Farley's East

Reconnecting With Big News

2010-05-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

As we start to come up on our one year anniversary, we are thrilled to share the exciting news that we will be opening a new location in Emeryville. Officially called Farley's on 65th, this new location will help us serve all our friends in the town next store. We did not want them to miss out on all the fun!

Farley's on 65th will bring a new element into the Farley's family, catering. Farley's on 65th will enable us to fulfill all the catering requests we regularly receive.

Farley's on 65th will open Tuesday, May 11. We are going to ease into this so initial hours will be Mon-Fri from 7:30-2:30. Look for hours and days to expand in the near future.

Most importantly, the official grand opening party will happen in late May and you are all invited. Stay tuned for details.

Finally, we look forward to seeing some of you at Farley's on 65th, we look forward to meeting new people at Farley's on 65th and we look forward to seeing you at Farley's and Farley's East!

Panini Special of the Week

2010-01-18T13:01:00.001-08:00

The special for the week of January 18 is Turkey, brie and caramelized balsamic onions. The onions are so good you could eat them as a side salad!

Looking Back at 2009

2010-01-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

Well, 2009 was certainly a BIG year for us at Farley's East! The year began with the construction plans being approved by the Alameda County Health Department and then a surprisingly quick approval by the City of Oakland. From there, we were underway with construction, working fast and furious to open ASAP.

Speed forward to Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 11am and you have Farley's East open for business! Looking back, we have learned so much, grown so much and look forward to continued growth and learning in 2010.

I have to say that we have been overwhelmed with the support we have received from the neighborhood. The countless "thank you's" for just being open has been tremendous. Prior to opening, when we told people we would be open on the weekends, they said we were crazy. Six months later, we have a bustling weekend business all day long. The neighborhood has made this happen and for that, we are extremely grateful.

The Farley's East team wishes everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous and caffeinated new year!

Chris
Amy
Winn
Cristalle
Alx
Tehran
Karim
Anna
Nathan
Mario
Ryan
Rozlyn

Farley's East & Oaklandish Collaborative Shirt

2010-01-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

Farley's East is proud to announce that we have collaborated with Oaklandish to make an Uptown inspired shirt that goes directly to a great cause, the 2010 Oakland Innovator Awards. Printed by hand on an American Apparel "cranberry" colored shirt. Available in a v-neck as well and only at Farley's East. Supplies are super limited to make sure you get there soon.

Non-Profit of the Month Happy Hour

2009-11-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Every month, we feature a local non-profit that is working to better the lives of Oakland residents in some way. As part of the program, we host a happy hour providing free appetizers and a portion of all sales are donated to the non-profit. This month, we have an exciting and unique organization. We are partnering with Oaklandish. Oaklandish funds the Innovators Awards which recognizes multiple local non-profits:

"Oakland has historically been a hotbed of renegade activity, where boundaries are redefined and trends are created rather than followed. To help encourage the continuation of this "trailblazers' legacy," Oaklandish has created the Oaklandish Innovators Award, a fund that offers annual grants to those organizations and individuals who are doing pioneering work in our community."

We are proud to raise funds for the 2010 Oaklandish Innovators Award. We hope you join us on Thursday, December 3 from 5-8pm to support this worthy cause.

Farley's Coffee Cards

2009-11-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

We now have the Farley's Coffee Card providing multipurpose fun! Buy 10 drinks, get one free. Prepay so you don't have to carry around that annoying change or your credit card. Give a gift card to your friend. Just pick up a card at the register.

These cards should make life simpler for you and us. We hope you like them.

Open Mic, Open Late

2009-11-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Join us Thursday, November 19, 7-9pm for Open Mic featuring poetry, hip-hop infused spoken word and urban folk.

Keep Up to Date

2009-10-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

With the website, newsletter, Facebook and Twitter all in play, the blog doesn't get updated as frequently as we would like. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter and DEFINITELY register for our newsletter!

Website Updated

2009-08-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Our new fancy, OK maybe not fancy, website is up with info on both locations now. The site also has our menu posted: www.farleyscoffee.com

New Sign

2009-08-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

At last we have a new marquee sign. Stop by to admire any time.

2009-08-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening Planned for July 10

2009-07-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

Now that we are open and fine-tuning things, we are ready to have an actual Grand Opening party. Join us on Friday, July 10 from 5-9pm for coffee, beer, music and of course, a great time.

See you then....

We Are Open

2009-06-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Happy to report we are coming up on our one week anniversary. We have spent some time working out kinks in the system and each day is getting better. We hope that you feel it as well.

