As East Bay residents get ready to flock to the new Berkeley Bowl outpost, another foodie-centric grocery store in Bear country suddenly finds itself struggling with an internal quarrel. Michael Bauer reported in his blog today that “philosophical difference” has caused a rift in the family that owns the Monterey Market, and that partner Bill Fujimoto will be leaving because of it. Zuni Cafe’s Judy Rodgers, a Monterey devotee, has said she won’t shop there once Bill leaves, and is urging others to do the same. Meanwhile, on the west side of the city, a huge new Berkeley Bowl store will open next week, and owners there probably wouldn’t mind a bit if disaffected Monterey shoppers headed their way instead. [Via SF Chronicle, SF Gate]
