"Actual Cafe"

"oh right, that place, i think the name is terrible"

"it is supposed to be different from a virtual cafe"

"hahaahha
yeah totally
"hey want some coffee?"
"yes, lets meet at an actual cafe"
hahaha"

This father-daughter exchange is about a much needed new community oriented cafe in the Golden Gate neighborhood at 6334 San Pablo Avenue at Alcatraz. It is nestled between Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville.  The young proprietor, Sal Bednarz, the "actual guy" on his business card www.actualcafe.com has been working long hours for the last six weeks with the help of local volunteers to get the hand made booths, counters and indoor hanging bike rack installed. 

His words: "That blue light coming from your screen isn't love. Those text messages from your friends aren't hugs and kisses. Your Facebook profile is not your flesh-and-blood self.  While you're here, take a moment to look around. Close your laptop. Put down your book. Say hello to the person next to you..." tell the story that is evident in the cafe itself.

In addition to the booths and high counters, there is a very long table designed to encourage actual interaction.

When we were there last week, Sal was installing the wifi.  He plans to have coffee and meals, there is a liquor license application in the window and Sal is interviewing for staff.

Two weeks ago we dropped by and spent a couple of hours coating the floor with sealer in preparation for his health inspection (which he passed).  He has gotten some Redevelopment funding, but also huge permit fees from the City of Oakland.  You would think that the city would encourage small community oriented businesses.  

The long industrial urinals full of plants in the window, the local food sources, the re-cycled lumber, the bike friendly atmosphere including a bike powered jukebox that will feature short bicycle film clips and the walls ready for local Oakland art and photography speak to the sense of community, the environment and a sense of humor.

The cafe is scheduled to open as soon as the actual guy can hire all his staff and get final permits sometimes in December, We will be the first looking for an actual cup of coffee.

Note: The Actual Cafe is at 6334 San Pablo Avenue • Oakland, CA 94608

(OL editor: We invite Oakland Local community members to share stories of local businesses and their community.)