In the 20 years that Caffe 817 has been in Old Oakland, it’s become a local favorite and a community base - somewhere people in the neighborhood can get together and discuss the day’s events.

The owners, husband and wife team Emily and Scott Goldenberg, also have decided to open the restaurant daily - the restaurant will now be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Until recently, Old Oakland has been fairly quiet on the weekends, but Caffe 817 has been open the last Sunday of each month, in conjunction with Popuphood. Emily Goldenberg said that she has seen a noticeable difference since they took over the restaurant in March 2011.

“It’s getting better each week. Things are steadily growing” said Emily Goldenberg. She added that they wanted to take advantage of the new buzz in Old Oakland and have formed a partnership with the other businesses in the area, including the Popuphood businesses, which celebrated their one-year anniversary this month.

While the restaurant has always had green practices, it recently received the official Alameda County Green Business Certification, after six recent inspections.

“We were already doing things the way they needed to be done,” Emily Goldenberg said. She explained how the restaurant already was using water-saving practices, reducing waste and shopping locally. She added the changes needed for the certification were as minimal as a few new lightbulbs and faucets.

“It’s not always obvious, but because we don’t always label it, but we use local and organic food as often as possible," Emily Goldenberg said. "I go to the Tuesday Farmer’s market in Berkeley.”

Caffe 817 is loved by locals for its warm and hearty comfort food favorites, including poached eggs, corned beef hash, delectable sandwiches and soups. And finally, the cafe’s beloved chicken stock will be available by the quart. The chicken stock comes from “happy chickens” and is made in-house so you can bring home that homey deliciousness without having to spend all day at the stove.

Emily waxed poetic on Caffe 817’s blog, saying, “We pour our hearts into it and then freeze it as soon as it’s cool, so you can buy it mid-day and have plenty of time to get it into the fridge.”

Another new holiday offering is a gift box made up of four homemade jams, which sells for $20 (a steal compared to some other local jam offerings).

Of course, these things will always be available in the Caffe as well. And lucky for those who work in downtown Oakland because they can order a lunch spread ideal for a company meeting, which includes a sandwich, biscotti and a drink.

Caffe 817 will deliver for parties of 10 or more in the downtown area only. Orders of any size can always be picked up at the restaurant.

Check the website to see how long ahead of time you need to place your order.