Editor’s note: Nosh covers food and restaurant news across the East Bay, and each week we publish one article covering all the restaurant openings and one article covering closings. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here.
Cookie Plug (temporary closure)
The E’ville Eye reports that Cookie Plug, a hip hop-themed bakery offering super-thick cookies, has shuttered temporarily. The franchise’s Emeryville location has been pulled from its website, and Google search states the shop is temporarily closed. Cookie Plug’s founder, Erik Martinez, has attracted some controversy after opening an açai bowl shop called “Freedom Bowls” that Rolling Stone called “MAGA-themed,” the Eye reports. Cookie Plug was located at 6399 Christie Ave. in Emeryville.
Kilovolt Coffee (relocation)
After being told their lease would not be renewed, Kilovolt Coffee departed its longtime home on Mandela Parkway to relocate to a new West Oakland location, per the E’Ville Eye. In an Instagram post, Kilovolt unveiled details of its new café-in-progress, though its reopening date is still uncertain. The coffee shop launched a Kickstarter to help support its staff during the transition. Kilovolt was located at 1829 Mandela Parkway (at 18th St.) in Oakland.
Zarri’s Delicatessen
A tipster let us know that Zarri’s Delicatessen, an Albany institution for over 50 years, will close its doors at the end of the month. Home of no-frills, made-to-order deli sandwiches — think salami, smoked ham, liver sausage and the works — Zarri’s was first founded in Richmond in 1935 before establishing roots in Albany in 1974. Italian imports, including bread, wine and sweets, were also a key staple here. Zarri’s was located at 1244 Solano Ave. (at Evelyn St.) in Albany.
Unsurprised about Zarri’s. Unfortunately, the last two times I went there they had dangerously expired cheeses still on sale, and then I found a jar of olives many years out of date on the shelves and haven’t been back since. Probably time to let the place go.