Marketplace Management Promises Exciting Changes
The Castro Valley Marketplace is undergoing some internal and external changes this month, which the management team promises will delight customers and build on the community’s identity.
Donna Layburn, who runs the Natural Grocery in Castro Valley and in Alameda, and who is on the five-person Marketplace Board of Directors, says some vendors have left while others are coming in, but that customers can always count on an original shopping experience.
“We’re here for the community and to provide them with the value that they need,” Layburn told the Forum. “We’re trying to always improve the space and we’re committed to what we started out doing two years ago. The future is very positive.
One recent addition is that of Beard Papa, a cream puff bakery that will open its doors this Saturday and will be situated at the Castro Valley Boulevard entrance.
“Ye Ye, who runs Beard Papa is from Castro Valley and while it is a chain store, she’s super excited to open a site in her hometown,” Layburn said.
In addition to the Natural Grocery, other mainstays on the first floor of the Marketplace include Akemi Sushi, Amphora Nueva, Baron's Meats & Seafood, and Seven Hills Baking Co.
The recent departure of The Cannery Kitchen and Tap restaurant concerned some regular guests since the salad and sandwich shop had provided a unique dining experience and live music at times. Layburn noted that owner Debbie Pfisterer was sad to leave the Marketplace but business had been difficult to maintain after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for the future, Layburn noted that Cordial Bottle Shop has become a permanent fixture near Akemi. The space next to Beard Papa can accommodate a small-sized merchant. The basement remains an opportunity for future merchants but can be rented out as a celebration space.
Layburn also promises the return of some seasonal pop-ups downstairs including a harvest-themed kiosk in time for the Fall Festival and several winter holiday-themed booths for anyone looking for original and handcrafted gifts.
Upstairs, restaurants such as Oculto, the Night Owl bar, and Pizza the Bay continue to satisfy foodies and critics. Craig Semmelmeyer is the current lessee and manages those sites along with his Lab 200 business space.
“I am very excited about our success with these merchants, " Semmelmeyer told the Forum. I see good things continuing to happen with them.”
Two unused spaces include a 700-square-foot kitchen and dining opportunity upstairs to the left of the Night Owl and a 500-square-foot space that has been hiding behind the elevator at the top of the stairs.
As for the outdoor Paseo, Semmelmeyer says he will continue to support popup food vendors and has long-term plans to continue to improve the space for dining and entertaining.