As reported elsewhere in this edition of Rockridge Voice, the latest John Cumbelich & Associates quarterly report shows Rockridge continues to be one of Oakland’s strongest retail districts, with occupancy rates exceptionally high—reaching 97.6 %—and outperforming other major Oakland shopping areas. JCA’s broader data also shows an overall strengthening of the Bay Area retail market, with regional occupancy reaching its highest level in more than four years.
With available retail space in our district in such high demand, turnover happens fast. This month, we are seeing a lot of changes on the street—new establishments moving in, old favorites saying goodbye, and others in transition. Below is a summary of the activities, some with a links to more information in this edition:
Chez Maeju
The community was sad to see Chef Albert Ok close OKEN at 6200 Claremont in May 2025. Open for about a year, the difficulties of the restaurant industry and his inability to turn a profit were cited as reasons for the closure.
These challenges, however, did not stop Chef Soojin Kim from claiming the space for her Korean BBQ restaurant, Chez Maeju, which held a soft opening, with a shorter menu, on September 18. Kim grew up in Seoul, learning the traditions of Korean cooking from her mother and grandmother. She came to San Francisco in 1998, after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu. Look for a more indepth article in a future edition of Rockridge Voice.
Gamsa Sushi
Chef Dahan Kim is bringing a new sushi restaurant to 5415 College Avenue, the former home of UZEN, which closed after longtime chef-owner Kazuo Shimizu retired. After six years of operating a private, in-home Omakase catering service, Kim plans to open the brick-and-mortar location later this month—offering chef’s-choice Omakase and an à la carte menu. Read more in this month’s edition of Rockridge Voice.
Needle Drop Café
The building at 6202 Claremont dates to 1922, and became a bar by at least 1969, when the San Francisco Chronicle referred to it as the Leilani Lounge. In 1987, Javad Parsa and Najid Mahani purchased The Graduate (and the building), operating the bar for nearly four decades. Parsa, then nearly 86, retired and The Graduate closed on June 30, 2024. The new owner, Patrick Biesemans, plans to open the shop as a café and vinyl-record listening space by December or January. Look for the full story in a future edition of Rockridge Voice.
Pucquio
Pucquio, 5337 College, unexpectedly closed in late July 2026 after operating for about 13 years. A Reddit discussion from July 31 reportedly announced the closure, serving its last meal in early August of this year. The listing went on the market shortly after closing, and the 757-square-foot space is currently available. It is being marketed specifically as a second-generation restaurant/café, meaning a new tenant can potentially move in without having to build a restaurant from scratch. It is unclear why the restaurant closed, but rumors says it may have had something to do with an increase in rent.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw will open its first Oakland shop later this year at 6310 College, the former home of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. The Portland-based ice cream company, known for inventive flavors and about 50 locations nationwide, plans to open the Rockridge shop by year’s end. Read more in this edition of Rockridge Voice.
Sole Terra Shoes
After nearly a year of construction and disruption, Sole Terra Shoes extends a heartfelt thank-you to its customers for their patience and support while its 5933 College Avenue location and surroundings were remodeled. With the back-parking lot finally open and available again for use, and the work finally finished, customers are invited to stop by—and enjoy $20 off their purchase in exchange for their patience and ongoing support.
The Nail Spa
The Nail Spa, a College Avenue fixture since at least 2007, has abruptly vacated its space at 6251 College, near 63rd Street. The approximately 1,050-square-foot space is now being marketed for lease.
Uncle’s to Move Into old Wood Tavern Location
Chef Geoff Davis, owner of Temescal’s acclaimed Burdell, plans to open Uncle’s, a wood-fired neighborhood bar and grill, at 6317 College, the longtime home of Wood Tavern. The restaurant will feature Davis’ French- and Italian-influenced cooking, with steaks, oysters, pasta, seasonal vegetables and classic sides, along with martinis and wine. Read more in this month’s Rockridge Voice.
Zachary opens New Shop in Livermore
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza has expanded, opening a third location in downtown Livermore on February 2, 2026, at 2470 First St., Livermore, in the former Patxi’s Pizza space. The employee-owned company serves award-winning Chicago-style stuffed pizza and traditional thin-crust pizza and has received more than 250 “Best Pizza” awards since its founding in 1983. The Livermore restaurant features a full bar, signature cocktails, an art-filled dining room and a dog-friendly patio, along with happy hour and late-night specials and small bites.
