Hi, I’m Alicia Kidd—a second-generation Oaklander, born and raised in this city.

Oakland raised me, educated me, and shaped who I am today. I’m a proud product of Oakland Public Schools and California State University, East Bay, where I earned both my Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Finance) and my Master’s in Public Administration.

This city is part of me.

The Vision

Before opening CoCo Noir, I spent nearly a decade in the wine industry, building relationships, learning the business, and helping generate close to $1 million in wine sales.

Along that journey, I saw something missing—

A space in Oakland where wine felt welcoming, not intimidating.

A space where culture and community could exist together.

A space that reflected us.

So in December 2022, I took a leap of faith.

I invested over $500,000 of my own personal capital to build CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar in downtown Oakland—during one of the most challenging economic periods our city has faced.

And we built something special.

CoCo Noir became Oakland’s first and only Black woman-owned wine tasting room and bistro.

But more than that—

We created a space for connection.

We gave platforms to BIPOC winemakers, chefs, and artists.

We built community.

The Reality

After three and a half years, I’ve made one of the hardest decisions of my life:

CoCo Noir will be closing its doors.

This is not because the vision failed.

It is not because the community didn’t support us.

The truth is, the environment around us made it incredibly difficult to sustain.

Foot traffic declined.

Corporate activity slowed.

The economic landscape shifted.

And while Oakland is an incredible city—one that I love deeply—the reality of operating a business in downtown Oakland has been extremely challenging.

Reduced activity, changing work patterns, safety concerns, and inconsistent customer flow have made it difficult for small businesses like mine to survive—even when the product, experience, and community are strong.

These are not challenges unique to me—many small businesses in downtown Oakland are navigating the same reality.

I did everything I could.

I pivoted.

I hosted events.

I collaborated.

I showed up—every single day.

But at some point, you have to make a decision based on truth, not just hope.

Why This Campaign Matters

This campaign is not about saving CoCo Noir.

It’s about closing this chapter with dignity, responsibility, and intention.

Your support will help me:

Fulfill final financial obligations

Support my team during this transition

Settle vendor relationships responsibly

Navigate legal and financial closure processes

Transition forward without carrying unnecessary financial burden

This is about finishing what I started—with integrity.

What Remains

CoCo Noir mattered.

It created space where there wasn’t one.

It brought people together.

It gave voice to those often overlooked.

And that impact does not disappear just because the doors close.

How You Can Support

If CoCo Noir has ever meant something to you—this is the moment.

Visit us before we close

Bring your friends

Book a final experience

Share this story

If you’re able to contribute financially, your support will go directly toward helping me close this chapter responsibly and move forward.

If you can’t donate, you can still make a difference by:

sharing this campaign

referring business

showing up during our final weeks

✨ A Personal Note

I didn’t want to close.

But I am choosing to move forward with clarity, strength, and purpose.

I’m proud of what I built.

I’m grateful for what we created.

And I’m at peace knowing I gave this everything I had.

Thank you for believing in CoCo Noir.