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Oakland, CA

Expanding a community-focused beverage and hospitality shop while refinancing existing debt.

• Mission-driven retail: Prioritizes underrepresented and small-batch producers in its product selection.
• Community-centered: Hosts tastings, classes, and events to bring people together around craft beverages.
• Strategic fund use: Majority of funds allocated to debt refinance and working capital for expansion.
• Curated selection: Offers both alcoholic and spirit-free beverages alongside thoughtful homewares.
• Local impact: Founded to support Oakland’s creative economy and strengthen neighborhood ties.

Alkali Rye is raising funds to support its growth as a curated beverage and hospitality shop focused on underrepresented makers and craft-forward experiences. Located in Oakland, the business offers a selection of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and homewares, along with educational and social events like tastings, cocktail classes, and pop-ups. The funds will primarily be used for working capital to expand offerings and operations, as well as to refinance high-interest credit card debt. By combining specialty retail with community programming, Alkali Rye aims to create a welcoming destination for thoughtful consumption and conversation.

Founded by veterans of the food and beverage industry, Alkali Rye was built with a mission to support Oakland’s creative economy and spotlight small-batch producers. The shop serves as both a retail space and a gathering point, offering beverage clubs and free tastings to foster a sense of community. With a name that honors a resilient Bay Area wild grass, Alkali Rye reflects a bold, adaptable approach to retail and hospitality. This raise will strengthen the business’s financial position while enabling future growth and deeper community engagement.

Company Info

Alkali Rye is an Oakland-based retail shop offering craft beverages, homewares, and events with a focus on underrepresented makers and community engagement.

Alkali Rye is a specialty retail store based in Oakland, California, offering a curated selection of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, wines, pantry staples, and home goods. The shop is known for highlighting small-batch and underrepresented makers, providing customers with access to unique, craft-forward products. Beyond retail, Alkali Rye hosts free tastings, cocktail classes, workshops, and pop-up events to create a community-centered experience. The goal is to foster a space where craft, culture, and conversation intersect, supporting Oakland’s creative and beverage economy.

The store was founded by hospitality industry veterans who envisioned a retail space that not only sells drinks and goods, but also acts as a hub for education and cultural exchange. With an inclusive and intentional approach to curation, Alkali Rye offers programming that celebrates diverse makers and encourages exploration. The funds from this raise will be used to expand offerings, improve operations, and refinance existing high-interest debt. The business seeks to grow while maintaining its mission of supporting local artisans and engaging the community through beverage education and shared experiences.