Safeway sets a closing date

Safeway and its sizable parking lot will be sold and redeveloped to include housing.

STREET TALK | CYNTHIA TRAINA

A year after first announcing it was closing its store near Fillmore and Geary — and over the impassioned pleas of its neighbors — Safeway has set a final day for the store: February 7.

The company cited “ongoing concerns about associate and customer safety, as well as persistent issues with theft.” Last year the store’s self-checkout kiosks were removed. There have been numerous reports of car break-ins and other criminal activity in the parking lot.

In a letter to Mayor London Breed, Safeway wrote: “We appreciate the time and resources you’ve invested in trying to help us find a way to stay open, but unfortunately, the challenges we face are too great to overcome.”

At a community meeting at SFPD’s Northern Station on Tuesday night, officers expressed concern about how effectively Safeway would secure the building and parking lot after the store closes. The company promised to “ensure a smooth and secure closure of the store, while allowing for continued access and traffic flow to neighboring businesses.”

Also closing: After 12 years at 2259 Fillmore, the high-end clothing boutique Alice + Olivia will close permanently on December 15. To mark the occasion, the store will host a neighborhood party starting at 3 p.m. on December 14. Longtime customers have also been sent coupons for last-minute deals. … After 32 years at 2401 Bush, Silver Glass and Mirror has closed. Owner Rosalba Martinez says the company will continue operations from its location at 715 Bryant Street. Hayes Auto Repair will remain in the building. It’s a historic structure designed by noted architect Timothy Pflueger as a Model T showroom and garage.

Hayes Auto Repair will remain in the historic building at 2401 Bush.

Restaurant news: Great gulps of relief greeted the news that La Mediterranee has finally reached an agreement with the new owners of its building to remain at 2210 Fillmore through 2028. Said one fan: “It wouldn’t be Fillmore without them.”

More details are emerging about 1800 Fillmore, formerly home of Pizza Inferno, where low-profile restaurateur Kevin Chen will further expand his empire. Chen’s Nono, which opened last year at 1730 Fillmore, has been so successful it will soon relocate to the much larger space on the corner. Chen plans to transform the original Nono location into a ramen bar, with both projects scheduled to open in early 2025. … Chen also owns Bubu at 2417 California and other restaurants in the city.

Notice that the liquor license of the shuttered Noosh, at Fillmore and Pine, is being transferred has been posted in the window, but details are still under wraps. The transfer is to Alphabet of the Trees, LLC. Cody Allen, project manager of what’s being called the Upper Fillmore Revitalization Project, which now owns the building, would give no clues. The SF Biz Times reports that Allen himself will be opening a restaurant in the space. … The delicious rumor that a return of super chefs Sayat and Laura Ozyilmaz was in the works is not true, Sayat says. The chefs — forced out of Noosh by their business partner, John Litz — are now being celebrated for their new and highly lauded Dalida in the Presidio.

Noosh is apparently becoming a new restaurant called Alphabet of Trees.

Legacy business: Russian Hill Dog Spa, located at 2178 Bush, has been listed as a legacy business. Owner Leonard Montgomery opened his dog grooming business on Hyde Street in 1994. The business kept its original name when it relocated to the neighborhood in 2008. … The spa is known for catering to high-profile clients including the late Senator Dianne Feinstein and George and Charlotte Shultz.

Still for sale: The Victorian at 2224 Bush — longtime home of Unity church — briefly became Liberty Cannabis during the early days of the cannabis gold rush following legalization. Now the building is a testament to the volatility of the cannabis market. Purchased by Liberty for $6 million, it’s now empty and listed at $3.9 million.

Next door, the building that once housed chef Charles Phan’s Out the Door restaurant and his family residence upstairs remains on the market for $5.5 million. The restaurant space is now occupied by Mattina restaurant, owned by chef Matthew Accarrino, who also owns SPQR around the corner on Fillmore.

Cynthia Traina is a longtime Fillmore resident and a residential agent with Vantage Realty. Send items and ideas for Street Talk to CT@cynthiatraina.com.

