Millennium Restaurant, the award-winning, innovative vegan restaurant, is closing its doors on May 16. Although the establishment is shutting down as Millennium Restaurant, based in Oakland, as reported by Diablo Magazine, the eatery is set to rebrand.
The co-owner, Alison Bagby, spoke to Whatnow, confirming that they will indeed be rebranding the concept at the same location, 5912 College Ave. Bagby tells Whatnow that they aren’t necessarily renaming anything.
“We are hoping to continue with a different sustainable model in the same space, something different and smaller—figuring it out still. We aren’t finished with our lease— no plans to vacate/relocate right away,” said Alison, who told What Now.
The businesswoman also expressed how they are not “giving up,” despite having a 30-plus-year run with Millennium Restaurant. In a recent Instagram video, the eatery owner expressed how the pandemic played a part in the closure of the establishment.
Bagby added that while nothing has been finalized, the team is exploring a smaller, more focused concept for the space. The next iteration may include a pared-down menu and a leaner team to keep food and labor costs manageable, while continuing to deliver the quality and hospitality the restaurant is known for.
She also tells Whatnow that they are considering a mix of formats, such as limited à la carte offerings at the bar, more casual indoor dining without traditional table service, and a recurring prix fixe experience, potentially featuring set-seating dinners on weekends, along with more flexible prix fixe options on select weekdays.
They will continue and may expand their Table 22 subscription, offering seasonal meals for two or four people once a month, with additional dates available. The meals are available for delivery or pickup, helping them reach customers in San Francisco. They currently produce about 130 meals monthly, each with hand-drawn menus and warming and plating instructions.
A dish served with a glass of wine inside Millennium Restaurant.