Just a few highlights:

1. You can now pay with credit cards, however we really like cash :)
2. Wifi is available free of charge
3. More magazines are becoming available every day...we just got copies of Italian Vogue for all you fashionistas
4. Now selling the NYT for all the intellectuals keeping up with the last news that's fit to print
5. The window bar will be completed Thursday for great people watching

If you've visited us and enjoyed your experience, be sure to tell others about us on Yelp.

Thanks to all of those who have visited us so far and for those who haven't, we hope to see you soon!

Officially Opening Today

2009-06-18T02:21:00.000-07:00

We finally will be opening our doors today at 11am! Stop by and goes easy on us as we work out the kinks...stay tuned for info about the upcoming Grand Opening party July 10.

Farley's East!

Opening When?

2009-06-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our opening looks like it will be June 18 for the Uptown Unveiled event. Perfect timing!

Floors Complete

2009-06-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy to report that the floors are complete upstairs and downstairs. We are furiously working toward opening on the 15th...it will be close. Either way, we will be opening sometime next week and in full swing for the event, Uptown Unveiled on the 18th. Hope to see all our readers soon!

The Mother Ship Has Arrived

2009-06-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Our brand spanking new La Marzocco semi-automatic 3 group machine is in place

Inching Closer to Opening

2009-06-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

We have our first two employees.

We are steadily moving forward and getting closer to opening. Look back to the beginning, I was hoping for a May 1 opening date. I was naive! Our projected opening date is set at June 15 right now. Bare with us and please be patient, we do promise to open soon.

Just a Cool Picture

2009-05-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Like to Read Magazines?

2009-05-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

This is just half of our magazine shelf space. We'll have over 300 magazines for browsing and purchase.

Lot's of Great People

2009-05-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

We just began the hiring process and posted a listing on Craigslist. We are grateful to receive so much positive response and interest in working at Farley's East. Sadly, the huge number of inquiries also correlates with the current economic climate in our country. We'll hire for as many positions as we have available and hope that all the others find a suitable position soon.

Bike to Work Day

2009-05-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Farley's was proud to support Bike to Work Day today. We provided coffee for an "energizer station" at the corner of 14th and Oak Street. Look for us again next year.

Thank you to the local organizers of the Oakland event, Walk Oakland Bike Oakland. Check them out online at: www.walkoaklandbikeoakland.org

Mark your Calendar for a Great Event in June - Uptown Unveiled

2009-05-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Billed as downtown Oakland's new arts and entertainment district, Uptown is having a festive launch celebration: Uptown Unveiled!

Read the press release for details.

Thank You

2009-05-02T15:31:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all of the folks that made it out to our preview party. The rainy weather did not stop many brave souls. Thanks for all your support and we'll see you on June 1!

Preview Party Notes

2009-04-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the Friends and Family PREVIEW party. We want to stress that this is a PREVIEW party…the place is far from finished…you can read more about why at our blog: www.farleyseast.blogspot.com. It may seem strange to throw a party when there are exposed walls and unfinished countertops, but that is just the way we want it. We want you, our community, to see the coffee house in-progress and participate in its creation. We will have a sampling of the Panini we will be serving and we are feverishly working to get the brewers up and running so you can enjoy what Farley’s is all about….great coffee.

In addition to showing off Farley’s East, the other objective of the evening is to expose you to the hip, happening and up-and-coming neighborhoods of Oakland. To this end, if you are planning on staying in Oakland for dinner, please make a reservation…the place will be packed due to Oakland Art Murmur, http://www.oaklandartmurmur.com, which will be going on all evening.

To help you make a selection, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite restaurants.

Thanks again for coming and showing your support!

UPTOWN

Flora

1900 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 286-0100

Opened by the Dona Tomas duo, they also blazed the trail in the Uptown district. They are right across the street from the newly renovated FOX Theater. Be sure to get reservations – they are always packed.

Franklin Wine Bar

Sister restaurant to Lukas. Good locally grown dishes and a robust wine menu. Just around the corner from Farley’s and if the weather is nice, you can sit outside on their patio and enjoy the scene.

Lukas Taproom and Lounge

2221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 451-4677

Lukas was a pioneer in the Uptown district. They serve upscale “bar” food with killer fries and burgers along with dishes that you would find in more formal restaurant. There is also a pool table in back to give it a tavern feel.

Ozumo – Uptown

2251 Broadway Ave (between 23rd St & Grand Ave) Oakland, CA (510) 286-9866

Sister restaurant to Ozumo in downtown SF. Some complain that the plates are small, but the atmosphere and the quality of the food makes up for it. Make reservations

Pican

2295 Broadway (between 23rd St & Grand Ave) Oakland, CA 94612

Yet another establishment who is part of the Oakland Uptown revival. Pican just opened in April and has been packed every weekend. They serve “upscale” southern food with cosmopolitan twist. They also have a swanky lounge if you just want to have a drink.

