Zarka Popovic Ann's has been a place that cops and robbers, famous and infamous gathered
to break bread in. Stories were swapped, numbers exchanged, hopes shared,
and lots and lots of food consumed. Now that is all coming to an end.
So hurry in and say farewell to a local institution...before it is over!
Thank you Frances and Frank for sharing your lives
If you have ever gone into Ann's Cafe and been served by either Frances or
her wonderful husband Frank then you will be sorry to see them go after 42
long years. Everyone deserves to retire while they are healthy enough to
enjoy it and the Bienatis are no exception. Still, the old neighborhood
won't be the same when they close their doors February 18th. On their last
day they plan on only serving coffee and cake.
Janet Broughton
It's hard to believe Ann's Cafe is going to close. Frances and Frank,
thank you for everything you have done over the years to make Dimond a real
neighborhood. We're going to miss you! Here's hoping you enjoy every
Janice Berg and Family
Oh no, say it isn't so!
What will we do without Ann's Cafe?
I can't believe it.
Please stay.
Tim Chapman What do you get when you place your order at Ann's Cafe? Ann's is a place where everyone knows your name, and if they don't Frances will tell them. When I was at the Cafe, I knew that it was a unique place and felt grateful that Frances and Frank had created this public space where you were not a number in a soulless corporate business. At Ann's Cafe you were a member of the Dimond community.
Frances and Frank, you have hearts as big as an Ann's Cafe Omelet!
When I moved to the Dimond neighborhood in 1985 my daughter was four, and I'll never forget the first lunch that we had at Ann's Cafe. We didn't know anyone in the neighborhood but when we left the Cafe we felt like part of a big and well fed family.
Well, more than you ordered!
Joanne Connelly Sending you love and deep appreciation,
Dear Fran and Frank,
Ann's is closing and you're retiring???!!! I can't believe it! I cried the
moment I read Tim's email announcement. Although I am truly happy for you, I
am so sad for our neighborhood - your Cafe has been the heart and soul of
the Dimond for almost half a century. I am so profoundly grateful that I
found you and your Cafe just in time (last October!). During my first
breakfast as an Ann's "virgin"- I knew I had discovered a true Oakland
treasure. I love that your Cafe is a place where people of all walks of life
are welcome and where only laughs and hugs are bigger than the omelets. In
fact, it wasn't until I met you and spent some time at Ann's that I started
to really feel at home in our neighborhood. Thank you for allowing me to
photograph you and your customers - I will treasure these images of food and
fun for the rest of my days. After I return to California, I will print you
final copies of all my photos. I wish you both a retirement that includes
much deserved relaxation, good health and many years of happiness together.
I'm so sorry I cannot stop by on closing day!
Don And Mary June Honor The different people that met and shared laughter there really proved we are
all one and really not different Thank you Ann and Frank for having a forum
where difference and diversity thrived because of your warmth and love. You
have no idea how much you will be missed.
Con molto amore,
Ann's has always been a place to have good food and many laughs. My wife and
I have met many of neighbors there and made new acquaintances. Anyone
visiting us especially from New york ( Brooklyn) had to have lunch there.
Ann's is the place that we met our patrol and other Policemen and talked with
them. The place I learned of a roofer one rainy wet and cold winter day,
that repaired my roof for a nominal fee because we both knew Fran. So many
good times.