La Med lease extended to 2028

La Mediterranee has been a fixture at 2210 Fillmore for more than four decades.

LOCAL FAVORITE La Mediterranee cafe, which has been twisting in the wind since its building changed hands earlier this year, has a new lease on life.

“We are thrilled to be extending our lease on Fillmore Street as part of the Upper Fillmore Revitalization Project,” said Vanick Der Bedrossian, La Med’s owner. The extension ensures the restaurant will remain in its current home through the summer of 2028.

A statement issued jointly by Der Bedrossian and project director Cody White said that as part of the agreement La Med will again be open on Sundays beginning in late January. Hours of service may be extended further next year to help increase evening traffic on the street.

The Upper Fillmore Revitalization Project is a nonprofit funded by venture capitalist Neil Mehta, a neighborhood resident. Mehta bought a number of buildings on Fillmore Street this year, including the historic Clay Theater.

The statement marked a sharp turnaround in relations between Mehta’s project and La Med. Der Bedrossian had been publicly calling for months for the new owners of the building to address his restaurant’s future. Supervisor Aaron Peskin rallied supporters of the restaurant and introduced legislation that would help protect legacy businesses such as La Med.

Today’s statement makes nice.

“We look forward to working with Neil Mehta and Cody Allen towards their goal of bringing more vibrancy to the neighborhood,” Der Bedrossian said in the statement. “We support their vision for the Upper Fillmore.”

He would not go beyond the statement, except to say: “We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our customers.”

In the statement, White said he has been “overwhelmed with interest from potential tenants” interested in coming to Fillmore Street. “We live in and love this neighborhood, and we want to see it grow and prosper,” he said.

EARLIER: “La Med: Still cozy after all these years

Starbucks on Fillmore closing

“I’m going to really miss our clients on Fillmore,” said shift manager Annabelle Cimino.

THE STARBUCKS at 2222 Fillmore Street is set to close its doors on December 1, leaving loyal customers and locals shocked and disappointed. 

Annabelle Cimino, the store’s shift manager, has worked at the Fillmore location since 2017. Known for her personal touch, Cimino greets regulars by name and even hand-decorates their takeaway bags.  

The building, one of several on the block now owned by venture capitalist investor Neil Mehta’s nonprofit, has faced its share of challenges. Last year, both the air conditioning system and the sewage line were replaced. But the introduction of Starbucks’ single-cup brewing machines, alongside the new air conditioning system, reportedly exceeded the building’s electrical capacity. 

“We believe the building couldn’t support the electrical load,” Cimino said. “I’m going to really miss our clients on Fillmore Street.”

Staff members have been breaking the news to customers, many of whom frequent the shop daily. The location is particularly popular with students from nearby schools, including Convent, University High School, Hamlin and Stuart Hall, who flock to the shop for sweet drinks, cookies and K-Pops.  

“This is my home,” said University High freshman Sofia Linadev. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”  

All of the employees have been offered positions at other Starbucks locations, Cimino said. Starbucks continues to have shops in the neighborhood inside the Mollie Stone’s on California Street and at Fillmore and O’Farrell.

— Story and photograph by Cynthia Traina

Fillmore is losing an icon

Ines Wilson has become a fashion advisor and media star at Invision.

FILLMORE STREET is losing an icon this week.

After a decade, Ines Wilson is leaving Invision, the optometry office and eyewear emporium at 1907 Fillmore. She has become a valued fashion advisor, helping Invision’s clients choose stylish glasses that flatter their faces. October 31 is her final day.

Wilson’s outsize personality and star quality have made her a standout not only on the street, but also on Instagram, where she has been featured in dozens of videos.

The videos resulted from a collaboration between Wilson and Luis Quiroz, Invision’s social media director. They recently shot a final video that serves as something of an exit interview for a familiar face on Fillmore.

VIDEO: Ines says: Farewell

‘I am the mysterious investor’

Investor Neil Mehta at the Clay Theater on Fillmore Street.

By NEIL MEHTA
The San Francisco Standard

I am, according to certain misleading reports, the mysterious evil investor buying property up and down Fillmore Street. These reports haven’t been very clear on the details of my sinister plan, but it sure does sound nefarious.

