by Ken Katz
In last month’s News, I reported on the surprisingly high number of commercial vacancies in the Grand Lake District – most of which predated the Corona Virus epidemic and speculated that, under the present circumstances, far more were to be expected in the future. We’re sorry to report that 510 Brand has since closed and owner David Thom explained his rationale for doing so:
I do not see myself reopening. It’s too risky. First there is the risk of reopening with all the liabilities that entails, only to be shut down again. More importantly I think even once open there won’t be enough business to keep the business alive. Someone else may well reopen there with a similar concept. We are still selling everything that is still available at 50% off at 510brand.com.
Unfortunately, many other Grand Lake businesses are in the same boat and need your support if they’re going to survive. That includes retail establishments as well as restaurants, specialty services, coffee shops and bakeries. We’re sharing below, recent replies to our email to all Grand Avenue businesses requesting updates.
MELOMELO KAVA BAR – Oakland: Open for pickup only 3:00 – 8:00 pm seven days a week.
KNIMBLE: Our first day was yesterday. We are now open, and have our new hours, policies, and Covid-19 related statements up to date on our website.
ALL THINGS HEMP: Open for curbside pickup on Wednesdays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Sometime in the next few weeks will be open Wednesday- Friday.
AISLE 5: The for lease sign is for the office in the back. We do not have a timeline to reopen at this time.
MICHAEL MISCHER CHOCOLATES: Open for in store sales, Wednesday – Saturday from Noon to 7:00 pm. Sunday from Noon to 5:00 pm. Please remind all readers that “Only we the people, can end the Corona Crisis, by being vigilant and acting responsibly“.
GALLERIA SCOLA: Open for walk ins and appointments. Setting up a time to come in seems to work well for clients who want to insure minimal contact. When life makes you shelter in place you have a long time to look at your shop walls. Our lemons to lemonade solution was a coat of ecru paint on selected walls. With good brushes, Ace house paint and plenty of time we are enjoying a mini update. I hope you will like it.
URBAN FURNITURE AND BOUTIQUE: For the entire month of August we are offering 50% off any give item (except furniture and vendor items) if you bring in a receipt from a local business!
ALMOND & OAK: New hours for takeout are Wednesday – Friday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Online ordering can be done through our website or phone 510.250.9550 or email admin@almondandoak.com.
DOZO RAMEN: Open with an expanded menu for lunch on Tuesdays – Sundays from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm and reopen for dinner, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, and until 9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. We offer contactless ordering and payment options for customers by phone or visit https://ordering.app/dozoramen. Splash Pad News subscribers are being offered a 10% discount through August if you print or show the QR Code on the right. Not redeemable if ordering through a delivery service.
