Claremont in Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Star Grocery

Berkeley History

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 6, 2020

1. Star Grocery Marker

Inscription. The Star Grocery, one of Berkeley's oldest and most beloved family-run businesses, was founded in 1922 by Greek immigrant brothers Nick and Jim Pappas. They originally hand delivered groceries in wicker baskets which, as the business flourished, were replaced by a fleet of delivery trucks. During the Depression, the Pappas brothers generously extended credit, writing off thousands of dollars in unpaid bills.

The colorful marquee with the dominant star was added during a 1949 expansion. In 1974 Jim's son Nick assumed management, continuing to offer quality merchandise in the trusting personal family style that has attracted neighborhood loyalty over the decades.

Erected 2012 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.

Location. 37° 51.282′ N, 122° 14.886′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in Claremont. It is at the intersection of Claremont Avenue and The Uplands, on the right when traveling south on Claremont Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or

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near this postal address: 3068 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley CA 94705, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Claremont Public Improvements (a few steps from this marker); John Muir School (approx. ¼ mile away); Berkeley Repertory Theatre: Original Location (1968) (approx. 0.3 miles away); Strand (Elmwood) Theater (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Kelsey Ranch (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bill's Trading Post and Gem Gallery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Claremont Court Gate and Street Markers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Wonderland (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley.

Star Grocery Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 6, 2020

2. Star Grocery Marker - wide view

The marker is on the right side of the building, just to the left of the telephone pole.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 566 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.