After two years in the Diamond District in East Oakland, business owner Joe Perryman moved The Tree House restaurant fifteen miles south to downtown Hayward last summer. The restaurant has been open since June 2016 and is in the process of creating a new dinner menu as well as extending their hours of operation.

The business does not fall under any sort of category but has a unique list of menu items: ranging from potato pancakes with duck eggs and bacon sausage to a more traditional dish like french toast and eggs.

“We looked to do something different, try something new because many Black owned restaurants make only Soul Food often,” said Perryman when asked about the type of restaurant he would categorize The Tree House as.

Although the business is no longer located in East Oakland, the concept remains the same as the owner looks to bring a vibrant environment to Hayward.

Related Stories

Cuban restaurants find ways to thrive despite US embargo

Local restaurant to close after 16 years

Tips get ‘Sauced’ at East Bay restaurant

“As a worker I noticed that Black people were being treated poorly in the front and back of the house so I opened my own restaurant,” Perryman said. “I realized people in power talked negatively about myself and former coworkers.” He did not agree with how Black people were treated at numerous businesses so he created an environment within the establishment that is welcoming to everyone, especially African descendants.

The owner personally shops every week for all items sold at his restaurant, while nothing is delivered by truck. Furthermore, the business offers free WIFI, tables with outlets and soft music. Video and board games are also available for customers.

In the near future the Black owned business plans to give Hayward a Hip-Hop music experience over amazing food by having a DJ play different artists during the night time.

“I feel everyone loves Hip-Hop music and food that makes their soul happy regardless of the looks on the outside give us a chance on the inside by trying our food,” said the owner. When walking down B Street in the heart of downtown Hayward, The Tree House offers five star quality food without five star prices.

“Being able to offer people good food without having them pay outrageous prices means a lot to me,” said the proprietor.

With your Cal State East Bay, Bay Card, you can take advantage of a 20 percent discount Wednesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., a 15 percent discount from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday through Friday and a 10 percent discount on Saturday and Sunday. The Tree House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The building is a shared space with two other businesses calling the facility home that includes an antique shop and KIN, a lab with about 20 computers and four televisions for video games.