OLD TOWN

B Restaurant

499 9th St. (between Broadway & Washington St) Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 251-8770

Great atmosphere and good food. Sit outside if the weather is nice.

Levende East

827 Washington St (between 8th St & 9th St) Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 835-5585

Yet another SF establishment that has migrated east. It’s a very hip restaurant with a lounge feel. They have got plenty of outdoor seating and it would be good choice if the weather is nice

Le Cheval

1007 Clay St (between 10th St & 11th St) Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 763-8495

An Oakland classic…the best Vietnamese food you’ll find in the Bay Area.

Tamarindo

468 8th St Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-1944

Delicious Mexican small plates. The owner of this restaurant is a partner in the hip night club ERA that is going in next to Farley’s.

LAKE MERRITT & GLENVIEW

Camino

3917 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 547-5035

New hotspot from Chez Paniz prodigy. Good local faire and specialty cocktails.

Marzano

4214 Park Boulevard Oakland, California 94602 510.531.4500

Sister restaurant to Garabaldi’s on College. It just opened this winter in the Glenveiw district and it’s a huge hit. They don’t take reservations but the will serve you wine outside while you wait.

Bellanico

4238 Park Blvd  Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 336-1180

Traditional Italian trattoria that aims to serve delicious California-Italian fare at reasonable prices. It’s the sister restaurant to Aperto which is a neighbor to Farley’s In SF.

Zaa’s Trattoria

552 Grand Ave. (Lake Merritt) Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 839-9124

If you are bringing the kids, this is your best choice. They have great pizzas, pasta and Italian favorites. Next door is a wine bar if you are looking for a lighter fare and a flight of interesting wines.

NORTH OAKLAND

Citron

5484 College Ave., Oakland CA 94618

French, Mediterranean, California. Since its inception by Chef/ Owner Christopher Rossi, Citron has established itself as an Oakland landmark catering to those who want the freshest ingredients possible prepared in tantalizing fashion.

Doña Tomás

5004 Telegraph Ave., Oakland CA; Tel. 510.450.0522

Mexican. Oakland's premier Mexican eatery, Dona Tomas does everything classy, from the food to the cocktails.

Oliveto

5655 College Ave. Oakland, CA 94618

Northern Italian. Oliveto offers regional favorites and some interesting specialties in the Northern Italian tradition. Menu selections change dramatically with the seasons.

Pizzaiolo

5008 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94609 Tel: (510) 652-4888

Opened by a former Chez Panisse chef. Food is simple, locally grown faire with Italian influence. It also has a great bar with specialty cocktails. Always busy, so make a reservation.

Preview Party Renamed

2009-04-24T17:01:00.001-07:00

Oh, I forgot to mention that the preview party next Friday has been officially renamed as a pre-preview party. This is an opportunity for you to experience Farley's East in its naked state. Definitely a work in progress....we will be issuing hardhats at the door.

Hope you can make and be ready to contribute your creative talents as we'll look for your ideas on artists, musicians, magazines and the like.

AMMR, PG&E, Sheet Rock, Interviews...What a Week

2009-04-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, as I look back on the week, I wonder how it all happened. The building inspection revealed that steps are all 1/2" too short due to how they are supposed to be measured (for the record, it's nose-to-nose as opposed to riser-to-nose). Anyhow, we were going to have to rip them all out and move a steel beam, BUT we very fortunately granted an AMMR (alternative means and methods request) allowing us to provide 2" wide contrasting tape on the front of each stair. You won't be able to miss it!

The electrical situation reared its ugly head again. The city electrical inspectors took issue with the service load and condition of equipment PG&E has in place. Thus, PG&E is going to do a whole new round of calculations and site inspections. This will keep things interesting. If it turns out PG&E service is inadequate, come visit us at our opening next year....However, there will be a temporary solution so we're only strongly concerned, as opposed to freaked-out.

Moving on, electrical be dammed, the sheet rock went up today. Yes, all of it in one day! I have an office with walls, there's a bathroom, no holes in the ceiling and no holes in odd spots on the other walls. It really looks like a different space. If we could only hire the sheet rockers to do all the work, the project would have been completed two months ago.

Interviews: we began interviewing this week as well and met some really good folks. If you know anyone looking for employment, email us for an application.

Happy news about the sheet rock and the interviews, so a nice way to start the weekend!

