Oakland Eats: KFC near Lake Merritt closes, Federation Brewing raises funds for 2nd location, more

Oakland Eats: KFC near Lake Merritt closes, Federation Brewing raises funds for 2nd location, morePhoto: Google Maps
Teresa Hammerl
Published on July 15, 2019

Here's our latest roundup of Oakland food news. In this edition: a fast food chain bid farewell to Lake Merritt, a Jack London Square brewery raises funds to expand distribution and a second taproom, and an Uptown restaurant is adding a full brunch food and cocktail menu.

Closing

Grand Lake

KFC (470 Lake Park Ave.)

A sign appeared on KFC's windows. | Photo: Joanna B./Yelp

Hoodline veteran tipster Al M. alerted us that the only KFC next to Lake Merritt is no more. A notice that appeared on the restaurant's windows states that the  KFC location on Park Avenue lost its lease and will permanently shutter. "Fans of Colonel Sanders will have to go to the other locations listed on the notice," Al added. 

Customers can instead head over to KFC's other Oakland locations at 2800 Telegraph Ave., 3400 Foothill Blvd. and 2424 Encinal Ave.

Fundraising

Jack London Square

Federation Brewing (420 3rd St.)

Photo: Federation Brewing/Yelp

Independent craft brewery Federation Brewing launched a campaign on the crowdfunding platform Wefunder to expand its distribution presence across the Bay Area and to open a second taproom, Nosh reports. The brewery also plans to offer additional products, and funds raised will also be used to work on improving the brewery's marketing and design.

Federation Brewing is run by Aram and Larry Cretan and Matthew Hunter. They have been brewing beer together for four years. Aram and Hunter met in junior high school, and Larry is Adam's father. They opened Federation Brewing together two years ago. According to the trio, the brewery is on track to produce 1,500 barrels of beer this year.

The founders are hoping to raise up to $500,000 during the fundraising campaign. Currently, 58 investors have given more than $75,000.

Update

Uptown

Starline Social Club (2236 Martin Luther King Jr. Way)

Photo: Andrew C./Yelp

Last weekend, the Uptown eatery added brunch cocktails and a full brunch menu to its offerings, Eater SF reportsThe Starline Social Club, which occupies the old Odd Fellow's hall built in 1893, houses an event space, bar, ballroom, and restaurant serving dinner. The new menu, which also includes vegetarian dishes, will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.


Thanks to our veteran tipster Al M.! Have you noticed a new addition to (or subtraction from) Oakland's food landscape? Text a tip and a horizontal photo to 510-757-9959, and we'll look into it.