I want to set the record straight.

Read more: “Why I’m funding a $100 million project to revive Fillmore Street

Fillmore may be ‘upzoned’ to 6 stories

The plan calls for six-story buildings on Fillmore and eight-story buildings on California.

By THOMAS REYNOLDS

Height limits on prime blocks of Fillmore Street may be “upzoned” from 40 feet to 65 feet under plans being reviewed by the city’s Planning Department.

The change would allow buildings up to six stories on Fillmore from California north to Jackson Street.

The proposed changes would also raise the height limit from 40 to 65 feet on Broadway between Fillmore and Laguna. On portions of California and Bush streets, the height limit would be raised from 40 to 85 feet, allowing eight-story buildings.

It’s all part of an upzoning plan being developed by Mayor London Breed’s administration to meet a state mandate that 82,000 new homes be built in the city in the next six years.

Changes in state law intended to spur housing development, plus the state density bonus, could potentially raise those heights even further, if affordable housing is included.

The proposal would apply to many other areas throughout the city, including the commercial stretches of Union, Chestnut, Polk and Clement streets.

Fillmore Street was not originally included in the proposed upzoning maps, but that changed early this year, just after investor Neil Mehta bought the Clay Theater and the storefront next door. After the map was revised in early February, a nonprofit funded by Mehta bought a number of additional buildings on the 2200 block of Fillmore and pursued still others.

City planners said Fillmore had always been part of their plan.

“It was a simple oversight,” said Joshua Switzky, deputy director of citywide planning. “We had always intended (and stated) that we were proposing rezoning in the commercial corridors … For some reason, we missed Upper Fillmore on the early drafts.”

The upzoning proposal, which would make changes throughout the city, is currently working its way through the Planning Department. More information, including an interactive map of the proposal, is available on the Planning Department’s website.

The Planning Department’s upzoning map from Fall 2023 did not include Fillmore.

MORE: “Super skinny infill proposed on Sutter Street

Just for Fun: a new toy store

A toy store and hobby shop is coming to 2185 Fillmore Street.

STREET TALK | CYNTHIA TRAINA

A new toy and hobby store, Just for Fun, is coming to 2185 Fillmore, the storied space most recently occupied by Mudpie, now moved to a smaller space a few doors down. It’s most famously the longtime home of Fillamento, the still-fondly-remembered design emporium that launched the renaissance of Fillmore Street back in the 1980s. 

Michelle O’Connor, who acquired the original Just For Fun store on 24th Street in Noe Valley during the pandemic, is on a mission to bring toy stores back to San Francisco. She’s already opened a second location at 1957 Union Street. Fillmore — expected to open in October — will be the third. The local, family-owned retailer will feature a variety of toys, puzzles and games for all ages, plus art supplies, homewares and pop-up events including book signings and in-store concerts. O’Connor, originally from England, says owning a toy store has its challenges for a mother of two: She has to ration the toys she takes home, just to keep things manageable.

Coming soon to the Clay? Two different operators are said to be vying to reopen the Clay Theater. Mystery investor Neil Mehta, who has bought a number of buildings on Fillmore Street this year, and his team are expected to announce the news as early as October. The theater’s protected status raises questions about whether a cafe can be incorporated into the space and whether the number of seats in the theater will be reduced. Stay tuned. … Mehta’s right-hand man Cody Allen, like his boss a neighborhood resident, is rumored to be forthcoming soon with details about their plans for the buildings they’ve acquired this year on Fillmore Street. Let’s hope that includes good news for La Mediterranee, the beloved eatery at 2210 Fillmore, whose owners have gone public with their frustrations over extending their lease.

Also coming to Fillmore: Catbird, the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand, is opening on September 18 at 2124 Fillmore. The brand, which promises “jewelry as poetry,” already has stores in Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Washington, D.C. … Construction has begun to convert the ex-Bank of America space at 2310 Fillmore into a branch of Citibank. … And construction is finally underway on a renovated Palmer’s — potentially reopening as soon as November — on the corner of Fillmore and Clay. The “Peet’s to Palmer’s” crowd is ready to celebrate.

