Retail churn: closures, reopenings & resilience stories
Key Questions
Which notable retail locations are closing in the Bay Area?
Closures include Lucky California in Danville on July 17, Clove & Hoof in Oakland, Shabu Shack in South SF, and Held Over vintage store on Haight Street after 50 years. Plank Oakland is also closing, to be replaced by Dave & Busters.
What new immersive experience is opening in San Jose?
The Domes, a 60-ft immersive art venue with 8K projection and 300 capacity, opens in downtown San Jose. It will host World Cup watch parties and support local economic revitalization.
Why is the Menlo Park Japanese restaurant closing?
Dashi Japanese Restaurant, open for 23 years in Belle Haven, is closing due to Meta's real estate moves and the stalled Willow Village project. The owner highlights tech dominance reshaping the neighborhood.
What new dessert spot opened in Walnut Creek?
Milky Flakes, offering Hokkaido milk soft serve and bingsu, has opened at 1399 N. Main St. in downtown Walnut Creek. It adds to East Bay dessert options.
Which Filipino bakery is expanding its locations?
Ling Nam, a beloved Filipino-Chinese bakery from Daly City, is opening new spots in South San Francisco soon and Union City later. The second-generation owner focuses on modernizing while preserving traditions like señorita bread.
What is Bar Skula and where is it located?
Bar Skula, described as a 'Luka's remix' with an Iberian diaspora menu, opened on Grand Avenue across from Lake Merritt in Oakland. It features Lake Merritt-inspired decor and reopens with beloved staff.
Are there new brewery or bar openings in San Francisco?
New openings include San Francisco Brewing Co. in Mission Bay, Woods Beer at Fisherman's Wharf, and Esme, Mile Limit, and Bar Auklet in SF. These signal neighborhood revitalization efforts.
What concept store recently opened in the Mission?
deMain, a womenswear boutique, opened in the Mission featuring emerging global indie labels with a Ukrainian focus. It joins other retail shifts like Old Navy updates.
Notable closures: Lucky California Danville (July 17), Clove & Hoof/Oken/Gold Palm Oakland, Shabu Shack South SF, Held Over vintage Haight St (50 years), Plank Oakland (Dave & Busters replacing). Saluhall SF lost all original tenants but gaining new ones. A Menlo Park Japanese restaurant (23 years) closing, owner blames Meta's real estate moves and stalled Willow Village project — powerful story of tech dominance reshaping neighborhoods. Positive churn: The Domes immersive art experience opens in downtown San Jose (60-ft dome, 8K projection, 300 capacity, World Cup watch parties, local founder). Reem's flagship return (June 26), Club Deluxe revival, Millennium reopening, Alisios Menlo Park, San Francisco Brewing Co. Mission Bay, Woods Beer Fisherman's Wharf, Fieldwork China Basin, Chicano Nuevo Bernal Heights, Bloom & Vine Mountain View, Half Moon Bay Brewing downtown, Goodwill Pittsburg superstore, Omakase World Market South SF, Safeway Discovery Station South SF, new East Bay openings (Dera, DH Noodles, Doppio Zero, etc.), San Ramon Bishop Ranch openings (Meyhouse, Lululemon pop-up, Lil Sweet Treat with construction signage up). Bar Skula opens across from Lake Merritt — 'Luka's remix' with Iberian diaspora menu, Lake Merritt decor, reopening of beloved staff. Fits Oakland dining revival. Michelin 2026 stars add fine-dining local impact (Californios three stars historic). New craft brewery expansions in SF signal neighborhood revitalization. Also noted: Esme, Mile Limit, Bar Auklet openings in SF. deMain concept store opens in Mission (global emerging labels, Ukrainian focus). Lil Sweet Treat opens in Marina (SF). Ling Nam, beloved Filipino-Chinese bakery, expanding to South San Francisco (opening soon) and Union City (opening later) — second-generation owner modernizing while keeping tradition, señorita bread a highlight. A new locals' guide to Fisherman's Wharf highlights hidden gems including Woods Beer taproom, Saigon Sandwich second location, and Raising Cane's — reinforcing the neighborhood's revival narrative. New: Milky Flakes (Hokkaido milk soft serve, Bingsu) opens in Walnut Creek — East Bay dessert addition. SIPS bottle shop (8,000+ sq ft) replacing Big 5 in Walnut Creek — upscale wine/liquor store, pending. Kopê House café opens in Hayes Valley — creative drinks (passion fruit cappuccino, red bean espresso), Blue Bottle pedigree.