PS. We're doing a mosaic right outside the front entrance. So, even when you're looking down, you'll have reason to smile upon entering Farley's East.

Thanks to OBDC Small Business Finance

2009-04-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

We would be remiss in not mentioning the source of our business loan. OBDC Small Business Finance has worked with us to secure a loan through the City of Oakland and that is not an easy task with the current economy. We thank them for their efforts.

In addition, they are a great group of people who love Oakland as much as we do!

Check them out: www.obdc.com

Preview Party Invitation

2009-04-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce and invite you, the reader, to a preview party on May 1 at 6pm. We won't be done with construction but we want to give you a preview of the coffee house and expose you to Oakland's Art Murmur (www.oaklandartmurmur.com).

There will be food and drink for your enjoyment. Please feel free tell your local friends, we'd love to meet them!

We're very excited to share our new venture with all of you and hope that you will join us to celebrate!

Chris & Amy

Stay Updated With Us on Twitter

2009-04-06T22:20:00.001-07:00

Open Call for Artists

2009-04-06T14:07:00.001-07:00

We will be featuring a rotating Artist of the Month at Farley's East and will soon be looking for talented artists interested in having a show. You would be required to have a one month show with reception on the first Friday of the month to coincide with Oakland Art Murmur. Preference will be given to Oakland residents but all interested artists are welcome to submit an application.

Email for further information and an application.

Contact Chris -at- FarleysCoffee -dot- com

Equipment Auction?!?!?!?

2009-03-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today led us to San Leandro for the bi-weekly restaurant equipment auction. After doing loads of research on equipment over the past several months and the opening approaching, we were ready to start seriously looking AND buying. The auction warehouse was packed floor to ceiling with everything you ever thought you could use in a restaurant, walk-in freezers, floor mats, kegerators, rubber floor mats, double-door refrigerators, plates, laddles (yeah, we got a set of 6!), giant pots, outdoor chairs (we found a great set for people to sit in as they enjoy their espresso outside on a warm sunny day), and of course we bought a case of crab crackers which has nothing to do the restaurant but we never have enough at home.

Not exactly ready to open, but it was a start. Anyone know where I can find an under-counter ice machine?

Plumbing is Underway

2009-03-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Day in the Life of a Coffee House Owner

2009-03-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Life is rapidly changing as my "day job" hours are drastically reduced and demands of the coffeehouse increase. Here was today:

1. Dropped-off Marin at school.
2. Went to look at restaurant equipment supplies with Amy and Makenna. We had Makenna in tow because her care-provider called in sick.
3. Visited Airport Appliance to check-out refrigerators b/c the one at home is dying
4. Met the electrician and his team to scope out the project and set the start date (next week)
5. Lunch to discuss lighting plans, fixtures and the like.
6. P/U Marin from school.
7. Spoke to ABC regarding the beer and wine permit. All looking good and waiting on the fingerprint clearance from the DOJ and FBI. Also need to see the loan docs to make sure the money is on the up-and-up. I'd love to have the loan docs to show them - waiting for the final approval.
8. Home to meet the in-laws. Took Gary to the site to meet my dad for a site tour - looking great! Strategized on ideas for enhancing our street presence. We'll have outdoor benches, tables and a few small trees.
9. Home to review new website comps and new cup design.
10. Break time until the kids go to sleep and then back on the computer for more.

Today was a light day.

Construction Continues

2009-02-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

Guided by a steady hand, construction continues as Farley's East begins to take shape.

Creating a Great Good Place

2009-02-17T21:47:00.001-08:00

We are aiming to create a comfortable space where everyone feels welcome and part of a community, a “third place.” The term, third place, in contrast to the first and second places of home and work, is the premise of the book, The Great Good Place. The author, Ray Oldenburg, identifies third places, or "great good places," as the public places where people can gather and interact. Third places allow people to put aside their concerns and simply enjoy the company and conversation around them. Third places “host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.” The author states that beer gardens, main streets, pubs, cafés, coffeehouses, post offices, and other third places are the heart of a community's social vitality and the foundation of a functioning democracy. They promote social equality by leveling the status of guests, provide a setting for grassroots politics, create habits of public association, and offer psychological support to individuals and communities.

While I can’t say we will do all of the above, I hope we achieve a healthy dose!

Check out the book for yourself: The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community by Ray Oldenburg

Local Beer & Wine?

2009-02-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

The other news from last week is that I met with the the good folks over at Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). We will be serving beer and wine at Farley's East so naturally you need a permit to do so and naturally, permits cost money and take time. Right now they take even more time because state employees have a work furlough (thanks Arnold). In the end, I do expect to receive the permit before we open but if we don't, blame it on the economy.

