Search continues for missing Oakland cafe owner

Amy Hillyard, co-owner of Farley's East coffee shop, has been missing since March 25.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single coffee cup handle against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The search for a missing Oakland cafe owner has sparked a community-wide effort to bring her home safely.Alameda Today

The search is ongoing for Amy Hillyard, a 52-year-old coffee shop owner in Oakland who went missing last week after taking a walk from her home. Hillyard co-owns Farley's East coffee shop in Oakland with her husband, and they also co-own a San Francisco coffee shop. Police have released flyers with her picture and are utilizing search and rescue personnel and K9 units, but have not yet located her.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a local business owner and community member has sparked concern and mobilized search efforts across the East Bay. Hillyard's coffee shops are popular gathering places, and her absence has left the community unsettled and eager for her safe return.

The details

Hillyard was last seen around 2 p.m. on March 25 taking a walk near her home in the Cleveland Heights area of Oakland. She did not have her cell phone with her. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office and Oakland Police Department have been leading the search, utilizing search and rescue personnel and trailing K9s, but have not yet been able to locate Hillyard. Friends, family, and the local community have joined in the search efforts.

  • Hillyard was last seen on March 25 around 2 p.m.
  • On Sunday, March 30, the California Highway Patrol put out an At Risk/Missing Person advisory for Alameda, San Francisco and San Mateo counties at the request of Oakland police.

The players

Amy Hillyard

A 52-year-old coffee shop owner in Oakland who co-owns Farley's East coffee shop with her husband. She went missing on March 25 after taking a walk from her home.

Farley's East

A coffee shop in Oakland co-owned by Amy Hillyard and her husband.

Oakland Police Department

The law enforcement agency leading the search for Amy Hillyard, along with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.

Alameda County Sheriff's Office

Assisting the Oakland Police Department in the search for Amy Hillyard, including providing search and rescue personnel and K9 units.

California Highway Patrol

Issued an At Risk/Missing Person advisory for Hillyard at the request of Oakland police.

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What they’re saying

“Please keep your eyes open and your hearts with her ❤️ Let's bring Amy home to her loved ones!”

— Savor Oakland, Consumer brand of the Oakland Restaurant Collective

What’s next

The Oakland Police Department and Alameda County Sheriff's Office continue to search for Amy Hillyard, and are asking the public to keep an eye out and report any information that could lead to her whereabouts.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a beloved local business owner has shaken the Oakland community, who have rallied together to assist in search efforts and provide support for Hillyard's family. This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in missing persons cases.