August 2026 Food & Drink Updates: Taco Burger Pop-Up, Inaugural Emeryville Restaurant Week, Public Market Kiosk Shifts & More

August 14, 2026
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3 mins read

From the announcement of the inaugural Emeryville Restaurant Week to major kiosk shifts at the Public Market, August is packed with local dining developments. Here is the latest roundup of food news, pop-ups, and media spotlights in and around Emeryville.


Alma y Sazón Wrapping Up Public Market Residency

Mexican-vegan kiosk Alma y Sazón recently announced the upcoming conclusion of its pop-up residency at the Public Market.

“It was thanks to the community support and love that our initial 6-month residency at the La Cocina kiosk turned into 15 beautiful months full of learning, and happy dances every time someone complimented the food,” the three founders shared in a post on Instagram.

Alma y Sazón launched in June 2025, as part of an ongoing decade-long partnership between the Public Market and La Cocina, a non-profit that focuses on developing women-owned food businesses. The rotating kiosk program has previously helped launch several Bay Area establishments, including Nite Yun (Nyum Bai), Fernay McPherson (Minnie Bell’s), and Lamees Dahbour (Mama Lamees).

Following a La Cocina residency, participating vendors are typically offered the option to lease a vacant permanent stall, albeit at market-rate pricing. The trio has not publicaly announced their future plans, but their final day at the Public Market will be August 30.

Alma y Sazón: 5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville, CA 94608.


Liquified Juicery Taking Over Former Juice House Co. Kiosk

Organic beverage brand Liquified Juicery is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar storefront inside the Public Market, occupying the kiosk previously held by Juice House Co.

Founded in 2019 by East Bay native Ashley Comora, the self-funded, woman-owned business specializes in raw, organic cold-pressed juices, wildcrafted sea moss gels, plant-based milks, and wellness elixirs. Operating out of a production facility in nearby Richmond, the company emphasizes zero-waste practices, including bottle reuse programs and pulp composting with local farms. Signature menu offerings include cold-pressed blends like Sunset Immunity, Green Alkalizer, and Sweet Beet, as well as passion fruit and adaptogenic mushroom-infused sea moss gels.

The Public Market kiosk is part of a dual-storefront expansion for the brand, which is simultaneously preparing a retail location in Petaluma. Liquified Juicery is targeting opening its Emeryville kiosk in late August or early September.

Liquified Juicery: 5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville, CA 94608


New Jamaican Kiosk Identified

The tenant of the long-vacant corner stall between Market Bar and Pig in a Pickle has finally been identified. Newly uncovered signage identifies the incoming tenant as Jamaica Again, featuring the tagline “home of the jerk.”

Although construction materials were recently removed from the kiosk—signaling progress—significant interior work remains. While previous on-site signage pointed to a “Summer 2026” target, an updated timeline has not yet been established.

Jamaica Again: 5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville, CA 94608


Original Taco Burger Popping Up At Krispy Joe’s

Krispy Joe’s Coffee in Oakland’s Golden Gate neighborhood has added a new weekly evening pop-up selling a novel item dubbed a “Taco Burger.”

Instead of traditional seasoned ground beef, the concept features a cooked beef patty loaded with classic taco toppings like cheese, avocado, pepperoncinis, lettuce, and specialty salsas. Signature menu offerings include “The Money,” “The Elote Hustle,” and the “Baja Bankroll.”

“It’s a taco, it’s a burger, best part, it’s not serious,” proprietor Cash Caris shared. “It’s just tasty and it’s fun.”

Original Taco Burger operates on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The pop-up is also partnering with the adjacent Wolfhound bar, allowing patrons to pair their burgers with cocktails and pub trivia. Additional dates and schedule updates are shared via their Instagram account.

Krispy Joe’s: 5512 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608


Rudy’s Makes Appearance On GMA

Emeryville staple Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe recently earned a spot in the national spotlight, featured in a Good Morning America “Diners Across America” segment hosted by ABC correspondent Becky Worley.

During the broadcast, co-owners Doug Smith and Nelson Ortiz gave Worley a tour of the diner. The segment highlighted the restaurant’s rock-and-roll roots, explaining its name—inspired by the 1979 track by The Clash—and its founding by local entrepreneurs alongside Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt.

Worley showcased several of Rudy’s popular menu items on air, including the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, Tofu Rancheros with house-made salsa verde, the kid-favorite Funny Face pancake, and the signature “Shakin’ Jesse” milkshake, crafted with chocolate espresso ice cream and Guinness stout.

Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café: 4081 Hollis St, Emeryville, CA 94608


Inaugural Emeryville Restaurant Week Set For October

Emeryville is preparing to launch its inaugural Restaurant Week, following in the footsteps of neighboring cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco that have long held established annual dining events.

The 11-day event is organized by Destination Emeryville—a visitor bureau initiative—and the non-profit Emeryville Commerce Connection (ECC). Funding for the event is supported by local sponsors, community partners, and a $30,000 service contract provided by the city.

Timed to coincide with Emeryville Arts & Culture Month and the 40th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition, the celebration will feature special menus, prix fixe options, and promotional discounts across local restaurants, food stalls, bakeries, and pubs.

The inaugural Emeryville Restaurant Week is scheduled for October 1–11. Participating establishments and promotional details will be rolled out throughout August and September.

More info on destinationemeryville.com.

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Rob Arias

Rob Arias

is a third generation Californian and East Bay native who lived in Emeryville from 2003 to 2021. Rob founded The E'ville Eye in 2011 after being robbed at gunpoint and lamenting the lack of local news coverage. Rob's "day job" is as a creative professional.

1 Comment Leave a Reply

  1. Wow. That’s interesting: $30,663 contract with the Emeryville Commerce Connection (ECC) to coordinate and promote Emeryville Restaurant Week.

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