As Farley’s East works to build community and support the local businesses, we will feature local wine makers and local brewers almost exclusively. If you have any recommendations, we'd love to hear from you so please post them in the comments section below.

Construction Begins!

2009-02-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

The big news is that construction began today. This is a huge step in the process and we're very excited to finally be at this point. The crew began cutting into the floor and marking out the mezzanine which is now technically a second floor. The building department determined we have a second floor, not a mezzanine (this is based on square footage of the mezzanine/2nd floor relative to the size of the ground floor). Call it what you will, the building department signed-off on the plans last week so we're moving forward. If you're in the area, feel free to poke your head in the door to see what's going on inside.

PS. If you know anyone at PG&E that can light a fire under the folks there, let me know. Farley's East is taking over a space that was a former boutique and art gallery so needless to say, we are doing a service upgrade to bring more power to the building. PG&E is notorious for holding-up restaurant builds when service upgrades are needed.

The Health Department Stamp

2009-01-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. We received approval from our friends at the county health department. They put a nice big stamp saying we can move on to the next square. That means that tomorrow morning I'll shuttle the plans and a stack of reports over to the building department. Given the state of the economy, I'm guessing not a lot of people are applying for building permits so hopefully we'll get through this next step in a couple weeks. Then the fun begins. There will be something very satisfying about seeing the actual construction begin. Right now, we have a bunch of nice ideas on paper. I want to get in there and cut into the floor and pour concrete...fun stuff like that!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post about Farley's history (we're celebrating our 20th anniversary on St. Patrick's Day).

More on NYC

2009-01-16T14:57:00.001-08:00

Well, Amy and I survived a two day whirl wind tour of a handful of New York's cafe hotspots. Of the places I visited, I would say that Ninth Street Espresso (10th Street location) was my favorite. Probably biased because an old favorite Farley's barista, AC, works there (pictured to the right). Anyway, they make great drinks and are well designed. Also went to their E. 9th Street location but not as cool b/c AC did not work there.

We also made our way to Mercury Dime which featured a slightly larger menu than the others we visited. The cafes we visited were along the lines of Ritual and Four Barrel, coffee only. Mercury Dime had a few sandwiches and other things which were nice. As mentioned in the earlier post, the barista was very cool as well. We hit a few others as well, but just check out the list on the walking tour for a a good overview of what's brewing in the NYC coffee scene these days. And of course, don't forget to visit Brooklyn for a much more West Coast style experience. Everything moves just a little slower over there.

On a Caffeine Tour

2009-01-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

Amy and I are in NYC for "work" and researching coffee houses. A great barista, Cora at Mercury Dime, gave us some good insight on the intense New York coffee scene. It's New York, everything is intense! Anyway, more to follow on our visits in a later post, but for a quick overview of some hot spots, check out this great walking tour.

BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ,BUZZ

Window Coverings

2009-01-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

The windows are covered. Does that mean something is happening? We made posters to display on the windows notifying the world that Farley's East is on the way. Check it out.

Quick update: The plans are still with are friends at the Alameda County Health Department. Hope to hear from them on Monday.

The Health Department!

2008-12-15T21:50:00.001-08:00

Last week, Amy and Kristin made the first trip to the Health Department. They were on a mission to get an inspector to preview the plans so that we could make edits and get them through the treacherous permitting process as fast as possible. When they got there, the receptionist of course said "Oh no, we don't do that.", but thanks to Kristin's persuasive ways, she got an inspector to come down and spend 15 precious minutes with them. As you can see from the picture, there were lots of edits which proves the little visit will save us tons of time! According to their new friend Hu at the department, there is a good chance that if we submit the plans this week we can get them approved by the 1st of the year. Then it will be off to the building department to jump through more hoops.

This process is definitely an education in navigating a bureaucracy...and an excellent opportunity to practice the art of patience :)

Blogging about a Blog

2008-12-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

The Night Owl blog by Angela Woodall just did a nice piece on us:

http://www.ibabuzz.com/nightowl/2008/12/11/farleys-east

"Speaking of openings: Coming to your friendly Oakland Uptown District – a coffeehouse that will feature local artists and events...."

Flooring

2008-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

We took a peak under the floor yesterday to look at the foundation (it looks good by the way) and we also discovered that under the crappy linoleum tiles, there is beautiful 3/4" hardwood that we will use - yeah!

In the News

2008-12-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

We are excited to already be receiving coverage in the news (scroll down to the "Coffee and Tea" section):

33 Grand Ave - Future Home of Farley's East

2008-12-03T13:31:00.000-08:00