InBerkeley

Hold on: “Do not fret; we are still in the independent bookstore fight!”

Amazing!

Retail

I made my inaugural trip to Berkeley Bowl West, which opened last Thursday. It’s a well-detailed, modern building, which from Heinz Avenue looks more like a Silicon Valley tech company than a supermarket. The most extraordinary aspect of BBW, for anyone who has been to the old Berkeley Bowl, is that there’s plenty of parking. It could be that success will bring the same hassles, but for now it’s a pleasure to visit. 

Inside, BBW is far more familiar. Aisles are wider than in the original, but still tighter than more conventional supermarkets. The range of products on the shelves and, as with the old place, particularly the fruit and vegetables, is stunning. Helpfully, the organic produce has its own large, distinct area. 

It will be interesting to see how much BBW takes business from the more expensive Whole Foods Market on Ashby and Telegraph, and from the old Berkeley Bowl. Having spoken to friends who live in west Berkeley, which had no supermarket, BBW is a godsend. Last Friday they went twice, they were so excited by the opening.

Food, Retail