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# Eunice Gourmet owner plans new Solano Avenue cafe
- URL: https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/14/community/eunice-gourmet-owner-plans-new-solano-avenue-cafe/
- Published: 2026-09-14T19:37:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T23:45:06.000Z
- Description: Albany's Eunice Gourmet Cafe has been a Solano Avenue fixture since 1998.
- Author: Allyson Aleksey
- Tags: Community, Solano Avenue, Business, #tips, #articles

A [reader question](https://www.albanyscanner.com/tips/) about whether something was amiss at a longtime Solano Avenue cafe led Albany Scanner to some unexpected news.

The question came after someone noticed work underway at Eunice Gourmet Cafe, a [Solano Avenue](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/solano-avenue/) fixture since 1998.

"Eunice Cafe … has taken down its sign and covered the windows from the inside with black plastic," he told us. "It could be painting or remodeling but the sign removal makes it look more permanent."

We checked in with [Eunice Gourmet](https://eunicegourmet.com/?ref=albanyscanner.com) to find out what was happening.

Owner Mohamed Alwadai said the cafe was just getting a bit of a facelift.

The sign outside was weathered and needed to be replaced. But getting the replacement took longer than expected.

The shop also took the opportunity to repaint the interior, trading its yellow walls and white ceiling for an all-black look.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/09/IMG_6599.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/09/IMG_6975.jpg)

Left: Inside Eunice Gourmet Cafe, which got a recent facelift. Right: Before the work, a lighter color scheme. **Eunice Gourmet* 

But the question about renovations led to some bigger news: Alwadai is one of three owners planning to open a new cafe on the Albany-Berkeley border.

The new shop, called Kayf, will be located at 1799 Solano Ave. (at Colusa Avenue) in Berkeley, in a former Starbucks that [closed last year](https://www.berkeley-eats.com/farewell-solano-starbucks/?ref=albanyscanner.com).

Alwadai said Kayf will have a different focus from Eunice Gourmet Cafe, with more traditional Arabic chai and pastries.

The word *kayf* means comfort in Arabic, Alwadai explained. Eunice, by contrast, offers a more Western menu.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2094-1.jpg)

The new sign at Eunice Gourmet Cafe on Sept. 3, 2026\. **Allyson Aleksey/Albany Scanner*

Alwadai and his family purchased Eunice Gourmet Cafe in 2003 and kept the original name. 

The cafe opened at 1162 Solano Ave. in 1998\. It serves sandwiches, salads, bagels, coffee, tea, frappes and smoothies, with indoor and outdoor seating. The business remains family-run.

In 2023, Eunice Gourmet won "best sandwich spot" in the annual [Best of Albany](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/08/27/community/best-of-albany-favorite-local-shops/) awards.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/2026/09/IMG_9471.jpg)

Customers outside Eunice on a recent afternoon. **Emilie Raguso/Albany Scanner*

For Alwadai, opening a second cafe comes after a difficult period for Eunice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cafe was able to stay afloat in part because of its loyal Albany customers, he said.

"We almost didn’t make it," Alwadai said.

Opening Kayf is particularly meaningful after that experience, he said.

For now, there is no set opening date, but Alwadai hopes to open Kayf before the end of the year.

*Have questions about business openings and closings in Albany? We want to hear from you!* [*Here's how to reach us*](https://www.albanyscanner.com/tips/)*.*

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