# East Bay restaurant industry transitions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/east-bay-restaurant-industry-transitions
> Updated: 2026-08-31T19:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The East Bay restaurant landscape is experiencing a period of transition involving both closures and new developments.

In late August, several long-standing establishments announced closures. These included Home of Chicken and Waffles in Oakland, the vegan Mexican business Alma y Sazón in Emeryville, and Chong Qing Noodles in Alameda. Additionally, The Coffee Mill, a family-owned brunch spot near Lake Merritt, appears to have closed permanently.

Concurrently, other businesses are relocating or expanding. The smoothie shop Drink Thicc is moving from Uptown Oakland to Temescal, while the Taiwanese boba tea brand Chicha San Chen has begun a soft opening in Pleasanton. Furthermore, Jamaican Again has returned to the Emeryville Public Market.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: East Bay restaurants announce relocations and new openings

East Bay dining updates include Drink Thicc's relocation to Temescal, Chicha San Chen's new soft opening in Pleasanton, and the return of Jamaican Again to the Emeryville Public Market.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/east-bay-restaurants-announce-relocations-and-new-openings

### 2026-08-21: East Bay restaurants announce closures in Oakland, Emeryville, and Alameda

Multiple East Bay restaurants, including Oakland’s Home of Chicken and Waffles and Emeryville’s Alma y Sazón, are closing or have shuttered.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/east-bay-restaurants-announce-closures-in-oakland-emeryville-and-alameda

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Cite as: East Bay restaurant industry transitions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/east-bay-restaurant-industry-transitions