Saying Goodbye to Iconic Landmarks In Hayward California
To anyone who calls the town of Hayward California home, B street also known as “downtown”, is a very special place. This street is lined with restaurants, bars, fun stores, and a constant crowd of patrons. Downtown Hayward is also home to iconic landmarks of the city. Unfortunately; these famous restaurants and stores were some of the many businesses that were unable to stay afloat throughout the covid 19 pandemic and lockdowns.
For me, Downtown Hayward holds a very special place in my heart, and seeing these businesses closing down has been difficult. About a week ago, I took a walk down B street and came across many closed down businesses. Two of those are: Buffalo Bill’s Brewery, and Hayward Hardware store. Buffalo Bill’s Brewery was especially important to the community of Hayward, as well as the United States as a whole. This restaurant was the first ‘BrewPub’ to be established in America. The community of Hayward is heartbroken in regards to the establishment’s closing.
Vals burgers, another important landmark to the city of Hayward, has also suffered the ill effects of covid lockdowns. The old school style, family owned, diner used to have lines out the door. Now, the business is now limited to take out dining. I have many childhood memories of eating inside of the diner, with its upbeat feel and walls filled with memorabilia. Today, I drive by the empty dark restaurant and I miss all of those memories and milkshakes.
Covid 19 has impacted the entire world in such drastic ways. Seeing how it has negatively impacted my little community, breaks my heart and the hearts of many throughout the East Bay. I hope that one day soon, we will be able to rebuild our community and bring it back to its lively colorful pre-covid environment.
