Animal Place’s Vegan Republic. Photo: Facebook
Animal Place’s Vegan Republic, which opened as Republic of V in February 2014 as the first grocery store in the Bay Area to offer completely vegan products, closed in July. The owners cited a substantial drop in sales due to COVID-19, but they’d been seeing declining business for more than a year which they attributed, ironically, to the “huge popularity” of veganism. In an Instagram post, Vegan Republic wrote, “Chain stores are pulling away customers with their newfound openness in carrying vegan products, and it’s a blessing and a curse.”
Au Coquelet
Where to order Christmas takeout in the East Bay
Feast your eyes on our bountiful list of East Bay restaurants and caterers offering special holiday menus to enjoy at home.
FOB Kitchen’s Holiday Kamayan feast includes lechon, pancit and other Filipino dishes, fruit and banana leaves, and set up instructions. Photo: FOB Kitchen
I’ll be home for Christmas, as you will likely be too. With indoor and outdoor dining on hold, and gatherings with outside households strongly discouraged as COVID-19 cases rise, I’ve been busy collecting a list of East Bay restaurants cooking up holiday meals for takeout, many offering feasts that feed two to four people. Some restaurants are offering kits that require some cooking or re-heating at home, while others will have your meals hot and ready to eat. And some spots might not be doing full meals, but have goodies and gift baskets to spread some much-needed holiday cheer.