[1] Founded by Glenn and Diane Yasuda,[2] it sells organic and natural products and is known for its extensive produce section.

In 2008, the Los Angeles Times wrote that it was "[Berkeley]'s most popular grocery store" and "one of the nation's most renowned retailers of exotic fruits and vegetables.

[1] In 1977, Glenn and Diane Yasuda opened a small neighborhood market in a converted building that formerly housed a bowling alley at 2777 Shattuck Avenue.

[6][7] The company reached a settlement that year, recognizing the United Food and Commercial Workers as representatives of Berkeley Bowl workers, and paying but not reinstating two employees who claimed that they were unfairly fired.

[7] In 2008, John Glionna, a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, wrote an article with some negative comments about the store.