variety was a salad-focused eatery that made a brave go of it just steps away from Butcher’s Son, sharing the lovely Rose Garden patio space for sunny, floral lunches — diners often ended their veg- and grain-forward meals with a warm cookie or two. The internet still says it’s open, but a Nosh scout confirms the business has fully departed the space. Garden Variety was at 1966 University Ave. in Berkeley.
Great American Hamburger & Pie Co.
Today, April 11, marks the last day of service for unassuming Richmond burger joint Great American Hamburger & Pie Company after the financial strain of an Americans with Disabilities-backed lawsuit that has closed the business, as reported by SFGate. (The lawsuit stemmed from a lack of wheelchair accessibility through the entrance to the eatery.) The diner-style grill counter with devoted regulars first opened in 1986. Great American Hamburger & Pie Co. was at 35 E. Richmond Ave. in Richmond.
Zak’s Snacks
Sorry Northside, it’s not looking good for Zak’s Snacks, the eclectic, eccentric little Berkeley sandwich shop at the corner of Euclid and Hearst. A sign on the door says, “closed for now,” but the windows are fully boarded up and Google says permanently closed. (Please, as always, let us know if we’re wrong, management could not be reached.) The funky snack and sandwich shop opened in 2011. Zak’s Snacks was at 1879 Euclid Ave. in Berkeley.
