understory oakland
Restaurant · St. Elizabeth ·
Worker-owned restaurant with Filipino, Moroccan, Mexican & Lao cuisines
Worker-owned restaurant with Filipino, Moroccan, Mexican & Lao cuisines
"Once a worker-owned, James Beard Award-winning restaurant that shared 528 Eighth Street with Open Test Kitchen and worked hand-in-hand with OTK, Understory closed this summer." - Justine Jones
"Oakland’s worker-owned restaurant Understory, recognized for Filipino, Moroccan, Mexican, and Vietnamese cuisine, closed on June 30; the worker collective said the decision was necessary to maintain their integrity and strength, and a fundraiser is underway to support workers through the transition." - Dianne de Guzman
"Understory, a worker-owned restaurant, announced its closure after three years of operation. Known for its pay-what-you-can meals and diverse cuisine, it won the James Beard Foundation’s Emerging Leadership Award in 2022. The collective plans to reopen at a future location and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support staff and moving costs." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Understory is a new worker-led restaurant and bar from Oakland Bloom, a volunteer-led nonprofit that supports immigrant, refugee, and women of color chefs looking to start their own food businesses. Every Sunday, they feature a different pop-up by Oakland Bloom chefs, and they also have a rotating menu from Thursday to Sunday (this week’s is Moroccan-inspired), all for takeout only. While you’re at the Old Oakland spot, grab one of their cocktails, like a pandan cold brew or hibiscus margarita, and add boba to any of them. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation
"Understory in Oakland took home the Emerging Leadership award in 2022." - Dianne de Guzman