East Bay Restaurant Closures: Cal’s, Genova Deli & More – February 2026

East Bay Restaurant Closures: Cal’s, Genova Deli & More – February 2026

February 20, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

The East Bay restaurant scene is undergoing a period of change, with several establishments recently closing their doors. These closures span a range of cuisines and dining experiences, from fast-casual to long-standing delis, signaling shifts in the local market and consumer preferences.

Cal’s Fried Chicken and Burgers

Cal’s Fried Chicken and Burgers, a casual eatery in Downtown Berkeley, appears to have permanently closed after announcing a temporary closure earlier in the year. The restaurant’s website and Instagram pages are no longer active and it is no longer listed on delivery and ordering apps. Cal’s served fried chicken sandwiches, smash burgers, chicken strips, fries, wings, and chopped cheese sandwiches at 2026 University Ave. In Berkeley.

Genova Deli

A Bay Area institution, Genova Deli, has now completely disappeared from the region. Over the past decade, all Genova Deli locations have closed. The original Oakland deli saw a large turnout in 2016 for a final farewell. The Treat Boulevard location in Walnut Creek closed in November, and the final location in downtown Walnut Creek shuttered this week. Genova Deli’s history stretches back nearly six decades in Walnut Creek, with the first Oakland deli opening in Temescal in 1926. While the deli locations are closing, the company’s ravioli business will continue to serve Bay Area markets, and restaurants.

Did You Know? Genova Deli’s ravioli business will continue operating despite the closure of its deli locations.

Mt. Agni

Mt. Agni, a restaurant specializing in Nepali, Himalayan, and Indian cuisine, has closed its location on the North side of UC Berkeley’s campus. A tipster alerted sources to the closure, and the restaurant’s phone line is disconnected and website is no longer functioning. Mt. Agni was located at 1829 Euclid Ave. In Berkeley and offered dishes such as momos and biryanis.

Xocolate Bar (Rockridge)

The Xocolate Bar’s Rockridge location, which opened in 2023, permanently closed on February 15th, following the Valentine’s Day chocolate rush. The original Xocolate Bar on Solano Avenue in Berkeley remains open. Owner Malena Lopez-Maggi cited city regulations preventing expansion of operations at the Rockridge location as a contributing factor to the closure.

Expert Insight: The closure of the Xocolate Bar’s Rockridge location highlights the challenges businesses face when navigating local regulations and adapting to operational constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of restaurants have closed recently?

The closures include a fried chicken and burger restaurant, a long-standing deli, a Nepali/Himalayan/Indian restaurant, and a chocolate shop.

Is any part of Genova Deli still operating?

Yes, Genova Deli’s ravioli business will continue to sell to Bay Area markets and restaurants, despite the closure of all its deli locations.

What reason was given for the closure of the Xocolate Bar’s Rockridge location?

The owner, Malena Lopez-Maggi, stated that city regulations prevented her from expanding operations at the Rockridge location as planned, contributing to the closure.

How might these recent closures impact the dining landscape in the East Bay?