Search Continues for Missing Oakland Coffee Shop Owner

Family offers $10,000 reward as investigation enters third week

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single white sneaker with black stripes, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the mystery and investigation surrounding a missing person's case.The search for clues in the disappearance of a beloved Oakland business owner continues, as her community rallies to bring her home.Oakland Today

The search for Amy Hillyard, the co-owner of Farley's coffee shop in Oakland, has entered its third week. Hillyard, 52, was last seen on March 25 in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood, and her family is now offering a $10,000 reward for information on her whereabouts. While police say there is no evidence of foul play, volunteers continue to search the Oakland Hills and Dimond Park, where Hillyard was last seen on video.

Why it matters

Hillyard is a prominent member of the East Bay community, serving on the board of the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir and various other nonprofit organizations. Her disappearance has left the community deeply concerned, and the search efforts have involved hundreds of volunteers.

The details

Hillyard was last seen around 5 p.m. on March 25 in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood. Police later recovered video footage showing her alone at Dimond Park around 4:30 p.m. that day. She was wearing a white short-sleeved top, light-colored jeans, and white sneakers with black stripes. Hillyard is considered at risk due to medical conditions.

  • Hillyard was last seen on March 25, 2026.
  • The search for Hillyard has entered its third week as of April 14, 2026.

The players

Amy Hillyard

The 52-year-old co-owner of Farley's coffee shop in Oakland, who has been missing since March 25.

Chris Hillyard

Amy Hillyard's husband, who operates Farley's East in Oakland and a sister café in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“Amy's superpower is to bring out the best in people. She's able to bring out everyone's superpowers. Now we need those powers to bring her home. Community is a big part of who Amy is.”

— Chris Hillyard, Husband of Amy Hillyard

What’s next

The family and authorities continue to search for any leads or information that could help locate Amy Hillyard. The $10,000 reward is intended to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a prominent community member like Amy Hillyard has left the Oakland community deeply concerned. The search efforts and the family's plea for information highlight the importance of community support and the need for continued vigilance in missing persons cases.