SunPower relocated its East Bay operations from Berkeley to Richmond’s historic Ford Point Building, the former Ford Motor Assembly Plant, in December 2007. We had grown to more than 350 employees at our Berkeley facilities, and needed space that would accommodate further growth and support our corporate culture.

SunPower designs, manufactures, and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial, and utility-scale power plant customers. Our solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have an attractive, signature black appearance. On the roof of the Ford Building, we have installed a 1-megawatt SunPower solar power system. We are delighted that this icon of 20th-century industrial production has become a beacon for 21st-century clean, green technology.

SunPower is proud to be an integral part of Richmond’s business community!

From its picturesque, waterfront location overlooking the Richmond marina on the San Francisco Bay, Salute E Vita Ristorante serves authentic Italian cuisine in relaxed Victorian elegance. Owner and Italian native Menbere Aklilu offers creative, freshly prepared dishes reminiscent of her homeland. One of Richmond’s most popular lunch spots, Salute is also a frequent gathering place for families and couples in the evenings and on holidays. And its complimentary homemade appetizers always keep its brisk happy-hour business going strong. The restaurant recently expanded to include a patio area that seats 65 people— complete with a delightful fountain and dramatic views of the San Francisco Bay. Salute is as environmentally conscious as it is successful—practicing responsible water usage, lighting, food preparation, and service techniques.

Bio-Rad Laboratories provides a broad range of innovative tools and services to the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. In 1957, the company relocated to Richmond from Berkeley to take advantage of Richmond’s more industry-friendly environment. Bio-Rad recently expanded its operations into a 116,250-square-foot site in Pinole Point Business Park, which is centrally located near Interstates 580 and 80—Richmond’s major transportation corridor. Some of the company’s most important life science research products are distributed from Richmond. Bio-Rad is proud to be advancing scientific discovery and improving healthcare as part of the Richmond business community.

Bob’s Cleaners—located along Richmond’s rejuvenated 23rd Street—is a Contra Costa County certified “green” clothes cleaner. Unlike traditional dry cleaners, Bob’s uses an environmentally friendly process called professional wet cleaning, which eliminates the use of solvents. To reduce waste, we also return cleaned garments in reusable garment bags.

Bob’s Cleaners received Greenopia’s 2008–09 Distinguished Business Award. On Earth Day 2007, Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin recognized Bob’s Cleaners as a green business. We plan to continue providing high-quality, affordable and environmentally responsible services for years to come!

We’ve been in the restaurant business for about 20 years, with family dining locations in the Richmond area. When we decided to expand our business by purchasing a Ground Round Restaurant franchise, we chose Richmond Hilltop for our first location. Ground Round is an East Coast company that has locations in 19 states, and we have the first and only California restaurant—in Richmond!

Richmond Hilltop is experiencing exciting residential and business growth and we knew we wanted to be a part of it. We’ve been successfully operating there since July 2004 and look forward to continued success!

In 2006, Macy’s–Hilltop Mall Store celebrated its 30th year in the City of Richmond! This achievement speaks to Macy’s continued success in Richmond over the years. Macy’s–Hilltop Mall serves a number of cities located in the West Contra Costa County area.

We are especially pleased with the residential growth in the area and along the Richmond Parkway. Macy’s is strategically located near many restaurants, and businesses specializing in technology, automobile sales and personal services. Macy’s–Hilltop Mall is proud to be part of Richmond’s Hilltop and Richmond Parkway residential and business communities!

From the giant baseball mitt at the San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park (a replica of a vintage 1927 glove), to museum dioramas with real water and live primitive fish, to murals displayed in venues all over the world, to special effects for award-winning commercials and films, Scientific Art Studio brings the worlds of reality and fantasy to life. Our team of artists and craftsmen has been together for many years, putting a combination of cutting-edge fabrication techniques and old-world skills to work on a variety of projects.

After more than a decade in Berkeley, we needed better facilities. Richmond has a solid inventory of buildings, affordable for sale or lease. There are plenty of local suppliers, fabricators, artists, and workers. We can count on companies like C&R Loo for glass materials, California Casting for sand casting, Douglas & Sturgess for sculpting tools and modeling compounds, and ClayPeople for ceramic supplies. Richmond also has great access in every direction, so it was a perfect match.

We celebrated Galaxy Desserts' grand opening in our new Richmond Marina headquarters in April, 2005! As a relatively new business, in operation slightly over seven years, we began in an 18,200 square foot facility in San Rafael, California. Now we have twice that much space in Richmond, with ample parking for our employees.

As demand for our award-winning desserts and pastries increased—partly due to publicity from Oprah and O, The Oprah Magazine, and several appearances on the Food Network cable television show—our sales have risen substantially. As a result, we outgrew our space and decided to expand into Richmond because of its prime, affordable commercial property, completely outfitted for food manufacturing. We’ve enjoyed continued success at our new Richmond location and are confident of even sweeter days ahead!