Understory Oakland, a worker-owned restaurant and community hub in Fruitvale, is preparing to open a new site at 1419 34th Avenue #101 in Oakland.
The company recently submitted a liquor license filing, although it remains unclear whether this will serve as a second location or a relocation of its current Fruitvale restaurant. Ownership includes founders Lily Fahsi Haskell, Jenab-i Pareja, Nino Serrano, and Florencio Esquivel. Customers can expect the same globally inspired menu, with vegan and gluten-free options, as well as beer and wine service.
Understory was founded in 2020 in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurant workers of color. The team launched the concept as a worker-owned model centered on collective governance and shared decision-making. Since opening, the restaurant has operated as both a dining destination and a community-focused gathering space in Oakland’s Fruitvale District. The brand emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, and community care as core operating principles.
The existing Fruitvale location offers breakfast and lunch during the week, weekend brunch, and a weekday happy hour and dinner service. The restaurant is located near the Fruitvale BART Station and along the AC Transit 1T Tempo line, making it accessible by public transportation. It also provides ADA-compliant restrooms, wheelchair-accessible seating, and gender-neutral facilities. Catering services are available in addition to regular dine-in hours.
Menu offerings reflect the diverse backgrounds of the worker collective, with influences from Thai, Mexican, Filipino, Vietnamese, Salvadoran, and Turkish cuisines. Breakfast burritos, rice bowls, and sandwiches are available during the day, while brunch includes items such as Ube Waffles and Vegan Longganisa. Dinner service features shared plates like Pork Lumpia, Soy Calamansi Skewers, Tofu Larb, and Pamapa Itum Wings.
Signature beverages include Ube Horchata, House Tepache, Pandan Cold Brew, and a range of mocktails made with tropical fruit, herbs, and tea. The addition of a liquor license at the 34th Avenue address suggests an expanded beverage program may be part of the plan. If approved, the new site could allow Understory to broaden its reach within Oakland while continuing its worker-owned model.
