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| | | New owners of Cinema Place are eager to bring tenants into the storefronts, most of which have been vacant since the center opened in 2008
Mother, two sisters focus on all-natural candy that provides options for those with allergies or health concerns.
Because of invasive pythons in Florida, certain species of large constrictor snakes are on list of animals that can't be imported or moved across state lines.
Name of business: Marine Emporium Inc.Type of business: Marine sales and service Owner: Julie Spotts; general manager: Jesse Zuniga Founded: 1968 Address: 5993 Bethel Island Road, P.
Name of business: E.J. Phair Brewing Co.Type of business: Restaurant and breweryOwners: J.J. Phair and Becky WynnFounded: Restaurant was opened June 2011; Brewery opening on Dec.
The Cupcake Shoppe, which opened in October, won the San Francisco Cupcake Challenge with its "French toast and Bacon" entry
City ponders easing ban on 'reduced-price promotion' alcohol sales at establishments.  My Town: Hayward
'Noggin Nugget' struck gold among some fans at Candlestick Park during season; investor sought to help ramp up production for next season.
 | | Ron Riesterer |
Lookout! Records, the famed East Bay label that launched Green Day's career, is going out of business.
It's a '30s, '40s.'50s vibe at Vintage Alley clothing store and salon
Jurors find in favor of Morgan Hill bike giant on one claim, but award just $1 in damages against former employee accused of stealing designs to create rival
 | | COURTESY OF VOLAGI |
Deliberating today in powerhouse Morgan Hill-based company's suit accusing two former employees stealing designs to set up competing business
Major Morgan Hill bicycle company set to square off in South Bay courtroom this week against two former employees who founded rival firm
Bay Area bookseller has started an online petition determined to put a stop to the app and Amazon's tactics, which it says hurt small retailers.
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Ted S. Warren
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Even if you love the iPad, you're probably not keen to write your next novel using its on-screen virtual keyboard. But a stretchy silicone keyboard may change that.
Solar company relocating from Berkeley to Jack London Square
 | | Kristopher Skinner, Bay Area News Group |
Concord vacuum and sewing center owner faces challenge 7 days a week
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Small Talk | Business Profiles
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| | | Pool hall racks up loyal business by creating a fun, clean atmosphere.
Diane Griffin knows that if you don't adapt to a world in flux, you will be left behind. That's especially the case in her world, where her company has gone through a makeover in an industry that has seen similar firms put out of business by big-box retailers.
Out of the ashes, a dynamic duo of comics rises: Two new Berkeley comic bookstores emerge after the closure of the beloved Comic Relief.
San Ramon-based commercial real estate duo find success through experience.
Brothers look to energize community, built their business focusing on residential homes around the East Bay.
Small shop becomes a fan favorite. Most of the success is built on repeat customers and word of mouth.
Cats reign supreme at the specialty vet center that serves 5,000 felines and their owners.
El Cerrito mechanic converts gas-powered cars to run on electricity.
City's affordable rent allows owner Darrell Robinson to provide a greater showcase to local artists and musicians.
Livermore DJ Jody Amos turns his love of music into a blossoming business.
 | | CINDI CHRISTIE/STAFF PHOTO |
Locksmith tries to stick out from crowd by making keys in a distinct green color.
 | | KRISTOPHER SKINNER |
Family-run Middle Eastern restaurant hopes diverse, Halal-certified menu will help it stand out.
Great vision and viral marketing campaign help fledgling business thrive through innovation to help clean makeup, paint brushes.
Architects start their own firm, with designs on building public structures.
Insurance agency owner guides clients through tough times.
New restaurant owners believe in themselves and their product.
Starting in family business as preteens, third-generation painters are ready to take over.
Adrian Lall believes he has an idea that will revolutionize how people shop online and bring him profits at the same time.
 | | Kristopher Skinner, Bay Area News Group |
A focus on customer service pays off for a Berkeley business.
 | | Jim Stevens, Bay Area News Group |
One of Heather Schlachter's goals is to make massages feel more like a necessity than a luxury.
 | | Lane Hartwell, Bay Area News Group |
Whenever Tom Gambell is confronted with financial challenges, he looks for ways to minimize the blow. His aikido studio has remained open for 22 years.
More Small Talk profiles, related news
 | | Laura A. Oda, Bay Area News Group |
Its chief product: Sets of cards that get people talking.
Presenting a polished look seen as a way to stand out from the crowd.
 | | John Green, Bay Area News Group |
"Anything that may potentially have an electrical heartbeat, I want to affect it," says designer of online sites and mobile applications.
 | | Dan Rosenstrauch, Bay Area News Group |
When her husband told her they needed to cut costs to save their house, Mo Lynch-Vashel had another idea: Start a business.
 | | Anda Chu, Bay Area News Group |
After losing his job as a graphic designer, Robert Arquero went all in — savings account, credit cards, everything — to start his own business.
 | | Kristopher Skinner, Bay Area News Group |
Owner would rather have "something too obscure" on his shelves than turn a customer away.
No detail too small for owner of The Peasant and the Pear
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