Hail and farewell: Pascal Rigo’s Apizza, at 2043 Fillmore, is gone and won’t be coming back to Fillmore, where it started. Instead, it’s opening a new location on Divisadero Street, along with a Loving Cup frozen yogurt shop. Rigo also owns Loving Cup, as well as his original La Boulangerie on Pine Street. … Longtime local favorite Ten-Ichi, the Japanese restaurant and sushi bar at 2235 Fillmore, will hold a closing party on September 21. The final day at the current location is September 30. The owners are raising money to fund a move elsewhere.

The long-stopped clock could again be a beacon at Fillmore and California.

Hola Rosa Mexicana: Neighborhood favorite TacoBar, on the corner of Fillmore and California, has reopened after a freshening-up inside and out and a stylish new gray and Mexican pink paint job. … Now when can we expect some attention to the rest of that wonderful old building — especially the long-ignored clock on this key corner?

Upcoming local events: Join Friends of Lafayette Park for a free screening of Mrs. Doubtfire in Lafayette Park on September 15 at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket. … Celebrate Godzilla’s 70th anniversary in Japantown with a three-day festival from September 13 to 15, featuring movie screenings, Godzilla cosplay and more. More details at Bay Area Film Events. … Farther down the street, Sunday Streets comes to the neighborhood on September 22  from 12 to 5 p.m. on Golden Gate Avenue between Laguna and Webster. Streets will be closed in the area. … And a Scent Stroll on Fillmore — now being called Fragrance Row, for its numerous scent shops — is said to be in the works.

Cynthia Traina is a longtime Fillmore resident and an agent with Vantage Realty San Francisco. Send items for Street Talk to CT@cynthiatraina.com.

D&M sold to new owners

The Fillmore fixture has been sold to a former employee and his partners.

AFTER 60 YEARS of ownership by the Politz family, D&M Wine and Liquor at 2200 Fillmore has been sold to former manager Kyle Nadeau and his partners.

“It’s been a long time coming,” says Mike Politz, who has worked in the store, with a few interruptions, since he had to stand on a milk crate to reach the register. His father, Joe Politz, started the dynasty. For the last 28 years, Joe’s son Mike and his wife Karen have owned and operated D&M. “I’ve put my whole life into it. We’ve done our thing. We’re passing the torch on to another family.”

Nadeau joined the D&M crew in 2006 and worked his way up to store manager. But he had an itch to do more. In 2017 he converted the nearby London Market at Divisadero and Sacramento into Maison Corbeaux, part of a venture with a private downtown club.

“I got in my head I wanted to do something else,” Nadeau said of leaving D&M to eventually open another shop four blocks away.

But he kept in touch, and the friendship resumed. He has specialized more in wine and beer, and D&M has maintained its focus as a premier champagne house, with a renowned selection of single malt Scotch and other spirits.

Both stores will remain much the same, with all of the current staff continuing. Kyle Nadeau will return to Fillmore Street and D&M. New partner Dave Osborne, who has a long history in the world of spirits, will lead the Divisadero shop, which will now be known again as the London Market. Avid whiskey collector Jonathan Powers is the third partner.

“It’s something I’m really excited about,” says Nadeau, now older and wiser. “I know the neighborhood. I am so thankful to the people in the neighborhood.”

Says Mike Politz, whose family has been synonymous with D&M: “He’s coming back home. It’s one big full circle.”

London Market will regain its original name.

FROM 2017

Fashion, religion and magic on the ’Mo

SVRN’s sleek new shop brings high-end men’s and gender-fluid fashions to Fillmore.

STREET TALK | CYNTHIA TRAINA

At long last, SVRN (pronounced “Sovereign”) has opened its doors at 1928 Fillmore Street. This sleek high-end men’s and gender-fluid clothing boutique boasts a curated selection of top brands like Jacquemus, Rick Owens and Comme des Garçons.

