Oakland to lose a longtime Lakeshore institution

Signal Coffee in the Tribune Tower, Downtown Oakland, is temporarily closed due to staffing shortages, as noted on a sign posted in its window. The cafe, which opened in April, will remain closed until further notice, while other locations in Berkeley, Alameda, and San Francisco continue to serve customers. In a separate matter, Top Dog, a long-standing hot dog institution on Lakeshore Avenue, is set to close after the new owner of the building chose not to offer a lease renewal. While owners Renie and Richard Riemann had previously opted to renew their lease after a spike in robberies and financial uncertainty, the new ownership forced their hand. Top Dog has served the Oakland community since 2011, and its original Berkeley location remains the last open site.

The owners have not yet set a closing date for the Lakeshore location. The loss of Top Dog represents a significant change in the local dining landscape, as it has been a staple for many residents. Signal Coffee's temporary closure raises concerns about staffing issues in the hospitality industry amid ongoing challenges.