berkeley's three stone hearth turns 20, expands hours
worker-owned cooperative kitchen three stone hearth has been a trusted source for nourishing, nutrient-rich prepared foods for berkeley and surrounding communities for 20 years.
the cooperative was founded in june 2006, by five local worker-owners whose aim was to cook and nourish traditionally and sustainably, using dietary practices from around the world and a model inspired by community supported agriculture (the 'csa' in csa farm-sourced produce boxes).
twenty years later, three stone hearth is a bustling berkeley kitchen and retail operation that still sources and prepares clean, slow food, fulfills orders via pick-up and delivery (and brick-and-mortar retail), and continues to cook to community scale and reduce waste wherever possible.
three stone hearth soups, stews, salads, bone broths, vegetable dishes, curries, salads and even nutrient-rich desserts are distributed in reusable glass mason jars and other environmentally conscious packaging. flavors are globally-inspired, balanced and hearty. ingredients from meat to dairy, produce to legumes, herbs, spices and dry goods are sourced as organically, locally and sustainably as possible.
slow, traditional cooking methods are used to extract optimum nutrition – seeds are sprouted; nuts are activated via overnight soaking; oats for the group's famed granola are massaged and soaked to culture overnight in straus organic butter and yogurt.
around the kitchen at three stone hearth. photo credit berkeley eats.
a 2009 move to 1581 university avenue in berkeley (a former restaurant and market) helped better accommodate the cooperative's staff and kitchen operations, and allowed the customer-facing component to grow, including expanded retail and community events.
the market at three stone hearth features a selection of nourishing foods, beverages, pantry goods and even bodycare. photo credit berkeley eats.
the covid era brought mixed blessings to the business – the mandatory lockdown pause, for example, came at a good time to take care of building maintenance, but tricky, niche supply chain, staffing and sourcing issues lingered long after the worst of the pandemic was over.
now, three stone hearth is ready to move forward, with expanded hours as of this week, and plans to reintroduce live community events – tastings, talks from nutrition experts and other gatherings.
details at berkeley's three stone hearth at 1581 university avenue. photo credit berkeley eats.
customers new to three stone hearth should know a few things.
first, there is free parking for customers in the lot alongside the building at 1581 university avenue. second, prepared foods can be browsed and purchased at the shop, or ordered online for pickup or delivery. third, there are no membership fees or other requirements to shop at the cooperative.
three stone hearth's expanded hours start tomorrow, may 28, with a new 10am opening on thursdays and fridays.
'it's a small step in the direction we want to keep going in,' said mud hut, the cooperative's communications and outreach lead and informative guide, who has been with three stone hearth in roles from volunteer to worker-owner for 19 of its milestone 20 years.
'while the business continues to evolve,' hut added. 'what hasn't changed is our commitment to nutrient-dense foods, supporting the local food system and nourishing our community.'
the cooperative will welcome customers at 10am on thursdays and fridays until 5:30pm going forward starting tomorrow, may 28. regular wednesday evening hours will remain the same, from 4-7pm, and saturdays 10am-4pm.
three stone hearth is at 1581 university avenue in berkeley.
may 27, 2026 (more berkeley provisions; community tips welcome.)
updated.