small businesses Archives

A person whose face is covered holds up a sign that reads, "Stop closures." Another sign reading, "Merchants on strike," is being held up by another person to the right. The name of a restaurant, Le Cheval, is in the background.

Some Oakland businesses joined a symbolic strike to voice public-safety concerns

by Roselyn Romero September 27, 2023September 27, 2023

Organizers said over 200 businesses were participating in Tuesday’s action, though some merchants and leaders of Oakland business districts said they were not aware of it.

A silhouette of a man on stage holding a microphone with a string of small banners flying overhead.

Business

You can get $10,000 to host an Oakland event. Here’s how

by Roselyn Romero September 19, 2023September 19, 2023

Through the Activate Oakland grant program, anyone can apply to host anything from a block party to an exercise class in one of the city’s business districts.

A man dressed in a neon yellow and black polo shirt dumps trash into a blue garbage receptacle, which reads, "Uptown Downtown Community Benefit Districts."

Business

Are Oakland community ambassadors making a difference?

by Roselyn Romero September 19, 2023September 19, 2023

“There’s this misconception that, because we can’t stop a violent crime, there’s this ineffectualness of the program when it is so much deeper.”

A revolving rack of denim jeans is situated on a wall inside of a store. Two sales associates are chatting in the back of the store.

Business

4 women-owned Oakland shops with impressive collections of vintage clothing

by Roselyn Romero September 13, 2023September 13, 2023

Whether you’re hunting down the perfect pair of Levi’s jeans or a designer bag for a quarter of the original price, these stores provide a thrifty alternative to fast fashion.

A fence closes off a large portion of an outdoor area in front of a large yellow and orange building. A sign on the building reads "Fruitvale Public Market."

Nosh

Merchants clashing with Unity Council over conditions at Fruitvale Public Market

by Azucena Rasilla September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

Public safety, ongoing construction, and outdated facilities are some of the complaints.

The facade of a restaurant, painted brick red with several archways. A sign at the top says "Persian Nights at Bacheesos."

Nosh

A longtime Oakland restaurant owner steps away after break-ins

by Roselyn Romero September 5, 2023September 6, 2023

Amir Asli relinquished his stake in Persian Nights on Grand Avenue, but his former business partner is keeping the restaurant open.

A Black woman inside a storefront is lighting candles. Green plants are on display near the window. Another woman can be seen outside through window walking down the street. The word "apothecary" is written on the window.

Business

Black-owned Temple of Earth Apothecary soft-opens near Lake Merritt

by Roselyn Romero August 16, 2023August 21, 2023

The Grand Avenue co-op is more than an herb shop—it’s also a school and community healing space centering Black and Indigenous ancestral medicine.

A woman lifts her hands to the sky while sitting on the floor of a large open studio space with her back to the camera next to a young girl in a pink sweatshirt. Another child can be seen in a mirror also holding their arms up to the sky.

Arts & Community

At this East Oakland salon, violence prevention starts with self-care

by Celeste Hamilton Dennis August 14, 2023August 16, 2023

Hair stylists are often a shoulder to cry on for their clients. The Self-i.s.h. Society is taking it further by offering onsite therapy, healing circles, massage, and more.

Several dishes sit on a table: fried pork, an over-easy egg on rice, and a vegetarian dish with green beans covered in a yellow sauce.

Nosh

3 Filipino restaurants in Oakland serving up classic comfort and innovative fusion

by Roselyn Romero August 14, 2023August 14, 2023

Whether you’re craving authentic dishes or itching for something new, these spots can satisfy your urge.

How We Work

Roselyn Romero joins The Oaklandside to report on small businesses

by The Oaklandside August 4, 2023August 5, 2023

For the next 12 months, Romero will be covering the shop owners, workers, and entrepreneurs who breathe life into our local economy, through a Poynter-Koch Media & Journalism Fellowship.

Four bakery workers smiling outside the front door of a small building with a sign reading "Nick's Pizza" above the door.

Nosh

Nick’s Pizza and Bakery is becoming a worker-owned collective

by Ayla Burnett July 18, 2023September 16, 2023

For the founder of Nick’s, an Arizmendi alumnus, spinning the shop off into a co-op was always in the back of his mind.

The owner of Al-Maida market, Sayed Muhammad, stands behind the shop's counter with various products on a shelf behind him.

Business

Community rallies around Al-Maida market and restaurant after burglary

by Ricky Rodas May 24, 2023May 24, 2023

The family-owned North Oakland shop’s entrance was recently smashed apart by a truck but neighbors have rallied to support it.

Business

‘A taste from home’: Despite a war, a small shop brings Ukrainian and Russian foods to Oakland

by Ricky Rodas May 9, 2023May 9, 2023

When Suman Acharya purchased Euromix Delicatessen in 2021, he didn’t foresee how a distant conflict would upend the global supply chain.

Business

Broken guitars and dirty sneakers: What does the future of repair look like in Oakland?

by Ricky Rodas May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

We asked a DIY researcher, sneaker cleaner, guitar repair person, and a knife salesman about the state of local repair shops.

Business

‘A restaurant for all kinds of people’: Tigrai Cafe showcases Tigrayan culture

by Ricky Rodas April 20, 2023April 20, 2023

After 18 years of working various jobs, Feven Kahsay’s family achieved their dream of opening a restaurant in Oakland.

Man holds film negatives inside Underdog Film Lab in West Oakland.

Arts & Community

Underdog Film Lab is preserving the art of darkroom photography

by Shannon Faulise April 19, 2023April 24, 2023

The West Oakland business is one of a handful of places left in the East Bay where film enthusiasts can process and develop their film, and print photos.