Zocalo
It is not uncommon now to read stories of people fleeing the technology industry and exploring second careers. But, usually, they're doing so because they got laid off from a dot-com job and have run out of options.
Far rarer to find someone who has willingly quit a high-powered job at a big stable company. One such person is my good friend Tim, who left a great job at Apple to open a coffee shop in San Leandro. Or, more correctly, to purchase an existing coffee shop.
This might seem an odd change, but Tim is one of the most gregarious, community-minded people I know, and his coffee shop, still in its infancy, already reflects that. Even the name, Zocalo Coffeehouse, is derived from a Mexican term for a town square (specifically the large town square in Mexico City), and implies a gathering place, a home away from home.
There are board games to play, a kid's area with toys and colorful furniture, free wireless Internet access, and comfy chairs and couches in addition to the standard cafe-style table/chair arrangement. Artwork from local artists hangs on the wall, available for purchase or admiration. Poetry readings and children's story times are being planned already. People wave to each other, say hi to friends they haven't seen in a while, and inevitably, chat with Tim. Everyone feels welcome, and it's easy to get the sense that Tim remembers you and takes an interest in what you're up to. That, of course, is because he does.
Tim's doing other things right, as well. There's a roaster on the premises and he's working on developing a signature blend, and he's looking to carry artisanal and organic products, such as Scharffen Berger chocolates and Fair Trade coffee. The kind of place you want to support, and want to do well.
Sound nice? It is. It's what coffee houses should be, and it's what they so often are not. And this is only a month into its operation; I am eager to see what Tim does with the place in the future.
While the coffee house has been open a month or so, the official ribbon-cutting will take place on February 8 at 11am. There'll be samples to try and people to meet. While many of you are not local, many of you are, and it's worth checking Zocalo out, even if you can't make the ribbon-cutting.
Zocalo Coffeehouse (http://www.zocalocoffehouse.com exists but does not yet have content, so check back
in a few weeks or so)
645 Bancroft Ave.
San Leandro, CA
510-569-0102
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