It’s the second outpost from Chicago-based, Korean-American founder David Kim. The former Prana space was gutted and redesigned by Seoul “spatial design” firm WGNB with a minimalist interior. While the Chicago store features stainless steel walls, the Fillmore shop adds color in the shade of oxidized copper that mimics the Statue of Liberty. 

Stepping inside, shoppers will be greeted by a small but highly curated selection of fashion-forward clothing, unique furniture and objects from the likes of Korean designer Subin Mae, plus a fragrance collection. Don’t miss the unique changing room, featuring a preserved plant bouquet hanging from the ceiling.

Unveiling the magical: At 1967 Sutter, the dark glass front blocks views of the interior and ominously provides no more information than “by appointment only.” It’s the new home of Mythrium, a private tattoo studio and art collective. Drawing inspiration from the fantastical, the studio evokes a Harry Potter-esque atmosphere with mystical touches. Established by three talented immigrant women artists, Mythrium is decorated with Victorian furniture, Egyptian totems and stained-glass accents set against forest green walls. Walk-ins aren’t accepted, but curious neighbors can peek into this artistic haven on its website.

Father Michael Hurley confronts himself at the St. Dominic’s celebration.

Celebrating 150 years: St. Dominic’s Church on August 5 marked 150 years since the Dominican parish was founded in the neighborhood. The magnificent Gothic stone church was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, the flying buttresses added after the 1989 quake. It’s currently undergoing roofing and further restoration. St. Dominic’s was named the most beautiful church in the U.S. upon its completion in 1928 and remains a San Francisco landmark.

Cook like a chef: While the beloved Out the Door restaurant at 2232 Bush Street may be gone, the building holds a unique opportunity upstairs in the former family home of chef Charles Phan, whose empire once included the vaunted Slanted Door at the Ferry Building. His home kitchen is equipped with restaurant-quality appliances including a grill, gas burners and an industrial dishwasher that runs a full cycle in fewer than five minutes. The industrial chic loft home, designed by starchitect Olle Lundberg, has 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a private roof deck and parking. The main floor remains a restaurant space, now home to Mattina restaurant. For $5.5 million, you can own both.

One door down, the commercial building 2224 Bush Street is also for sale. The classic Victorian was home to Unity Church for decades, and more recently home to Liberty Cannabis.

A star is reborn: Chefs David and Serena Fisher’s 7 Adams, at 1963 Sutter, has gained a following and glowing reviews since opening last fall. Now it’s going to get a lot harder to get a reservation. Their “signature magic,” was just anointed a Michelin star. The Michelin Guide says the duo “expertly blends Californian simplicity with refined technique. By emphasizing thoughtful flavor combinations, the chefs showcase the finest seasonal ingredients.”

Premium take-out sushi is now available at Aji Kiji.

New dining options: The neighborhood’s culinary scene continues to evolve with the arrival of two additions near Japantown. 

  • Aji Kiji: Located in the former Avery spot at 1552 Fillmore, Aji Kiji offers premium take-out sushi from a warm and woody minimalist space. Chef and co-owner Jinwoong Lim, who also owns Bansang next door, oversees the menu. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., or until they sell out.
  • Sobakatsu: This eight-seat eatery is receiving rave reviews for its housemade soba noodles crafted from organic, stone-ground Japanese buckwheat. It’s in the thin slice of space at 1700 Laguna and open daily from noon to 7 p.m.

Nailed it: Fillmore has more polish these days. In July the House of Nails opened at 1908 Fillmore, and in early August Look at Me Salon opened at 2424 California. Its new green home is the second location for this L.A.-based company, which specializes in Russian manicures, pedicures and eyelash extensions. 

Mark your calendar: Don’t miss the upcoming events in the neighborhood:

  • Sept. 7: Fillmore merchants Art Walk, with art, music along the street.
  • Sept. 13-15: Godzilla Festival, celebrating 70 years of the legendary kaiju in Japantown.

Cynthia Traina is a longtime Fillmore resident and an agent with Vantage Realty San Francisco. Send items for Street Talk to CT@cynthiatraina.com.

