Several well-known restaurants across the East Bay have recently closed or announced imminent closures, marking the end of long-running neighborhood fixtures in Oakland and Lafayette.
Fist of Flour Pizza Co., a casual pizzeria known for its wood-fired slices, has announced it will permanently close its Laurel District location. Owner James Whitehead shared the news on Instagram, citing prolonged financial challenges over the past two years. He said he has found a buyer and is selling the lease and remaining contents of the space at a steep loss.
Whitehead reflected on the restaurant’s 12-year run, saying he was proud to have served the Laurel District and nearby neighborhoods. Fist of Flour will remain open for dinner on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, operating on a cash-only basis, before closing for good. The restaurant is located at 4166 MacArthur Ave., near Maybelle Avenue, in Oakland…