Bay Area/ Oakland
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Published on February 04, 2025
Ayesha Curry's Sweet July to Close Doors in Oakland, Prioritizing Safety and StaffSource: Google Street View

After a brief but impactful presence in Oakland, Sweet July, the store and café established by Ayesha Curry, will shut its doors permanently. In an announcement made via Instagram, the Sweet July brand noted the decision was rooted in prioritizing "the safety of our patrons and staff." The establishment has enjoyed a meaningful stint in the city, earning the affection and patronage of the Oakland community.

The shuttering of Sweet July follows a recent pattern of closures involving Curry's ventures, including the winding down of International Smoke's Las Vegas location last month, an establishment connected to Curry's culinary collaboration with celebrity chef Michael Mina. However, specific reasons for the Oakland location's closure weren't elaborated upon. A temporary closure had occurred in October 2022 after a break-in, SFGATE reported, during which an "individual (s) gained access to the business by shattering the entrance glass" and reportedly stole several items. This incident's connection to the current decision remains unclarified as the investigation's details are still not public.

Opened in 2021 at the intersection of 23rd and Valley Streets, Sweet July emerged as more than just a commercial venture; it was a hub that celebrated and promoted local artisans and Black-owned businesses and served as a platform for Ayesha Curry's broader aspirations. Echoing her intentions, Curry told SFGATE, "It's filled with beautiful inspiration to act as a retreat for the Oakland community, similar to what I hope readers feel when they sit down and dive into one of our issues."