Coffee, clay and community

Wheelhouse Clay Studio is a new ceramics studio at Sutter and Pierce.

STREET TALK | CYNTHIA TRAINA

Fillmore is the beating heart of the neighborhood — the crossroads of a vibrant and welcoming community created by the people who live and work here. The epidemic of loneliness said to be rampant in the U.S. is not to be found near Fillmore Street.

The town square: Start your day, as many do, at Peet’s Coffee, the undisputed social hub of the street. Here regulars like Chris and his dog Wolvi gather daily for coffee and conversation, ranging from neighborhood updates to heated political debates. Chris explains the vibe at Peet’s: “It’s Main Street meets Sinclair Lewis.” Favorite current topics include what should happen with the Clay Theater and the story behind Palmer’s extended closure. … Anchalee, who took over as manager of Peet’s after the pandemic, carries the torch lit by her predecessor, Eric, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Grab a cup of coffee, sit on the bench in front and join the conversation. … Early birds rejoice: Peet’s is again serving coffee as early as 5:30 a.m.

How to meet your neighbors: Wheelhouse Clay Studio, the new ceramics studio at Sutter and Pierce, strives to create community through clay. Wheelhouse is run by a group of women instructors and was launched by Alden Enriquez, a Filipina artist who studied at San Francisco State University, where she graduated with honors in ceramics and art history. The studio offers a library of ceramic resources and plans to introduce scholarships and community programs. Trained ceramicists can become members. All teachers are trained artists, ensuring high-quality instruction. … Or connect with other knitters at a class at Atelier Yarns on Divisadero Street, or by taking painting, fashion and craft classes at Honey Art Studio at 1981 Sutter Street.

Local stores also bring the community together. Check out The Finerie’s website to join their speaking events and trunk shows (champagne is served!). … Or join the LuluLemon running club each Thursday at 5:45 p.m.

Community clean-ups through Refuse Refuse offer another way to connect with neighbors. The weekly clean-ups start at popular spots including Compton’s, Social Study and Pinsa Rossa and culminate in post-cleanup social gatherings over drinks. … Lend a hand and connect with neighbors at the Neighborhood Beautification Day slated for July 20, starting at Sherman Elementary School on Union Street.

Neighborhood libraries offer other opportunities to connect. The Western Addition Library has a calendar of events for all ages, from author talks and book clubs to hands-on workshops including smoothie-making and embroidery. … The Presidio Library fosters a love of reading in younger residents with its dedicated children’s room. … And there’s no more beautiful reading room in town than the oval Golden Gate Library on Green Street.

A new mural in the ’hood: Fillmore’s iconic goldfish mural is gone, but Crossroads Trading has filled the void with a vibrant new mural on its Bush Street side. It’s by Brijean Murphy (above), and it celebrates the fashion and the jazz scene. Murphy, a multi-disciplinary artist, is also making waves with her partner, Doug Stuart. Their new album, “Marco,” was recently featured on NPR and they’re gearing up for a nationwide tour.

New on the street: Fillmore continues to attract new businesses, with House of Nails taking over the former Drybar space at 1908 Fillmore. … Ministry of Scent, birthed on Valencia, has opened a second location at 2408 Fillmore. It offers niche fragrances from around the world and adds to Fillmore’s growing reputation as Perfume Row.

Emily Winston, founder of Boichik’s bagels, has had an appetite for the former Glaze location at Fillmore and Pine for more than a year. Her persistence paid, and she was on the scene on June 18 to launch the local Boichik’s with a free bagel day. The neighbors have been lining up ever since every day from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Boichik’s chewy, malty bagels are made fresh in Berkeley, where they bake 35,000 bagels a day.

Upcoming events: Enjoy the free music experience at Kokoro Soul, with a performance by Audiopharmacy on July 13 at Hotel Kabuki. … Don’t miss the 50th anniversary of the Nihonmachi Street Fair in Japantown, featuring music, dance and artisan booths, on August 3 and 4.

Cynthia Traina is a longtime Fillmore resident and an agent with Vantage Realty San Francisco. Send items for Street Talk to CT@cynthiatraina.com.