TeachBar Debuts in San Leandro, Calif.

TeachBar Debuts in San Leandro, Calif.
January 28, 2010

TeachBar, a new concept blending learning and the café society in a modern setting, debuted on Dec. 16, 2009, located at the Bayfair Center in San Leandro, Calif. TeachBar owner Ben Wanzo teamed up with Berkeley, Calif.-based Avila Design to develop an environment that offers gourmet teas and other light snacks. Wanzo describes his concept as “Starbucks meets the Apple store.” The TeachBar is a product of a competition, “Retail Star,” by Bayfair Center Landlord Madison Marquette, to assist small local entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Wanzo's business case was selected out of a total of 66 competitors, and he received some assistance from Marquette in getting the business designed, constructed and promoted. “TeachBar is a learning center where local students, parents and other community members meet, exchange ideas and discover new insights," according to the TeachBar Web site. "As a community-learning place, TeachBar acts as an alternative place to relax and enjoy seminars, sips and society, so to speak.”