changes at 90-year-old ledger's
it might be hard to tell with all the construction in the area, but berkeley's old-school ledger's liquor – the independent, family-owned shop for beer, wine, spirits and other beverages since 1935 (!) – is under new ownership as of this month.
according to new faces working the counter, ledger's new owners are the same team behind stylish, modern SIPS the bottle emporium in benicia.
accordingly, the 90-year-old shop that has sold bottles and cans to generations in a self-proclaimed nonfancy (but lovingly stocked) way is already undergoing a refresh and renovations.
the university avenue bottle shop will be a work in progress for a little while as it receives new flooring, cleaning, paint and a range of new wares. apparently, fourth-generation part-owner austin ledger, great-grandson of shop founder ed ledger, might still be visible from time to time as he helps the new team with the transition and logistics.
according to its website, great-grandpa ed ledger was purported to receive the 14th liquor license in the state of california, after prohibition, that allowed him to open the berkeley shop in 1935. we wish the whole family well as they retire from the shop, and are glad to hear the ledger name will live on at university and acton, at least for now.
details from ledger's liquor. photo credit berkeley eats.
ledger's liquor is at 1399 university avenue in berkeley and remains open during the ownership transition.
(and we'll keep using the nostalgic, old ledger's website until instructed otherwise...)
october 5, 2025