HAYES VALLEY—Modern Tea shuttered back in September, and now Lady Hopstress brings word of a new concept moving in. Due in early March, Altano Caffe will be a "an affordable Italian lunch and dinner place, offering panini, pizza, and pasta." [TH]
MEDIA WORLD—Some very sad news from the Beer Week festivities: after spending some time at 21st Amendment, beer writer/aficionado Bill Brand was struck by a MUNI car on his way out. According to Beer & Nosh, he's currently in the hospital in critical but stable condition. [B&N]
'BUCKSWIRE—Howard Schultz has confirmed that Starbucks will soon be offering a value meal: "On March 3, we will introduce a selection of new pairings at $3.95. They combine our most popular beverages with our most popular breakfast items ... They offer our customers more affordability at breakfast time – not a free extra they wouldn’t have ordered anyway ... This move is the right thing to do for our customers." [SG]
